How to Wax Suede (Very Detailed) - (ft @Stridewise)

What is waxed suede and how do I go about waxing my suede boots or shoes? These are questions we receive quite often. In this video, we are joined by Nick from the KZbin channel "Stridewise" to have some fun and show everyone exactly how to wax suede.
How to Wax Suede (in-depth article by Stridewise.com) - stridewise.com...
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Video edited by:
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[@minitos1]

Personally I much prefer melting the wax and using a paint brush to apply the wax. I've found theres not much need to rub it in afterwards, the heat from the hair dryer/heat gun makes the wax melt and penetrate the suede/canvas deeply. Also, I've found to like heavy coats much more.. It looks more even at first and makes whatever you're waxing almost waterproof. Thanks for the video guys!

[@mach5jeep]

I agree. That bar wax is really just for touching up items that were already waxed from the factory/tannery

[@irabucc469]

What kind of wax do you use for the melting method, any recommendations?

[@thewizardsofthezoo5376]

@@irabucc469 beeswax, what other wax do you know of?

[@hamxxx3211]

@@thewizardsofthezoo5376 just regular beeswax?

[@thewizardsofthezoo5376]

@@hamxxx3211 Yes natural or mixed with colours, but wax, not just fat, otherwise they go greasy and you need to use saddle soap to clean them up. You need to mechanically warm up the wax by using a very sophisticated machine called: arm.

[@Stridewise]

Thanks so much for having me, guys! Learned a ton.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you for coming down!

[@dukerobinson5421]

Interesting video. FYI. I’ve used the Filson Oil Finish wax (in the tin) on my redwing iron ranger muleskinners and it turned out great. It was much easier to work with than the otterwax bar. I could apply it with my fingers and it has a great consistency. The snoseal works great too but it’s just a little thicker so that would be my second choice. You need to heat snoseal for it to absorb well. It will darken them considerably so always keep that in mind. Just my two cents from my experience doing this.😊

[@Holabirdsupercluster]

lol I found this video because I have a tin of the Filson oil finish wax and I was wondering if I could use it on suede shoes. Thanks bud!

[@MadelnMachines]

Can we see?

[@garrettmeadows2273]

I have a pair of Allen Edmonds wingtips that, thanks to this video, are waxed suede. I couldn't figure out what kind of suede that are made of; now I know it's waxed suede. Thank you.

[@MrMiggoH]

The cinematography on this video was really nice

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks

[@CHIMPOaGOGO]

Thanks, I didn't know about waxing suede! I've been extremely interested in Thursday's Rogue jodhpur boots but have been hesitant because they only come in suede.

[@TrentonHeath]

👍

[@Kingfisher1215]

I used snoseal on my hunting boots when I was a kid in the 70s, seeing it used today is sentimental, but alas, I am WAXING poetically about the past. 😉

[@TrentonHeath]

👍

[@brendan.1979]

New subscriber from Australia 🇦🇺 😊 I could have watched this all day. It wasn't long enough 🙂 I am 45 years old and I have not worn seuede shoes/boots since I was in high school and recently bought a pair of Wild Rhino Beige Chelsea low cuts and I applied waterproofing but I don't think I put enough on and after 4 days, I've had to use the Saphir Shampoo already 😐 It worked and the boots look much better. I'll check out the rest of your videos, I love the in depth review and demonstrations you guys do. What I also like about your method and explaining is, you pretty much answer questions that the majority of us would be thinking or asking ourselves while watching. It's like you have read my mind already. For example, aren't you using the seude brush a bit too hard on the boot? And then you will mention that without it even being a question. Happy to stumble across your videos, all the best from down under 👍

[@shurdi3]

I've heard and witnessed the southern drawl, but this is my first time seeing the southern drawlned out video

[@joeyshofner4950]

Wax sticks to everything, yet nothing will stick onto wax.

[@stevej.6674]

This is what i was thinking about doing to my Ugg boots. I dont care about keeping them all stain free etc & actually prefer them looking rough & rugged but also able to take a bit of water splashes here and there. Just hoping wax doesnt weigh them down too much.

[@bquick80]

Nick just kept putting more and more wax on there! lol cheese and rice doctor!!

[@jonkomatsu8192]

Neat demo, guys! May have to invest in a pair of rough out boots now. Thanks! 👍

[@TrentonHeath]

👍

[@boylangara]

Thank you for the video! I asked Charles F.Stead how to care for their waxy commander leather and their answer was mink oil. What do you think of using mink oil instead of wax or a waxed polish?

