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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@Nathan-zw7nq]

@@jameswoodard4304spending $50-$100 on a resole is certainly cheaper than buying a new pair of boots every year, that’s for sure!

[@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.

[@-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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@kayumochi]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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?

[@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.

[@AngryMountainMan]

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

[@saiyajedi]

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

[@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.

[@Nathan-zw7nq]

People remember Saphir has the Bauté du Cuir line of their products like Renovateur, Universelle, Créme Surfine Pommadier, and Pate de Luxe at significantly lower prices than Medaille d’Or. about half the price to be exact. Use whatever you want, I just love the smell of Saphir’s products.

[@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.

[@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!

[@dominickdailey2240]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@thecheese2386]

Great video! I ordered the top 3 for the wide range of shoes and boots my wife has. We hike, camp and go to events at upscale venues. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@Stridewise]

That's great, so so so happy to know my work was useful to you

[@unclerat2131]

I use Bag Balm. Wash boots with Saddle Soap, massage Bag Balm, and just buff with a soft cloth. The last boots I did this with lasted ten years. I also use a hard brush to cover the soles with Shoe Goo about once a month to save the soles.

[@philschiavone101]

I have used 4 of those, I believe not using the same conditioner all the time. Another conditioner that I like a lot is from Ashland leather out of Chicago. It is lanolin and lanolin distillates.

[@rayfinkleslaces7553]

Most of the cobblers in my area use Cadillac boot and shoe leather lotion. I started using it and think it really is a fine product.

[@ryand3255]

I've had a great experience with otter wax's leather salve. It does a great job deep conditioning and protecting without much color change. Just follow the directions on one of the company's tutorial videos and only apply 1 layer and you're good to go for months!

[@francescocavaliere9585]

Please keep posting this tipe of videos they are unique on the web and I really enjoy those

[@Stridewise]

Thanks Francesco, glad you like it!

[@paulutley7301]

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

[@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"!....

[@lannylancaster62]

Good information. I've always used saddle soap to clean and mink oil to condition.

[@Stridewise]

Great tip!

[@ThaBKeeper]

I have all of those except bucks, plus many more, great video as always. Keep up the great work

[@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.

[@davidhahn4854]

I enjoyed this and your other conditioner videos!

[@Stridewise]

Thanks David! Appreciate it

[@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.

[@jamxtube]

All my boots are Red Wings (Moc toes #875, #877 and Pecos) plus a 35 year old pair of Georgia Engineers I use to ride my bikes. I've always used Huberd's Shoe Oil on all of them. Love it! Now my Chelsea boots, on the other hand, are special ordered and monogramed by John Lobb. You're right, the Saphir Renovatuer seems over priced. But, when you fall in love with a pair of boots like I did with my John Lobb Tutor Chelsea boots, and spend $2,300 for them, believe me, nothing less than the "cadillac" of shoe leather conditioners will do. Ah.., love...

[@Stridewise]

Hahaha! I love this comment. Yeah when you really value your boots you want the best best product available. How are your older boots with years of Huberd's on them looking?

[@jamxtube]

Stridewise Actually, I just oiled them last week after noticing that they felt a little dry and hard. Guess it had been a while. After applying a liberal coat, man, it was all absorbed within an hour. After a second application, my boots had just a little residue on the surface. Wiped them down clean and they were good as new. They were resoled with new Vibram sole and steel heel taps about a year ago. Good to go.

[@kentallard8852]

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

[@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?

[@SJ-yh2di]

I would use Obenauf’s LP (not the oil) over Huberd’s. They are very, very comparable, but OB doesn’t have pine tar which is the controversial ingredient. And actually OBLP smells nice (dissipates once dry) and there are rumours its so natural you can use it as lip balm. I appreciate their lack of animal oils too as those are also controversial bc the pH is supposedly high and slowly melts leather.

[@Stridewise]

I like the lack of animal oils in Obenauf's too, although Huberds doesn't have any either. I prefer Huberds but totally respect your preference! Obenaufs was the first conditioner I ever got.

[@zacharybarnes6731]

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

[@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 👍

[@georgesimeone6292]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@jasonramler]

Hi Nick. Do you recommend any waterproofing spray for boots? I'm trying to avoid salt stains which you get in Minnesota in winter. Is waterproofing spray bad for your boots? Thanks!

[@JayyBird93]

What are your thoughts on SnowSeal?

[@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 👍🏽

[@functionaldoc5054]

Another great video on how to keep your boots looking good.

[@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?

[@sec1rxg]

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

[@aliasbigT]

Great video👏while watching this i thought a couple of times that i'm watching the video at double speed but than i realized that you are simply lightening fast at speaking😜👍🏻

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I need a speech therapist to enunciate better haha

[@clevelandbrown2426]

Griffin leather conditioner is my fav.

[@dauntmoar147]

I love the concluding videos. Like best shows for 2020 Best conditions on market Best....etc

[@Stridewise]

Glad you like them! They're the whole reason I do all the preceding videos on individual products. Now if I could just get as many views on this video as I have on my Saphir video...

