A lot of worn work boots come into our store where the owners have not taken care of the leather. The boot leather is generally dried out and cracked due to water exposure to untreated leather. I know many owners would like their boots to last longer, but they don’t take the time to clean and treat them with a good waterproofing treatment.
Here are some great products I stock for waterproofing and conditioning your work boot leather:
Bear Grease Leather Dressing
The premium petroleum base used in Bear Grease acts as a neutral cleansing, waterproofing and restorative agent that provides a durable surface finish after each application. Bear Grease is a high quality leather cleaning product imported from Finland and manufactured by the House of Laurila.
Bear Grease brand is special in its approach to caring for a wide variety of leathers, owing to a unique blending of petroleum and natural waxes that extends the level of leather work boot protection, as well as the amount of time between applications.
Unlike many leather dressings, Bear Grease does not completely soak through leather – the leather can still breathe, while moisture can’t easily penetrate the leather.
Bear Grease is a powerful agent that will darken light leathers and is useful for a wide variety of leather applications. If a quality treatment for your leather is needed, Bear Grease is the perfect solution!
Sno-seal 1330
Sno-seal provides all season leather protection. It prevents water from penetrating leather. Lubricates and conditions leather without softening. Preserves and lengthens the life of leather. Sno-seal original beeswax waterproofing protects leather from rain, sun, snow, and salt. The beeswax formula dries to a solid wax that ‘stays put’ in the surface of the leather so it lasts longer. These waterproofing products fill the natural spaces that are supposed to absorb perspiration and insulate. Sno-seal will help you feel more comfortable in Gore-tex fabric lined boots because it allows the Gore-tex absorbed perspiration to escape out of the leather. Made in the U.S.A.
Heavy Duty Leather Preservative
Obenauf’s leather preservative repels water better and longer on work boots as it restores dried leather and prevents dry rot. It also repels acids, petroleum, salt, and chemicals. It makes work boots resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, as well as resisting premature cracking in flex areas. As it is odorless after applied it will not spook game while out hunting. Heavy Duty LP restores sun-faded leather, resists scuffing, abrasions, and stitch tears – as it penetrates deeply into leather. It contains no harmful silicone, petroleum, solvents, or paraffin.
Huberd’s Shoe Grease
This beeswax work boot treatment is known for its superior ability to waterproof and preserve leather. It is specially formulated to condition and restore oil-tanned work boots and sports gear while retaining superior breathe-ability. This product contains no animal fats or solvents that can damage leather. Huberd’s time-tested compound remains apart in its unique effectiveness to renew leather and extend the comfort and life of boots, shoes and all fine oil tanned leather. It comes recommended for heavy work and sport footwear, and many leather goods. It may darken certain leathers. Huberd’s should not be used on suede.
Instructions for use: Before treating, thoroughly clean leather and warm to room temperature. Rub grease into the leather with hands or a soft cloth. Carefully grease where soles join uppers and all stitching. Allow to penetrate the leather then apply another coat. After boots have treated once, apply as needed to maintain waterproofing and conditioning of leather.
All the above leather work boot conditioning and waterproofing are excellent choices, and I can recommend each one… you have a choice of petroleum or non-petroleum based products.
General use instructions:
- Remove excess dirt with a stiff brush
- Apply with a soft cloth or your fingers
- Put treated leather in a warm place so conditioner can penetrate overnight
- Wipe off any excess
- Repeat the process a second time to extend the life of your waterproofing
If you want your work boots to perform better and last longer, then find the time to clean and grease your boots periodically!
