Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: TRD1911 on April 11, 2017, 11:17:08 AM

Title: Leather boot care question
Post by: TRD1911 on April 11, 2017, 11:17:08 AM: After trying several different boots, resulting in several years of wet feet here on the west side, I decided it was time to invest in a better quality pair of boots. I went with a pair of Asolo Matic 200 GV gortex boots. This is the first time I've gone with a pair of all leather boots and was looking for advice on treating the leather in order to make these last as long as possible. In checking on Amazon I've found a couple of popular bee's wax compounds but a common complaint is the smell.
https://www.amazon.com/Obenaufs-Heavy-Duty-4oz-Preserves/dp/B003SKCARK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 (https://www.amazon.com/Obenaufs-Heavy-Duty-4oz-Preserves/dp/B003SKCARK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8)
https://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-1330-Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Waterproofing-7-Ounce/dp/B00CQJDQ90/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491933767&sr=8-2&keywords=leather+boot+wax (https://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-1330-Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Waterproofing-7-Ounce/dp/B00CQJDQ90/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491933767&sr=8-2&keywords=leather+boot+wax)

My questions -

Has anyone else used either of these products? Has the odor been an issue? Do you have a product that you would recommend over either of the two linked above?

Thanks for taking a look.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: tlbradford on April 11, 2017, 11:42:24 AM: I love Nikwax on the stitching. It really penetrates and is viscuous enough to get great coverage. I usually paint a new boot twice, and then a couple more coats on the stitching. Obenaufs does a good job as well. I have not tried the sno seal.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: northwesthunter84 on April 11, 2017, 11:45:24 AM: I use Kenetrek boot treatment, it keeps the rand from peeling up. No leaks starting year 4 with these boots.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: Henrydog on April 11, 2017, 11:47:45 AM: I have used Obenauf's good stuff to put on a new pair of boots, but it will not breath life into a hard used pair of boots.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: kselkhunter on April 11, 2017, 11:53:01 AM: I use Sno Seal on my boots. Works extremely well. I have full grain leather Zamberlain boots, and not only does it improve water resistance it maintains the quality of the leather. I use it on my wife's Asolo's as well, which are also full grain leather. Not sure how it would work on nubuck or suede style leather.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: Duckslayer89 on April 11, 2017, 12:25:21 PM: Quote from: Henrydog on April 11, 2017, 11:47:45 AM
I have used Obenauf's good stuff to put on a new pair of boots, but it will not breath life into a hard used pair of boots.

I used a hair dryer the other day on my lowas. Worked sooo good with obenaufs. Then did a coating of silicone waterproof spray over that. Good to go for a while. I try not to use the obenaufs more then 2-3 times a year want to keep the leather supportive and not to soft
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: Jpmiller on April 11, 2017, 08:22:20 PM: Obenaufs!!! I wear my boots almost every day in mud, rain, and water and I treat them about once a week in winter and once a month in summer and I can get three years out of a pair of danner. Keeping the leather clean is probably just as important as what treatment you use but obenaufs applies easiest and cleanest of anything I've used. Makes your hands soft too.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: TRD1911 on April 11, 2017, 09:51:59 PM: Thanks for the input guys. Just bought the 4oz jar of the Obenauf's off of Amazon.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 11, 2017, 10:11:35 PM: Just don't use it on Kennetreks or other rubber glued leathers.....
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: TRD1911 on April 11, 2017, 11:37:38 PM: Can you elaborate on that Magnum?

Would these be an issue? - https://www.rei.com/product/733624/asolo-power-matic-200-gv-gore-tex-hiking-boots-mens (https://www.rei.com/product/733624/asolo-power-matic-200-gv-gore-tex-hiking-boots-mens)
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 12, 2017, 12:41:37 AM: Dont think those would be a problem - Kenetrek says obenaufs breaks down the glue that holds the rubber guard on the bottom to the leather on theirs.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: firepin on April 12, 2017, 09:04:23 PM: I have used obenaufs for 3 years on my Kenetreks. Last season the rubber rand started to separate in a few spots. So its hard to say if obenaufs caused it or just wear.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: hunter399 on April 12, 2017, 09:19:41 PM: Just spit some chew spit on them as you go,that leather will be so soft you could use as toilet paper.
Title: Re: Leather boot care question
Post by: TRD1911 on April 13, 2017, 09:46:47 AM: This is true but haven't bought a can in about 3 years (snuck a pinch here and there). Stuff will soften up your jawbone quicker than your boots, ha!