[@albertoclonado]

Following

[@ic8537]

Did you rewax yet? What did you use, and how did it look?

[@TrapperAaron]

Bear oil is best leather treatment I've ever seen. Hard part is getting the bear.

[@_Sunmaker_]

Never expected to see a Columbia KZbinr! Subscribed!

[@a.l.newsome7395]

Great video 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 I was looking into waxing a Jean jacket and what to use for the job. Thank you really for information 💯

[@TrentonHeath]

👍

[@barryyoung969]

It’s OK I’m from New York and you’re right! Especially if they alternative is Tennessee ! I ❤️ TN

[@richyclubsport5155]

Crockett and Jones recommend using dubbing on suede, surprised me as an owner of C and J rough out suede Coniston boots, even got a video on there website

[@stevengandt1507]

At the beginning of the video, I noticed that, similar to Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, you use antlers in all of your decorating.

[@jasonmiller9495]

Angulus mink oil is good but I noticed it stiffens up the leather . Your boots will definitely repel water with the Angulus

[@mikel1483]

i'm sticking with sno-seal, it gives a lot better result.

[@alex34848]

Stupid question warning! So you can seal your shoes with wax, but you can also shine your shoes with wax. So how do I make sure, that I won’t accidentally shine my suedes instead of making them more water resistant ?

[@normalperson8173]

don't apply multiple layers of wax

[@neutronalchemist3241]

It's only a question of quantity.

[@Ringleader3rik]

"Wanna switch" is the Southern Hospitality way of saying, "I'm better than you at this".

[@gangstarrap69]

Thanks guys, another great video!Wonder how this would work on some rugged and resilient leather… would be nice to have sort of full weather proofing on them

[@BullMoose1858]

I used Obenauff’s my Thursday tobacco rugged and resilient, darkens the leather to nearly a matte black or very very dark brown. Definitely waterproofs the leather entirely though.

[@avokevo5394]

Been waiting for this one, thanks guys! Does the wax have natural conditioning properties? I’m used to using Saphir Renovateur on all my leather shoes, but I just got some Grant Stones in the Waxed Commander leather from CF Stead and I was wondering if they need conditioned in addition to eventually re-waxing them?

[@missestherteen9651]

SAPHIR DA SHIEET ✅

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Eventually. You can use bars of beeswax or other products that are mostly bee and plant based products, like Nor-v-gen, Blackrock, or Obernauf's, which I find easier than using a wax bar. I haven't touched my can of Sno-Seal in years as I can't get over the petroleum smell anymore. Saphir Renovateur could probably work, too (great product) but I think of it as an all-round consider and usually use it on my shoes.

[@kristavthatsme3178]

Cool video. Didn't know waxing suede was a thing. Can you wax nubuck as well?

[@Snugglez187]

Yes

[@theturk360]

get one of those small sauce pans, melt some wax and then dunk your sponge or brush into it...

[@MadelnMachines]

Can we see how these have progressed?

[@alanharris3277]

It seems as if that the wax is being used to provide merely a topical coating (much like Tarrago Nano Protector) that provides not only protection but to also achieve a desired cosmetic effect. What, if any would be the downside of using a product like Saphir Renovateur to condition the leather prior to applying the wax? The wax would certainly repel moisture on the outside. However, from the inside the leather would continue to be exposed to a constant cycle of wetting and drying due to perspiration. I can see that cosmetically the result will be an appearance that is somewhat softer than the original but not nearly as smooth as a boot made from an "oiled" of "greasy" leather. Is that the intent? Sno-Seal contains petroleum distillates but no oils. I assume that the distillates are included to (1) ease application (2) provide somewhat deeper penetration (3) evaporate off leaving just the wax.

[@alvinkoeswanto8622]

Hi guys. Thanks for the detailed instruction. Does this also work on rough out leather?

[@TrentonHeath]

Yes sir.

[@MrDDiRusso]

I use a heat gun to melt and dry shoe polish on my boots. After I apply a coat of polish, I hit the boot with the heat gun until the polish turns shiny. Then let it cool and buff.

[@benj7483]

Do you do this on suede boots? or a different kind of leather?

[@JayJay9j]

Question after the wax is applied, is there still a need for water proofing spray. Will i need to strip it periodically to apply conditioner?

[@pilonpatrick573]

nobody has answered you, but, my guess is that the waxing will be enough ; I would just rewax as needed

[@AJ-by6pd]

If you live in a location like California is waterproofing suede necessary? Is rough-out better than suede?…thanks guys I love your videos.

