The 5 Best Leather Conditioners for Boots | Softening, Waterproofing, Preserving Color and More

[@Stridewise]

✪ Check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zYeayvmsuBfac

[@MOFsquadron]

Another option like Bick worth mentioning is Chamberlain's Leather milk. It also doesn't darken leather much, and it actually leaves a nice shine too.

[@TCSB29]

You should make a video where you clean your Iron Rangers with saddle soap to restore their original color! There's a few posts on the goodyearwelt subreddit and the redwingshoes subreddit where they restore the color of their boots with saddle soap and a nylon brush.

[@Stridewise]

Hey I am! Well, Rose Anvil is :)

[@raizt1596]

@@Stridewise Got a link? I've tried the Bick Saddle Soap to try to restore my I.R.'s after using mink oil on them, and it really didn't do much to lighten the color. I tried some Dawn dish soap, and it worked better, but still not back to their original color. Help!!!

[@geraldlowe5371]

I’ve used Bick 4 on western boots for years. Great product even for exotic leathers

[@TheCeki1982]

Thanks, I've placed an order. Grtz.

[@dalepellerin]

What many bespoke western boot makers recommend

[@Glassjaw003]

Looks I need to grab some Cobblers choice. I just love the saphir so much though

[@daviddalton8996]

Overall I prefer the various Saphir products as well.

[@DalesLeatherworks]

Awesome vid dude!!! I love Saphir products and Venetian. Lately I've been into Smith's leather balm as well as Armstrong's products for the same exact reasons why you chose cobbler's choice as your #1! Both are made of all natural ingredients and after using them I think I've actually figured out a way to make my own version of the stuff.... which I have not yet tried on my boots, but may one day! Also yes, that Huberd's definitely darkens leather. I had good luck using it on my Truman Java Waxed Flesh pair, but it darkened the hell out of my Red Wings!!

[@ArranDavis1]

Such a shame it's really difficult to get hold of any of these products in the uk without paying double the amount in shipping.

[@AaronFigFront]

I think you can get Saphir. Crown Northamptown has them.

[@M82RKY]

Yeah man saphir is easy to get hold of, also rm williams conditioner is 500ml for 20 quid, another I enjoy using on darker leather is Renapur Balsam, really easy to apply waterproofs well and cheap👌

[@jamesjoseph1572]

Having this problem at the moment, any other recommendations?

[@bilal-is2ez]

A fine pair of shoes do Saphir one near to half price on sales.

[@D__Lee]

Thanks! I recently decided that I needed to clean and condition my boots for the upcoming winter. You saved me from making a big mistake with my Thursday Boots.

[@stevjohnsonpo]

You only wear them on thursdays?

[@aidenlin9878]

bro obenaufs is the best for waterproofing. but that also darkens the leather ALOT. but it does waterproof and condition very very very well

[@saiyajedi]

The auto-generated closed captions are fun. “Kabbalist’s Choice” sounds like something that circa-1999 Madonna would champion.

[@pnw_md]

I use Otter Wax and Armstrong's. Although, these are 2 step process (conditioner followed by boot wax). These products are all natural and the ingredients are listed. Both products give great conditioning and pretty good water resistance. Have you tried these?

[@Freedom89984]

Fiebing’s mink oil first and after that Nikwax leather conditioner. Makes your boots soft, waterproof and gives them a nice matte patina, with a slightly glance. For me it’s the Fiebing’s Nikwax combo.

[@kennethdrury4993]

Good info. I’ve worked in the oilfield for 15 years and have gone thru so many different work boots and it’s just occurred to me to clean and condition the boots. They told us we should be changing out our boots every 6 months but that’s just not feasible even while making oil money. I was talking to someone the other day about how lucky they were that they didn’t have to shine boots in boot camp and that’s when it hit me that I could be making these boots last even longer

[@jameswoodard4304]

You can also look into getting boots that can be resoled fairly inexpensively. What usually wears out on work boots first (especially if you take care of the leather) are the soles. But some boots can be resoled for well-under $50.

