SADDLE SOAP vs MINK OIL: Which is Better for Your Boots? | BootSpy

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Saddle soap vs mink oil: you may be familiar with these products, but which is better for your boots?
As you'll see, the question of which is better is moot. They're two separate products meant for distinct purposes.
Saddle soap does an excellent job cleaning your leather, and mink oil is an excellent conditioner. However, each have their drawbacks too.
If you want to learn the difference between saddle soap and mink oil, plus get an in-depth guide on how to use both, make sure to watch the entire video.
In this guide, I use Kiwi Saddle Soap and SofSole Mink Oil. There's nothing particularly special about these products: I've just had them for a while and I bought them because they were available/inexpensive.
If you found this video helpful, please hit the subscribe button and give us a thumbs up! I really appreciate you watching---it means a lot.
For more guides and reviews, check out the BootSpy channel or head over to BootSpy.com

[@charlesbronson240]

Well saddle soap is a cleaner only and mink oil is a conditioner and protector.

[@nathanhill6042]

@@petemitchell6788 no get some conditioner saddle soap is just what it states leather saddle soap

[@NoNameNo.5]

Will mink oil permanently darken the boot shade?

[@LusseB]

@@NoNameNo.5 yes it will

[@bluebellyleathercare2725]

@@NoNameNo.5 it won't if it's just mink oil. Mink oil is just another type of oil. It may darken for a period but not forever.

[@patriotfox7192]

@@NoNameNo.5 it will 100% darken the leather

[@stevenroche9874]

William, heat the boots with a hair dryer after applying mink oil and then rub it in by hand while it is still warm. This technique will really get the leather to absorb it. Works great with any paste conditioners, such as Obenauf's LP or any dubbins.

[@LT3Fluffy]

There's no one vs the other they're used for completely different reasons.

[@ricdonato4328]

It is beyond me why KZbin content creators play background music. We came to hear you, not to fight background noise. The background noise quickly becomes extremely annoying. Many folks have hearing difficulties, thus while concentrating on your voice they must also concentrate on tuning out the music; frustrating.

[@jims1942]

AMEN!!! And it is usually some HORRIBLE music! I've seen in many videos where the music is so LOUD you can barely hear the person talking! Please, leave the music out!

[@saddlesoap_exe]

I have some golden mink oil from fiebing and it does almost zero darkening. Also it smells awesome, way better than the cheaper more conventional stuff.

[@BootSpy]

Dang, I'll have to check that out. Great tip!

[@_audacity2722]

I used the Saphir pure mink oil and also found that it didn't darken my burgundy boots an unreasonable amount. It did bring them down a shade or two, but it also saturated the reds and made them pop too.

[@The_Crazy_Monkey75]

Isn't it like comparing Dove soap vs. Vaseline Lotion? They're 2 completely different products for different purposes.

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

Which is "Better" depends on task, soap is a cleaner, oil is a conditioner and water resistor. Better for cleaning soap of course, If the wish is conditioning, water resisting oil.

[@sungcha3563]

Loved this video for showing me how to use them properly!!! Bootspy's my new favorite channel.

[@VrappStar]

During the winter my boots usully get those nasty salt stains. Saddle Soap>Dry>Mink Oil and you're good to go!

[@BootSpy]

baddabing, baddaboom!

[@yankeetown3739]

That’s what I do as well. Saddle soap then mink oil. Works every time.

[@mad0uche]

Cheers for actually using saddle soap correctly.

[@BootSpy]

only the select few...

[@Crackers2549]

Be careful with Mink oil because it will block the pores in your leather and make your boot feel like it has a plastic bag over it... Same with beeswax... I only use them on the bottom of my leather soles... I love saddle soap because it will leave your boots cleaned and does condition them to a degree...After conditioning I put on Venetian shoe cream, Saphir Leather Balm or Saphir Greasy Leather and or Bick 4... If you want more protection Red Wing boot oil is excellent...

[@BootSpy]

very true!

[@hcho8164]

Some people say mink oil darkens, and they were using sofsole mink oil which has 10%. Others say mink oil does not darken like neats foot oil.

[@RR-wq3pq]

Lets now compare Italian olive oil too Dial hand soap

[@BootSpy]

Both taste great on pasta

[@-IE_it_yourself]

for those of you who dont understand irony. the Vs test is a reference to a lot of bad information found online about how you use saddle soap as an all in one solution. if you watch the video you will see this is NOT suggesting one or the other but rather, you need both, and when they should be used.

[@daveyboy6985]

I actually like it when the leather darkens from a conditioner.

[@zaimz1939]

I’ve been wearing boots daily for about 5 years, unless you’ve stepped in a lot of mud or dirt saddlesoap is not necessary just apply a thin layer of mink oil/leather conditioner once a week should last a pair for about 2-3 years assuming your wear yours daily like me

[@RRaucina]

Lanolin, pure, from sheep seems like the perfect oil/ grease for leather

[@Freedom89984]

Why does everyone use the mink oil paste? It darkens the leather by some degree, while mink oil liquid does the same without darkening the leather, maybe just a bit, but after it has dried, the color is as light as before. I use Fiebing’s mink oil liquid, cheap and great product!

[@ughimtired6439]

I haven't even watched the video yet so I don't wanna come off as an idiot but.. Isn't saddle soap a _SOAP_ and mink oil an _OIL_ ?? Exactly *how* are they comparable? How can u compare SHAMPOO with LOTION??? Dun mek sens

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

I usually stick with bicks 4 or cobblers choice, I like keeping the color lol

[@BootSpy]

Yeah, those are always a good choice. I'm a venetian man myself

[@scelest321cx]

Hey do you have a link would like to try it my boots are naturally light brown and I don’t want to make them darker

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

@@scelest321cx I just get them off Amazon

[@scelest321cx]

@@fullmetalroyal1216thank you so much appreciate the help

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

@@scelest321cx no worries man!

