QuiltedCello

So, I got a pair of lovely leather dress type boots. But, how do I care for them?

I'm used to my rough and tough work boots that aren't meant to stay pretty, and I've used mink oil for years. But, I don't think that's recommended for good leather.

Any recommended products? Water proofing, salt protection and just limiting stains are my big concerns.

Thanks!

QuiltnNan

here's an article that may help you
http://www.instructables.com/id/Boot-Waterproofing/

BellaBoo

I use saddle soap for all my leather shoes and purses, leather furniture and car interior.

Cheshirecatquilter

I've used a product line called Leather Therapy with good results. Find it in tack stores, horse catalogs, or online.

QuiltedCello

I've used those for basic maintance for my rough and tough boots - I work in a a warehouse, I abuse my work boots.

But none of those will allow for a high polish to be kept, my Green Line ones are my highest finish and those are a "eggshell" type gloss and I just oiled them Saturday. I've got a message out to my boot place to see what they recommend for their high gloss boots.

NJ Quilter

Why not use just plain old shoe wax/polish? The old style in the round metal tins? FWIW, I use furniture polish on my leather sofa...works great. Might not want your boots to smell 'lemon fresh' though!

I'm not sure you couldn't use mink oil on the dress boots. Can you test, say inside ankle portion of the boot where it wouldn't be so visible?

I use silcon spray on my work boots to keep them waterproof. Don't think I'd do that on the dress ones though. Hard to say as the outside finish of the work boots is totally different and you can't tell what will happen on a flat/gloss finish shoe. Unless you have an old pair of leather shoes you could test on????

ckcowl

I have had a wonderful pair of dressy leather boots for almost 20 years now- I clean them with saddle soap- each spring when it's time to put them away for another season- I water proof them with mink oil each fall in preparation of the coming winter. they are still beautiful, (the wool fleece lining is thin in spots now after all these years- but a good pair of socks takes care of that)

coopah

Saddle Soap does a good job.