[@nitebreak]

@@jameswoodard4304yeah i think those are pricier but it pays off long term

[@kayumochi]

I have found the Angelus products the best for NOT changing the color much, if at all, on my Red Wing boots.

[@georgesimeone6292]

Try Smith's Leather Balm, all natural, amazing.

[@RexGuitars]

I'd love to hear your thoughts as to why you chose Huberd's Shoe Grease over Obenauf's HD LP. I'm researching for heavy use outdoor/work boots.

[@steveledbetter5613]

Rex McKinniss nothing will waterproof better than Obenofs LP. I’ve tried them all.

[@yankchef4067]

I am also curious about this, I have been using the obenaufs product for 5 years now and it works very well, I also like that it doesn't make the leather hard or uncomfortable but it's probably a good idea to put some conditioner on your shoes before the obenaufs every few applications

[@RichardGilbert2727]

@@steveledbetter5613 Obenauf's put my beloved Montana Pitch Blend on the ropes. I'd used MPB for literally decades, and it's a good product. Obenauf's is a great product. I tested them against each other, one boot from a pair each and several pairs. The Obenauf's penetrated and smoothed the surface of the leather to an exceptional degree. It does darken! Smells great and seems very natural, basically same ingredients as MPB but seems to work a bit better in conditioning and water repellency.

[@zacharybarnes6731]

You should review skidmore leather cream and beeswax water proofer and tell us your thoughts on it

[@manslayerlord]

making my boots smell like bacon sounds like a pro to me

[@Stridewise]

Haha this is true

[@TheAlpineShepherdBoy]

I've just got my first pair of nice leather boots, and I've been looking for a good conditioner so I really appreciate the video/s! I think I'll be ordering Cobbler's Choice.. Have you tried Leather Honey? I ask about it because I've heard people mention it a few times online in the few searches I've made, and it seems to have great reviews on Amazon and the price per oz seems nice. *edit* nevermind! I just went through your conditioner playlist and I see you've reviewed Leather Honey... I think I'll pass on it. Thanks for all these reviews! Really helps me when making a choice.

[@gummybear41283]

How’s the cobblers choice work?

[@ericwhitlow7364]

I’ve had good luck with Montana pitch blend in my Thorogood boots. MPB smells like honey on your fingers and melts with your body temp making it easy to apply.

[@stephenabm7779]

Since October of last year, I have been using "Black Rock" leather conditioner that works very well on leather. Blackrock’s biggest pro is that it doesn’t alter the leather's color nor clog up the pores of your leather. Blackrock is a much better choice if you want to preserve the original color of your boots while giving them a little “pick-me-up.” Blackrock works best with similar oily and waxy leathers-Horween Chromexcel comes to mind as a trendy leather with which Blackrock would mesh well. Blackrock is an excellent conditioner if you want to keep your boots fresh and classy.

[@JayyBird93]

What are your thoughts on SnowSeal?

[@dukerobinson5421]

That huge can of VSC is hilarious.😆 I hear it's also great on pancakes! 🥞 😉👍 I use a few of popular products not mentioned. Neatsfoot oil. Sno-seal. and Lexol conditioner. Lately, I'm curious to know more about waterproof sprays like Tarrago Nano protector. Thanks for your videos.

[@chocolat4hogs]

I am a fan of the Lexol conditioner.

[@mike2200]

SnoSeal is the worst product of all time,"DO NOT PUT ON LEATHER"!....

[@michaelnoyer3323]

I've Great Success with Obenauf's Leather preservative. Have you tried this and what is your opinion if you have?

[@Stridewise]

Good for waterproofing, darkens a ton though! It's what I put on my iron rangers to get them looking like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l57Ploqnedd2nJo

[@michaelnoyer3323]

@@Stridewise Thanks for the video it was informative 👍

[@-jamie-9896]

Hats off to your detail oriented reviews. Regardless of the decline in views, I'm sure I'm one of many who appreciate it!

