Which is BETTER? Wax vs Oil | Nicks Handmade Boots

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We get this question a LOT. It makes sense, though. While we carry two primary work boot care products, they serve a little bit different purposes. In this video, we explain the differences between our grease and oil products for boot care. The Nicks Grease/Wax is great for longer-lasting, more water-resistant care. The oil is best for faster application and more penetration. When you invest in Nicks, you’ve invested in the best. Nicks Boots in Spokane Washington has been making the toughest handmade boots since 1964. As always, if you have additional questions, check out our FAQs below!
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[@nicksboots]

What's your choice?

[@mattsfirewoodvideos738]

Both you said it best grease for winter and oil for summer I try to apply it once a month roughly depending on working conditions

[@darrenwall5439]

I have Rangers in black smooth out for six months and only greased once. I walked in a stream today and they are still repelling the water like I just put it on last week. The leather on these boots is the best I've ever seen💚

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Both

[@steveonaga]

Hmm so nicks has gone and made their own version of oberrnpaoufs

[@nicksboots]

@@steveonaga Nope! It is Obenaufs : )

[@senseored]

The wax/grease tastes better but it's easier to drink the oil.

[@nicksboots]

😂😂😂

[@praveenhegde8107]

😂😂😂

[@benkrunk]

This is the best comment

[@Pete…NoNotThatOne]

The grease goes well on toast.

[@TonySop]

The oil will keep you feeling full for longer surprisingly.

[@JimKiralfy]

When I'm waxing my beard I like to use a heat gun to really get the wax in there. Sure, the burns are horrendous, but nobody's looking at your face when you're wearing a pair of Nick's anyway.

[@duybear4023]

:-D

[@Kingfisher1215]

Hipster

[@nicolasbourget4163]

I preeat my oven to 150°, turn it of and I put the boots in the oven for a 15minutes really ease the apply of vison grease/wax . I put them after applying and working it . It make the leather more soft as well as the product more penetrating . Really gets into the stiching . I HATE to have wet feet in the morning and do all the work day in it ... I never got wet feet since I do that.

[@Herbster41]

Fair enough.🤔

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

Rebranded Obenauf's if anyone's wondering.

[@OFFICIALUND]

Came here to see if anyone had said this.

[@troyfarmer8778]

This prolly just obenofs with there name on it like come on that’s copy writes right there @obenofs

[@RyTrapp0]

@@troyfarmer8778 ...or it's a just white label product offered by Obenaufs

[@brendandyer3579]

Loving all your consistent uploads recently. It really helps bridge the gap of waiting for my boots to be made 😂😄

[@HassRanch]

Bro. Same here. I got my size confirmation a couple weeks ago now I’m just waiting for my try on pair to show up

[@brendandyer3579]

@@HassRanch Haha yeah I know how you feel. Even waiting for the try on boots has me excited

[@MRTEE-sy7sb]

I use both products. If I do a deep clean, I brush scrub with a stiff toothbrush/saddle soap and water. Wiping the boot dry as I go. Once clean and just damp, I will do a LIGHT oiling. Also, put a little oil on your hand and rub it around the inside of the boot as well, not much tho. Then I coat with the wax, 1-2 thin coats. Hit the welt and heel heavier. Whatever is left on my hands I rub onto the laces. DO NOT over apply on the laces, they WILL become too soft, stretch and eventually break.

[@Thaskateguy]

Never treat a dirty boot with anything. You will only work the dirt into the pores of the Leather along with what ever agent you are applying. Oiling dirty boots is not a good idea for long term leather condition. Always clean your boots with some type of leather cleaner such as saddle soap, then wipe them off with a clean cloth to remove any grime the Saddle soap has floated to the surface, pryor to applying anything else. Thank You

[@ricker76er]

Great advice!

[@utubekebs]

I don't even have Nicks boot.. I just like watching Grant haha. One day I will get one.

[@philiphooper2295]

Good to see you having more fun with these videos

[@nicksboots]

Glad you like them!

[@mar91942]

I just used the oil. It was super easy to apply. Now the boots get to sit and let it soak in good

[@AndreyMynka]

That cleared it up so well! 😁

[@nicksboots]

Glad it helped!

[@michaelmurray2592]

I sure would like to see the “Overlanders” in BLACK!

[@HelloThere-dp9cr]

nicksboots.com/overlander-boot-black/

[@wsmoran]

They got it in black now, just launched

[@wsmoran]

I wanna get it in Walnut

[@ericrichardson3332]

I would say oil for really dry leather allow it to soak in and then use the grease over the oiled boot. Also, buff it off afterward/ work into the leather

[@ThomasSteed]

Grease and a heat gun is my go to. I still haven't used the Obenaufs oil.