[@jeremyhershberger3012]

Waterproofing may not be necessary it a dry environment but it can prevent staining if you get something on your shoes. I recommend a suede spray unless you want the waxed patina.

[@eagoba2456]

bought a rather expensive new cowboy boots, is it not a terrible idea to do this on a pair of Brand new boots or this is best for when the boot has aged and the SAPHIR Waterproof spray is more fitting for brand new boots?

[@1979augistine]

Excellent video as usual my man and thanks once again

[@Solideyeta2]

Can I use bee's wax on nubuck earthkeeper? I live in the desert. Dry and hot! What's the best care for nubuck and full grain boots in my enviornment?

[@jimborambo958]

It turned out great! Thanks for the video

[@tinydancer7426]

While applying the wax, you should be reciting poetry ...... you know, waxing poetically. 😁 🤨 I'll see myself out.

[@TrentonHeath]

😂

[@ooohlaa13]

waaaay cool comment!

[@ibbjos08]

I like to just use Venetian shoe cream to wax my suede/roughout.

[@jeremyhershberger3012]

Great, shoe cream will result in a different look than wax. It just depends what look you prefer.

[@ibbjos08]

@@jeremyhershberger3012 I guess the VSC would definitely smooth the nap.

[@jimslade]

Does T&H offer this as a service?

[@vincecarnevale4406]

I think.i would use spray waterproofing.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

Huh…gonna look into pure wax. So far I use self made “dubbin” consisting of beeswax, lanolin, and mink oil (well, RW’s natural boot oil)… I obviously don’t care much about darkening.

[@scuba_tron5332]

I wish y’all had dropped some water on it to show after rewaxing!

[@JohnSmith-jm8gm]

Dear Trenton, isn't there a problem that if you wax the areas that crease that it may form cracks? Why is it ok to do that for suede boots but not for smooth leather?

[@sherwin4ever]

I'm not a pro. But I think that is because suede is very porous and absorbent, unlike in smooth leather they will be stuck in the pores or just clog the pores.

[@stefanpries638]

Can this be done on Sneakers as well? Especially for water proofing?

[@jeremyhershberger3012]

It can work for suede, leather and canvas sneakers. Just realize that this will change the look of the sneakers.

[@TheIkaika777]

If you like hot sweaty feet.

[@theprussian4616]

I have military boots. I would do this, but I don't know how the color would come out.

[@midwestoutdoors3286]

I recently purchased some Weathersafe suede boots from Thursday. Do you see any harm in spraying them with Saphir Invulner for extra protection?

[@georgesimeone6292]

Why didn't you use the Safir spray from the last video?

[@paulsnell1274]

I assume this would also work well on the Muleskinner rough-out leathers too…

[@brookeggleston9314]

Wouldn't it be a good idea to clean the boots first? Edit: There I go again, commenting before the video is over!

[@Just_the_Q]

Great video

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you

[@dvlpr]

Super helpful thanks!

[@mudenio5838]

what boots are in the thumbnail?

[@willsee1822]

Y'all do many pairs of spring heel caulk boots? I need mine rebuilt.

[@doug_sports_collector]

No cleaning of initial boot prior to waxing? Great video T & H and Nick.

[@TrentonHeath]

It’ll be up on Nick’s channel eventually.

[@Snugglez187]

They said at the beginning of the video that they had just finished cleaning them.

[@aumenarys]

Hey video editor, the intro is a bit loud compared to them talking, I've been noticing this for some time, because I always lower the sound during the intro thinking the video will be loud and then I always have to up the volume for the rest. ;)

[@avokevo5394]

+1 on the sound effects. Appreciate all you do though!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks. Let us check with our editors.

[@sherwin4ever]

I noticed this too, we are doing the same thing coz I wanted to avoid any ear damage.

[@tr_vmi4844]

Is this just to weatherproof? I'm not sure of why I'd do that?

[@seedubhuntx]

this method should be good on rough-out full grain leather too right?

[@davidgregg2778]

I bought a pair of Olathe rough out cowboy boots . They will see some rough use riding pens in the feedlot . Any recommendations for their care ? I thought that Obenoffs might work .

[@jeremyhershberger3012]

Obenoffs should work great. It's similar to Snowseal.

[@514relaxmode]

Nice! Also, can virgin coconut oil be used for the same purpose? It's amazing how it wakes up & revitalizes old leather.