[@ShaneCopelin]

FYI the Cobbler's Choice link doesn't work. I want to make sure you know so you can get your referral money!!

[@tphvoice]

I work at a car wash with really high appearance standards. We are big on shiny dress shoes. With winter approaching, I wanted to get some nice dress boots that will hold up in the harsh car wash conditions. I purchased some Ross and Snow Riccardo weather proof boots. I'd like to add some additional waterproofing and protection, but I don't want to sacrifice shine at all. What would you recommend?

[@callunas]

I recently tried Huberd's Shoe Oil (not grease) on my chromexcel boots. Just rubbed in a very thin coat with my fingers, no heating or pouring it on. It became darker and shinier immediately but by the next day it was matte and lightened up again to the original color, just richer. Very happy with the results, but I don't know if it will work for everyone.

[@Stridewise]

Oh yeah the shoe OIL is better for nicer leathers like that. Good buy!

[@matttherrien9608]

What about Saphir's Oiled Leather Cream. It's made for chromexel and recommended by Horween.

[@dominickdailey2240]

I'm here for the conditioner reviews. Keep making the vids you want to make!

[@preparetobedazled]

Hey guys! I'm a big fan of Facebook groups. Is there a group for boot enthusiasts? If so, please share the name.

[@sean5971]

Hi! A viewer from Canada, I've been looking into Cobbler's Choice leather conditioner but could not get my hands on it. However, I've come across Moneysworth and Best here and was wondering if you could review some of their products including their leather lotion which seems to be the equivalent to what I'm looking for. Thank you for your informative videos!

[@mkaterr]

Great video!!! I was wondering what do you think about Fiebing's neatsfoot oil. For what i have seen, its a great conditioner, but im wondering if darkens the leather too much?

[@idela32]

I've used Huberd's since 96. My White's Smoke jumpers are black. Are still soft and water proof for hours. Yes I'm also in Washington State. Lots of rain. And they don't need grease that often. Manufacturers don't recommend heating the grease or the boots. All done at room temperature. Why cook your leather?

[@institorisinstitoris959]

What would you recommend for conditioning 1461 Nappa leather? Is Dr Martens Wonder Balsam so great that it costs 2,5 times more than other waxes?

[@AngryMountainMan]

I’ve used a few and my favorites are Montana Pitch Blend and Obenaufs. Bick 4 is good for just a conditioner.

[@averagejoe4101]

Nick, where does neatsfoot oil stand in all of this? Is it a replacement for mink oil? Does it have a specific purpose? Thanks for all your content 👍🏽

[@garys7828]

Really useful.... My income has like many people dropped due to covid... So i will cherish and look after my redwing boots and cheany shoes... As dont when can purchase new footwear again.. Great video

[@Stridewise]

That's great! You did a good job of showing why boots, although more expensive than sneakers, are actually economical choices - because you can make them last for so much longer if you spent a little time caring for them.

[@jackdorsey1589]

Is cobblers choice conditioner safe for exotic leather cowboy boots? Hippo, Ostrich and elephant in particular.

[@ksajak]

I'm really surprised obenaufs didnt make the list!

[@Stridewise]

Eh they darken too much for me1

[@ksajak]

@@Stridewise ohhh gotcha! Yea I'm about to do my thorogoods that just came in today. I dont really want to darken them but I love obenaufs!

[@Sams911]

3:58 .. I like the Japanese Denim jeans... Jacob Cohen? limited editions?

[@VinylTherapy]

Thanks for the video. I just picked up a pair of copper iron rangers and on the fb redwing group, everyone is recommending bick4 as it doesn’t darken the leather, which is very important to me. You mention that the cobler’s choice also doesn’t darken leather, is that true?

[@Stridewise]

Not very much, though if that's your priority I'd stick with Bick 4

[@lukahribovsek5563]

please review products from "leather therapy". Thank you!