[@saleemmalik4490]

I use dish soap instead saddle soap bcoz i have not... whats ur suggestions it's ruined the leather ?

[@timothythomas1626]

I Recommend Murphy's oil mixed with warm water. To Both Clean & Condition. Although it is "For Floors" it is widely used for a Plethora of uses

[@BootSpy]

I'll have to look into it! Thank you for watching!

[@timothythomas1626]

@@BootSpy I actually found it when searching ways to clean leather. There is a Video here on KZbin. Wherein a Lady Cleans here suede Purse with hot water for a bit of Murphys oil. I am a full time reseller and have been using it on various leather and Fabric items as well.

[@floridagirl9064]

Murphys leaves a dull residue/tacky look for finished leather. You cannot buff it away for some reason

[@floridagirl9064]

Plus it just doesnt cut it. Doesnt actually clean leather.

[@ryanmcc8318]

Nice video man, I can see you getting a lot of subscribers in the future. Keep grinding!

[@BootSpy]

Thank you, Ryan---I really appreciate you saying so!

[@arshakmohammed7028]

Can't wait to see you in 3 years man🤩

[@BootSpy]

I can't wait to see YOU in 3 years! Thank you for watching, brother!

[@brianleabo6295]

To me it's easy you don't want to use saddle soap because it dries it out unless you're trying to remove a stain

[@MadMan559est69]

There is no comparison, one is used to wash the leather, the other is used to condition. Why the Vs?

[@BootSpy]

Its a pretty widely searched topic, so even if they aren't totally comparable, many people searching don't know the difference, so this video solves that need!

[@calutzubv]

"SADDLE SOAP vs MINK OIL: Which is Better for Your Boots?" YOU CAN'T COMPARE THIS TWO! THIS TWO THINGS IS DIFFERENT.

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

I bought Saphir Medaille d'Or Renovateur because I read it's among the best shoe conditioners. But I don't want to darken ANY of my shoes. Does that mean it's useless and I wasted my money?

[@MadKingJorge]

Is mink oil safe to use on my face? I've been wearing it for forty years without ever applying conditioner.

[@BootSpy]

only for the bold

[@RRaucina]

Next time you cook a beaver, render out all the fat. Lifetime supply of the best oil

[@BootSpy]

gotta try that. Look forward to a video on rendering beaver fat for boot oil

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I am not sure the point of this video. Like you say in the description they are totally different products and should be used together. Neetsfoot oil also has its use, especially when restoring very old boots. Treat your boots like your saddle and they should outlive you.

[@thelion9863]

What kind of boots are those?? Red wings??

[@fayadhhatar7359]

subscribed. keep going man

[@BootSpy]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the love and sub---it means a lot!

[@TheCustomer]

Is there any cheaper stuff to use from home rather than buying special care products?

[@adamcruz3172]

There's no problem washing with light amount of dish soap. Then condition

[@TxMx214]

Could you use mink oil for your cars leather seats or would that be a NO? I know there’s specific products for that but they don’t seem to work that well like Meguiars and other products just not good at all.

[@parkerkrynen]

Do not use mink oil on your car seats. They are treated with a sealant that creates a barrier between you and the leather. Putting oil on top is like putting it on Saran Wrap.

[@darrenferguson4175]

when you put mink oil on your boots sould you put them on and walk around or just leave them ????

[@davepurdue855]

i hear wear your boots then apply mink oil.

[@jimmydgrant]

Will saddle soap darken natural chromexcel?

[@BootSpy]

I don't think so. It might darken it slightly, but not for any significant length of time. It's really the conditioner you use after the saddle soap. I recommend venetian.

[@jimmydgrant]

I actually switched to venetian show cream after red wing leather cream darkened my boots a bit. It’s great but I need an actual soap to use before conditioning as my boots tend to collect a lot of dirt and grime.

[@charlesbronson240]

Saddle soap is a cleaner only. Not a conditioner.

[@kentallard8852]

one is for cleaning and one is for conditioning what is there to compare

[@losxlakers]

Great video! Liked and Subscribed!

[@BootSpy]

So glad you found it helpful, thank you for watching!

[@pcooke9865]

This is like comparing car wash soap and wax. Two completely different products.

[@goodknight37]

Food vs. Air

[@barberismeable]

Hi. I need help. Does anyone know if (TRG brand) mink oil contains pork fat /lard? Could not find anything on internet.

[@user-uj6sc7ls9y]

No, it's mink oil. It's made from mink fat.

[@christopheraltman5021]

No. They use mink bc it won't break down. Pork fat would start to stink

[@JV-sl9uy]

All leather should be dark light leather is for women IMO

[@ELEVOPR]

Damn, their should be laws against calling s product mink oil, when only 5% of it is actually Mink🤦🏼‍♂️ Wouldn't it be fair to call it Beef fat with 5% added Mink Oil? Thanks for sharing.

[@Coleone139]

It’s like shampoo vs lotion 😂😂😂 who asks this??

[@scottperkins3696]

This whole message is bull excrement. The smart oil to use is a mineral oil that will NOT ever dry out. ie a petroleum oil that was in the ground for 30 million years. ie motor oil is the best choice. Any oil from a plant or animal will dry out is a few years. I have high school boots from more than 50 years (1968) where I painted the boots with thirty weight QuakerState. This oil will NEVER dry out when soaked into the leather.

[@ELEVOPR]

Next time use the wife's tooth brush, instead of that giant brush to saddle soap your boots. At least hat's what I do 🤫 Haha, JK. 👊

[@clintonleonard5187]

They are completely different products for completely different applications.

[@jean-gh3zt]

clickbait here