[@PapaBearcat]

I have a pair of beeswax leather clarks Wallabees. I’m curious what is the best way to treat scuffs without changing the color of the leather or adding shine? I like the look of the leather and how it is more of a matte finish. Thanks!

[@callunas]

Very nice overview! Thanks for making this.

[@CrispyFrenFry]

Great overview of the best known products on the market! Thanks for producing quality content that is digestible for the lay man, such as myself.

[@louiscyfer6944]

i use pecard's leather dressing and angelus products.

[@cavolpert]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@kartikchary]

Love the SFX 😂😂. On a serious note though this is a very informative video , especially for a guy like me who has boots in all kinds of leathers .

[@Stridewise]

haha I thought I was the only one who found the SFX funny! Glad you liked the vid, dude!

[@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

[@bradleehersey5333]

Thank you, this was a very helpful video!

[@Stridewise]

I'm so glad!

[@Bayou987]

Thanks for the Info, Nick

[@Billy123bobzzz]

Great job, excellent video!

[@DFW_AV8R]

Another great video. Thanks for the wrap up.

[@Stridewise]

Glad you liked it Matt!

[@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?

[@shingrimalkin]

Hiii !!! After few weeks did the color totally come back to normal with the cobbler ?

[@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

[@francescocavaliere9585]

As far as waterproofing, I like liquid silicon, why you’ll hate it. Also I found a brand called jobsite on amazon tried and seems to work well, they have a bunch of product even grizzly grease....however the top for me ever tried is ballistol Klever.

[@edf2953]

Great video Nick! I was surprised to see Saphir come in at #3, however; I am confident that your research supports your conclusion. I am very interested in getting my hands on some Cobbler’s Choice. My go to product has been Venetian Shoe Cream and Bick’s #4. I need to expand my horizons and give Cobbler’s Choice a try. I too, thought that Saphir was a bit overrated. Anyway, thanks for doing the research and putting together this excellent video!...Ed

[@zacharybarnes6731]

Skidmore leather cream and skidmore beeswax waterproofer amazing stuff I think

[@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?

[@mariodiy4517]

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

[@user-cf4eb4is2d]

Saphir renovateur is meant more for calfskin and to be used in conjunction with shoe polish to waterproof.

[@Cemmos]

I was going to ask him in my own comment, but saw this. Nick, have you heard of the Saphir Oiled Leather Cream for Chromexcel? I only found out about it a few weeks ago, and I've only seen it being sold at the Hanger Project, but it seems like a legit cream for oiled/pull up leathers. I was considering getting it myself, but I have quite a few leather conditioners and it's hard to justify near $25 for it. I do have Oiled Leather conditioners from Saphir that comes in plastic bottles, but they're not from the Medaille d'Or line. I'm thinking it doesn't have the beeswax that the other one has (among other things), as it doesn't give a glow/shine. Still like 'em though.

[@user-cf4eb4is2d]

Cemmos I have the same plastic bottle greasy leather cream in neutral. I imagine the médaille d’or version is very similar. I’ve never used Venitian shoe cream, but the saphir works well enough. Lately I’ve been using Obenauf’s LP. It’s pretty good at conditioning and water proofing , but has three problems: darkens leather to an unrecognizable color, dulls and mattes the texture, and if used in conjunction with the leather oil version tends to over saturate the leather causing it to stretch.

[@dapperanddunnshoe-bootrepa9727]

We use Bickmore Bick LP - A Heavy Duty Leather Perservative

[@jackdorsey1589]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@gongusdeedeetow1510]

Can I use more than one of these at a time? Can I use a layer of Venician and then coblers choice.

[@Xminor79]

So happy I found this video, well done!

[@Stridewise]

Appreciate it, Mark!

[@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!

[@M82RKY]

Hi Nick, just ordered my first pair of RM Comfort Craftsman in black, so excited to them arriving😁 I have been looking at conditioners and from what I have found the recommended rm conditioner and polish is the best thing for them especially the conditioner that comes in 500ml for £20, compared to other brands that sounds like a bargain!!!!!

[@pmue437]

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

[@louisfolgore2879]

What’s the best conditioner for bison leather boots? Thanks

[@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!

[@carlrest6553]

Well done. Excellent video.

[@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.

[@poonlikka6174]

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

[@makius1400]

Venetian Shoe Cream. If the greatest leather tannery on the planet (Horween) swears by it, then it's good enough for me.

[@monobgantonina5577]

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

[@justinzuleta299]

Nick dipping his finger in Saphir is probably the most satisfying thing on the internet.

[@oklahomahank2378]

It would be interesting to hear from experts how to care for Gore Tex boots.

[@henrytsang2923]

Thank you for the review! very helpful

[@Stridewise]

Hey glad it was helpful Henry!

[@raphthecollector3824]

Hey Nick. Is there anyway to reverse the shoe grease? Will Saphir renomat take it off and bring back the old color? Keep up the great videos!

[@Stridewise]

Saddle Soap will, I believe! Haven't tried it but that's what I hear

[@paramount10987]

I like redwing leather cream.

[@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?