[@Luciffrit]

I went with a homemade conditioner/waterproofer. It does contain turpentine though. The most common blend I see is 2 parts Boiled Linseed Oil, 1 part Turpentine and 1 part Pure Bees Wax. After my first shift wearing them, the leather had loosened up a fair bit and by the end of my third 8hour shift of standing on my feet they felt like I had been wearing them for years. These are black full-grain leather boots, so darkening is fine with me.

[@Gollammeister]

As my boots ain't the expensive type I decided a mid range leather conditioner product would suit for my requirements I purchased a bottle of cadillac leather conditioner for boots n shoes

[@gummybear41283]

So will cobblers be good for the footbed of leather sandals? And can you do a review of nikwax leather cleaner and conditioner and Geist?

[@keggerous]

Honestly, I've just been using coconut oil... it darkens your leather. That's for sure. That being said, it penetrates REALLY DEEP and it does a great job of helping the leather stay somewhat water resistant and supple.

[@keggerous]

@@opinionsvary I heat the coconut oil in the microwave. Get it to a point where it's very watery and penetrates deeply. I don't have issues with it congealing or anything like that. I wipe the surface clean after applying it also. To get the excess off and prevent it from getting slippery and overly oily to the touch.

[@wingy158]

Whole family uses Bick 4 for all their S#%^* kickers, exotic or cow leather.

[@c.a.9814]

If you were on a deserted island with all your beloved boots, but could only take one conditioner -- which would you choose?

[@SylvainSybaris]

Regarding the #1 choice "COBBLERS"... I see there are 3 products... Cream, Conditioner & Spot Remover... So on an old used pair of boots, and after cleaning, which gets applied first? the cream, the conditioner? or the spot remover?

[@Stridewise]

I think cream, which is for boots that need reviving the most. The conditioner has waterproofing stuff too, best for a boot that's fairly healthy already

[@infocool4609]

Far and away the best condtioner is called Garrison Gold by Garrison Leather care. Non-toxic

[@movzx9282]

What boot is that sir? Red wing?

[@Stridewise]

Viberg! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXSWk4SVr6qXh8U

[@goodphotoideas]

I just used Red Wings Leather Cream (neatsfoot oil blend) on my Red Wings 1907 moc toes. It didn't darken the leather and it seemed to do a good job conditioning. I followed it with Red Wings Leather Protector. My boots look great. The only downside is the cost. It's pretty expensive in a Red Wings store. I think I'll get some of that Cobbler's Choice.

[@adaptabledisease]

Smell's like Bacon, was a CON!!?

[@Stridewise]

i retract my statement

[@adaptabledisease]

@@Stridewise XD

[@jameswoodard4304]

Just so you know, YT is displaying "Cobbler's" as "Kabbalist's" for the section title. If you have any folks into Jewish mysticism asking you about leather, now you know why.

[@Stridewise]

This is fantastic, I can't change it now

[@vladyslav4]

Why don't you talk about DIY care products or even show how to do them?

[@mbajobue]

After a while, I bought sapphire conditioner. I use the product in every leather stuff and I have to say that it doesn't match my expectations. No one can tell that it's a bad product, but for me is clearly over priced

[@stevjohnsonpo]

I used it and it made my shoes shiny which i hate. Do you onow if the shine goes away?

[@dawnkidd8800]

Very helpful. You excluded the women who have the same issues with similar boots (same workbooks, even biker boots ). Just busten. Are these brands in your country? I've scoured a couple sites and with the many brands and those were not in the bunch. But hey, that's America. Thanks for the info

[@Stridewise]

Totally forgot I still had 'men's' in the title, that's dumb I just took it out. thanks for commenting! not sure where you live but one of these should be findable. Saphir's big in Europe, but like Chamberlain's and Blackrock are all good, Lexol and Bick 4 and Otter Wax's stuff are fine

[@NMLogue]

I really appreciate your breakdown of the ingredients. The very nice customer service lady at Bickmore called me back to answer my question about silicone - yes, Bick’s #4 has a VERY LITTLE amount. I appreciated the honesty. Lots of boot makers warn against silicone (Lucchese, of course, recommends their water-based conditioner), but many people choose Bick’s. As for water-proofing - you can get a product JUST for waterproofing, so I don’t even count that when rating a conditioner. Thank you for a great video.