[@alexchangsteryo]

No. Coconut oil melts at too low of a temperature and doesn’t solidify into the same structure as wax does. Even if it could, the body heat from just wearing the boots will melt it. It won’t have nearly the same level of waterproofing; think of it more as a conditioner. You probably shouldn’t be using coconut oil on your shoes anyways.

[@jeremyhershberger3012]

In my experience coconut oil l can be used as a conditioner but it will provide a very different result than wax. Wax is harder to apply, more water resistant, lasts longer and provides more patina compared to coconut oil. So it depends what look you want and what your priorities for the shoe or boot may be.

[@514relaxmode]

@@alexchangsteryoit doesn't need to be melted as the temp of ur hands will turn it to oil form & I'm pretty sure it's on this channel that I learned about the coconut oil trick. Test it out on Leather, you'll be amazed! I'll test it out on Suede & let u know the results

[@514relaxmode]

@@jeremyhershberger3012 Yes, the wax does seem like a long tedious process, I will test it out & see what's the results

[@gilbrowning4695]

Hi Trenton & Heath. I am thinking of purchasing a pair of Thursday captain boots. Since ya'll have repaired or owned them can you tell me if they have a removable insole. I have to wear Sole moldable insoles due to ankle issues. I tried to contact Thursdays but have not received a comment. Thank you for your reply. Enjoy your videos. Thanks, Gil

[@simonmandrakejones]

I have a few pairs of Captains. They don't have a removable insole I'm afraid. The insole has poron padding and a thin leather sock liner. Not sure how that would work with an insert.

[@gilbrowning4695]

@@simonmandrakejones Thanks for the reply finally got response from them they recommended 1/2 size larger will try that.

[@EzekielsCall]

So can I use regular beeswax to accomplish the same thing?

[@luisg6404]

what about a double boiler and a paint brush?

[@fabianatencio6634]

Nooooo.... no it's not ready for the heat gun😂

[@adrianalborez5176]

Can I use the Boot Wax (bees wax & lanolin leather sealant) from otterwax?

[@VladGoro25]

can you recommend wax sprays for suede military desert boots?

[@christophermooney9492]

Hi, was was the tool you used to removed the wax please?

[@williamzondersen]

Is it ok to wax suede 'cause this is a smooth or waxable type suede?

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

To imply that Sno Seal is somehow an unnatural product and Otter Wax is all natural (which this video seems to imply) is ridiculous. Otter Wax also has paraffin, an oil product and is not designed to actually soak into the leather. It forms a layer on the outside of the leather and can promote rot on the inside where Sno Seal is designed to more easily impregnate the leather and preserve it. Otter Wax on boots is a substandard product, pure and simple. Sno Seal is just as versatile on other textiles as well such as canvas, the same as Otter Wax (or whatever bar wax you are using). Also, apply smaller layers of wax over multiple sessions for better results. Im not sure why these "professional" boot guys are kind of fudging this simple job. Also, use a semi stiff brush to fluff the suede or rough out leather. It won't ever be 100% but it works so much better!

[@awesomeerr8765]

Now, how do you remove the wax?

[@moonboots1969]

Wonder if mink oil would work??

[@SpartanJAYMAN]

Should’ve just used the snoseal, much easier to work with than the bar of wax. I’ve never seen the “eraser” method really work well due to just how hard solid wax can be.

[@Gorlami90]

What about full grain roughout?

[@USAads2023]

Wax on, wax off. Miguel San

[@AlSiguenza]

What are your thoughts on mink oil and suede?

[@scottwistinghausen5026]

I’ve used mink oil on roughout leather. It will for sure darken the color but it will water proof it and achieve simaler results to the sno seal. I prefer it because you aren’t dealing the boot in a wax per say. Totally viable option.

[@oscarperales8365]

Yes, but how do I remove the stains on my suede chukkas?

[@pilonpatrick573]

try Saphir OmniDaim cleaner.

[@darthgzuz]

10:46 Stridewise: tasty wax lol hehe

[@ginnysimpson5232]

So, why buy suede if you are going to wax it?

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Because is softer than full grain, and it's more resistant to scratch.

[@jonsoderkvist]

Anyone know if Saphir Medaille d'Or Pate De Luxe wax can be used to do this?

[@aradoran]

I think my wife has a wooden spatula in her kitchen utensils…

[@TrentonHeath]

👍

[@davidpalmer9014]

Ironically I just threw out my Cavaliers because they developed a horrendous squeak. Hopefully my case was an anomaly.

