Conditioning Leather Boots

Criggster · 08-30-2006, 02:20 PM

I just bought a pair of all leather hunting boots, and was wondering what do you use to condition them? I just got back from a shoe store and found that everything they had smells strong. I used to use mink oil and snow seal when I was younger, but that stuff smells strong.

Rebel Hog · 08-30-2006, 02:24 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Criggster

I just bought a pair of all leather hunting boots, and was wondering what do you use to condition them? I just got back from a shoe store and found that everything they had smells strong. I used to use mink oil and snow seal when I was younger, but that stuff smells strong.

Mineral Oil

timbercruiser · 08-30-2006, 05:24 PM

I always rub on a thick layer of Sno-Proof and take the hair dryer to it. Just melt it in till it won't hold any more.

NyDeer · 08-30-2006, 06:28 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: timbercruiser

I always rub on a thick layer of Sno-Proof and take the hair dryer to it. Just melt it in till it won't hold any more.

I'll second Timbercruiser, exactly how I've done it.

kevin1 · 08-30-2006, 07:14 PM

I no longer buy leather hunting boots , but when I did I used mink oil exclusively. Yes , it has a strong smell , but it smells a lot more natural to a deer than any of the other choices mentioned . Which is more likely to spook deer , something they smell almost daily or something that smells like humans created it ?

bugsNbows · 08-31-2006, 05:14 AM

On the leather tops of my Schnees, I use Montana pitch-blend leather dressing. It's a great product and smells like a pine tree to me. You put in on and use a hair dryer to melt in. If interested, it can be found on the Schnees site or from Montana Pitch Blend Products 1-800 728 0970

Fletch NY · 08-31-2006, 02:23 PM

I go with the Sno Seal product as well and heat the boots up and melt it in. The strong smell disapates almost within minutes.

liquidorange · 09-01-2006, 06:29 PM

i almost never use leather for hunting but have worn many different types for work through the years.ive gone through quite a few pairs of herman survivors,timberlands, and smith boots. if your talking about treating them i never found anything that great. snow seal is o.k. but doesnt last all that long. you apply it and then hit it with a hair dryer to melt it in. i think its mostly bee-s wax. ive herd of people using boiled bear fat too. as far as breaking them in i was told the quick way is to get them wet and wear them for a couple hours. i dont know if that works. i guess the idea is that the boot will form to your foot and then dry in the same form as your foot.

wyotimberghost · 09-04-2006, 03:02 PM

I love Skidmore's "Cowboy Edition" leather cream. It works great, plus its made here in Laramie.