[@sovrappensiero1]

I’ve watched all of your leather conditioner videos (some of them twice LOL), and I still have lingering confusion. I’ve seen the “basic shoe kit” includes a conditioner, shoe cream, and wax. Im confused about how to distinguish them (for example, Cobbler’s Choice contains waxes...so what is it really?) I’m sort of a minimalist who just wants to take care of my leather shoes (and suede...but that’s a different category) and I want a sort of basic minimum number of quality products to do that. Is the Cobbler’s Choice conditioner enough? If I want to polish them to a shine, would I add some kind of a cream, or wax?

[@teresagibson4946]

Chamberlain's leather milk conditioner

[@TheBDisme]

You should try Smith's Leather Balm. Becoming one of the most respected brands in the game. Made in Maine by husband and wife, all natural ingredients. check them out!

[@JMP-ETTAN]

Bick4 doesn’t condition the leather enough . Sure it doesn’t darken the leather but that’s because it doesn’t go deep enough . If you live in a country where the weather goes down to -10-20 minus you need better conditioning for your boots

[@Stridewise]

right, that's the tradeoff. many are cool with it!

[@Emezepe3]

Is mink oil the same as bick 4 conditioner? Should I use both. Or can I just use mink oil? (After I clean my boots with the mink 1)

[@Tallnerdyguy]

Nope, not the same

[@poonlikka6174]

Can you tell me whats best to preserve elephant leather hunting boots?

[@nozzlechannel]

What the difference between balm, mink, saddle, polish and grease. It is enough to just apply mink oil to boots.tq

[@Stridewise]

you're asking me to write a thousand words breaking down an entire industry in a KZbin comment, I don't want to do that

[@nozzlechannel]

@@Stridewise no, don't do that please. I just want to know, is that enough to just apply mink to boots, or I need to wash, condition, mink oil and polish too. Sorry to ask..🙏

[@rondj1965]

Excellent video and the exact info I'm looking for for my new (expensive) Nicks and Whites boots. Considerable investment deserves top quality, natural product to maintain the leather. I value your opinion. Thanks for the information. I'm going to try the Cobblers Choice because of the natural ingredients. I'm leery of using any product that might dry out the leather.

[@jimgd4]

I have an ancient bottle of a product called 'Kelly's Cobbler Shoe Cream'. It's the only product I am currently using. It seems to do a nice job of cleaning, shining, & oiling my boots without changing their color, all on its own. Have you ever heard of this product? Has anyone? Any ideas on what products or steps I could add to my process to get my boots looking even better? Thanks!

[@teikohdotcom]

Have you ever tried RM Williams’ Leather Dressing?

[@johnny0454]

Oh man, you can't leave out Danner leather conditioner which comes in brown, black, and clear. Also, Obenaufs Leather Oil as well as their Heavy Huty LP.

[@matthewjacobs141]

Have you tried 100% Lanolin?

[@clevelandbrown2426]

Griffin leather conditioner is my fav.

[@nitebreak]

I’m using these tips also for women’s boots, since i have some leather doc marten combat boots i have had for about 4-5 years. I live in a cold state so it’s important to condition them!

[@mariodiy4517]

Great review. What's your opinion on Saphyr's Universal Cream for leather? Thanks.

[@glennsilverstein5331]

Any thoughts on Smith's Leather Balm? What do you recommend for Kudu??

[@billyw1464]

hahaha I like the smell of Huberd's Shoe Grease

[@telemarktumalo6978]

I've tried several of these. Thanks. How about the Smith's Shoe Balm? Looks to be all natural ingredients and not supposed to darken leather.

[@medark9850]

Great video mate, A little help if possible, my scooter Vespa LXV real leather seat left in the backyard under 4 seasons for 13 years. Any advice on which one shall I choose to restore it. Thanks.