[@ooohlaa13]

Gawk!!! hope you sent them to a Charity thrift shop!!!

[@3arl362]

Blue shirt guy has to chose either Aussie accent or us accent you can't have both!

[@gasaul5759]

Is it possible to use candle wax instead of those products?

[@Snugglez187]

Not unless it's 100 percent beeswax, but even then it can really make a mess if the melting point is too high and the wax is too hard. A lot of these products have other ingredients to lower the melting point and soften the beeswax. Don't even think about using something like paraffin.

[@jeremyhershberger3012]

It's possible but may be harder to get worked in. Also, additives in the wax may influence your results.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Yes, but there is wax and wax. beeswax doesn't need presentation. Stearin candles are made of a mix of animal and vegetable wax. They are heavy and traslucent. Paraffine candles are made of a petrol derivate, they are not translucent, are lighter than stearine and have a lower melting point (tea candles or decorative candles are usually paraffine). Then there is soy wax or rapeseed wax, hydrogenation of the respective oils. Paraffine has not conditioning properties. The others are better in the long term, but the higher melting point of stearine makes it harder to apply. However, you can melt stearine wax, and add up to 50% of a vegetable oil of your choice. Once cooled down, it returns wax, but softer and with a lower melting point.

[@TheCleric42]

This episode is sooo tedious compared to T & H’s own work

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

How to make your suede boots look as though someone vomited over them.... However, if you like the look I would have thought Dubbin would have worked more effectively. Heat the Dubbin in the tin first.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

6:43 start

[@stumpy2816]

👍👍

[@tonymoore2100]

Can't help but notice you're doing this on Thursdays instead of, say, Vibergs. If it doesn't work well...eh 😀

[@georgesimeone6292]

They look much darker than before you waxed them.

[@michaelcarney2975]

Nick seems like he’s not liking your answers

[@dontblameme6328]

Yall make a cute couple.

[@EE---MUWAHIBMURTAZA]

I think the wax is going to damage the suede . It would make it greasy and damage the appearance of colour also

[@ooohlaa13]

me too i have pink suede boots and no way will I put anything greasy on them, I love the rough texture they are ... but maybe the spray ok?

[@freddychoppa5526]

cute video

[@paulh6101]

I dropped bbq sauce on my allen edmond double monks in walnut. The bbq stain doesn't want to come out. About 3/4in diameter. Any recommendations?

[@cozmicblade4410]

Your gonna need dawn dish soap bc that BBQ sauce is an oil stain, then your gonna need a tin of shoe polish in the correct color to put the color back in once it's clean.

[@JayWalkerOnline]

Cornstarch and Avel stain remover. That sucker is an oil stain and will be tough to get out. After that, saddle soap and correctly colored cream polish to restore color.

[@paulh6101]

Thanks

[@dukerobinson5421]

I second dawn original dish soap. Apply with your finger directly to the spot. Then use an old toothbrush with warm water to lather it up and loosen the oils in the stain. Wipe off and rinse the soap away. Let it dry. You might need some shoe cream to restore the pigment. Hope this helps.

[@RippSnortin]

You ain't walking through creeks with those girly boots.

[@SodiumSyndicate]

You are destroying the breathability of Suede by waxing it, why not just get a pair of smooth leather shoes for wet usage?

[@A_Man_Of_Culture_]

Because smooth and suede are the exact same leather and are equally as water resistant

[@phylliscage]

Hummm. Not sure I understand why you would wax suede since the wax changes the color and the look of suede. Why not just buy leather? The video on my device was not detailed enough so I could see the close up of the texture of the final product. I guess there is some semblance of suede?

[@TrentonHeath]

There’s such a thing as waxed suede. Many manufacturers actually wax the suede at the factory. Other people like the look and protection factor it provides, as rough suede can usually take more punishment than smooth leather. Different strokes for different folks.

[@phylliscage]

Thank you! This makes sense now. Appreciate the time it took for you to respond😀.

[@albertoclonado]

Waxed suede is more resilient than suede and has patina potential

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Since untreated suede absorbs water like a sponge, it only takes a splash of dirty water to change the color and look of suede shoes much more, and worse.

[@michaelp9707]

So Suede is a Leather 🐄🥾😯😆

[@TrentonHeath]

Yep

[@Kobafied]

Why not just buy a regular leather boot instead of suede? A polished turd is still a turd, use the right tool for the job, etc.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Because suede is softer and more scratch resistant, IE. And also absorbs better wax and grease. It's the reason the M43 combat boots had the rough side of leather on the external.