[@Stridewise]

I'm not so sure but I know Leather Honey is often used on upholstery, it's pretty cheap!

[@mbajobue]

Use Poorboys. I use it on my Suzuki it's great for the leather but a bit slippery

[@zacharybarnes6731]

Skidmore leather cream and skidmore beeswax waterproofer amazing stuff I think

[@Mefistophelez]

For men's boots? So these products don't apply to women's? 😜

[@Stridewise]

Hey I'm just trying to target here!

[@lendersbagels01]

Youre using way too much Venetian... just dab a small amount on a brush, not a towel and apply in circular motion. Then buff with a clean brush.

[@sec1rxg]

awesome vid. can you suggest a cleaner / conditioner / moisturizer for leather work gloves.

[@AncientGreek]

Is there a product to restore the leather to it's brand new state?

[@gaearadan3379]

Is anyone familiar with Palc? I have their leather balm which works fine on my hiking boots but I am hesitating to use it on smooth leather dress boots. Ingredients say natural wax, lanolin and jojoba oil.

[@stephstepha100]

Stop using scuffs as a barometer for leather conditioners. A good pure conditioner should not cover scuffs. If is does, there is a filler being used like wax. Conditioning, cream, and wax if done correctly are three different steps.

[@jmoak311]

Nokona baseball glove conditioner. Don’t judge me.

[@paulutley7301]

I found a combination of E45 handcream and Wrenns dubbing works really well for this.

[@blakebudney8994]

I just got a pair of RM Williams Craftsman and I prefer a more matte finish than the shine. Any suggestions on how to keep the leather conditioned and healthy while removing the shine and creating a more matte rugged look?

[@buenosmayana6582]

What is the best leather cream/wax for sneakers like common Projects/ Koio / Oliver cabell?

[@rgonz63ful]

Hello. Thank you for all your reviews. I purchased a pair of Thursdays’ Captain in the canyon color based on your high praise. They are definitely not a smooth leather and have a beautiful matte finish. Which of the products-in this video-would you say might keep these boots looking factory? Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@jeffyu8854]

Which one is best for leather work boot?

[@monobgantonina5577]

Have you tried Balistol? It was developed for the german imperial army. Very popular in Germany. It basically has no expiration date.

[@jimmyruelasmusic]

Have you tried the saphir products specifically made for oil tanned leather???

[@Stridewise]

Nah, which are those?

[@jimmyruelasmusic]

Stridewise Saphir Chromexcel Greasy Leather Cream

[@jimmyruelasmusic]

Stridewise and Saphir Medaille d'Or Oiled Leather Cream for Chromexcel

[@jimmyruelasmusic]

Stridewise I use the greasy cream on my 877 moc toes and the Medaille d’or on my iron rangers and Beckham’s. No color change great smell. Not much shine but that’s kind of what you are looking for on oil tanned leather

[@matttherrien9608]

Hard to believe this fella hadn't heard of Saphir's products for oiled leather.

[@ZakKohler]

But what about Smith's?

[@cavolpert]

You really should try Fiebings ausie gold on your boots. Have used it for years. Will darken your leather if you get overzealous

[@pmue437]

Urad is the one. An old Italian Product with no advertising for Decades

[@GoatzombieBubba]

beeswax/waxes to clog the pores of the leather so it cant breath and you get a hot boot and the leather cracks since it cannot breath.

[@Stridewise]

yeah your leather either breathes well or it's waterproof my man, you can't have it all

[@tonydemaria186]

You should try Finland's bear, it's a petroleum based dressing and you should heat it up to soak in, very similar to huberds but without the scent and I believe a better polishing base

[@alonsorobots]

Have you tried Chamberlain's leather milk?

[@kentallard8852]

do a video on what different products are oil? conditioner? balm? cream?

[@ianturnbow7011]

Let’s talk about Elephant Cloak Renovator and Alligator Skin Conditioner.