[@bobsmith-ji2uh]

I think nicks grease is obenaufs rebranded. Though I’m not sure.

[@ThomasSteed]

Yeah, I'd be willing to bet you Grant's revenue off this video you're right. They probably have an exclusive branding contract.

[@chardy114]

I use the oil on my belt and things I really want to be soft. My boots and wallet always get the grease.

[@DangerousDaedric]

Y’all are my dream boots!

[@figsaregood]

It's just Obenaufs, right?

[@johnready630]

yes , rebranded for Nick's.

[@GregariousAntithesis]

Hubbards shoe grease. Part bees wax, pine tar, rosin and tallow.

[@EQ9962]

I use the grease. Keeps my boots protected when traveling for work and working in the field. Living in a desert the grease keeps my boots hydrated. Like you said though, too much and the dust and debris clings to the boots. Lesson learned the hard way. Question, and request for a video, how do you recommend we clean boots? What is your process?

[@ThomasSteed]

Step 1. get a brush that is stiff enough to clean, but soft enough to not scratch up the leather. Step 2. brush boot of loose debris. Step 3. lightly dampen a cotten wash cloth, and wipe sufrace gunk off and, damp brush the stubborn spots. Step 3(subsection A. (Optional)). Use saddle soap. Step 4. Let boots dry!!!! soggy boots seem to stretch and feel sloppy to me when they dry, if you wear them wet. Step 5. Review this video, and condition your leather.... All of it. Even your work gloves. trust me. Conditioning my gloves extended the life by 6 months on my last pair. (i tested against an identical pair I did no conditioning too).

[@jriv5040]

Man, that looks a lot like obenaufs. With nick on the front.

[@nathanmccrary87]

That’s because it is.

[@Yelladog78]

Foggy Mountain Bear Guard is the best stuff I've found

[@mikeeeeee555]

This looks like re-packaged Obenauf's lol

[@colinw2104]

Sure does look a lot like Obenaufs boot products under a different name 😏

[@thomaslindroos1667]

So basically if you work in a wet environment, use wax/grease and in dry dusty environment, use oil

[@mikeczyz]

your videos are great. thank you for making them!

[@nicksboots]

Glad you like them!

[@Trooper738]

Best way to apply these products is; Sunday’s watching the New York Giants lose but make sure you have a few cold beers to help you concentrate! Every three months clean your boots a oil/grease the boots, once again have your favorite beverage on hand!! Nicks boots are the greats boots to own so take care of them and they will take care of you!!!!

[@Devin_Stromgren]

I'm a big fan of Huberd's myself.

[@mashed-out]

Mine are soaked in gear lube and grease...you dig?

[@nitina8564]

This certainly is helpful information. Thanks 👍

[@JayyBird93]

Grant! What are your thoughts on SnowSeal?

[@flailhail]

What would you use for gor-tex lined leather boots ?

[@joewhite6613]

Isn't your wax and oil just rebranded obenaufs?

[@nicksboots]

It is!

[@Condor1970]

How do you clean the inside of the boot when it eventually becomes saturated with sweat, which contains salts that dries out the insoles to cause cracking.

[@mattleonard5268]

My opinion is oil soaks in easier and doesn’t make clumps in hard to reach areas. Wax gives more water proofing and more shine.

[@TAGhostman968]

Are these just Nick's branded obinoffs?

[@mamabear9389]

I wonder how the grease compares to Smith’s leather balm. Smith’s is very forthright about their ingredients. Not seeing the specific ingredients listed on the Obenhauf products although they say it contains bees wax and no toxic chemicals.

[@MIIIB]

I use both but towards more with the oil since my environment it's 9-10 montha with hot weather(South Texas). Winter a light application of wax. I use light applications of wax in other boots as well.

[@nicksboots]

Solid!

[@FarmerSarducci]

What I do is oil for the rough out and the grease for the smooth leather.

[@metallitech]

I oil mine with PVC cement.

[@stevenroche9874]

I will have to try that ! I hear it is the BEST conditioner and waterproofer !

[@jakesshopandtracktalk1835]

When I was in the Navy I was always blacking my boots in. Sometimes shining them. Now, I hear everything from oil every week to wait until they’re screaming for it. I know that the answer isn’t the same for everybody. Some people probably do need to oil them every week and some people don’t. I keep the edges blacked in. They need that once a week just me not everybody probably has time for that and it wouldn’t last an hour in some environments anyway. But I don’t know how often to actually treat the leather. Wait until it’s that green color that black boots will get or whatever?

[@nicholasmapes]

Im looking for a product that wont darken my 1964 brown too much, as the color is just absolutely beautiful, and i don't want to darken any more than necessary

[@Beardman56]

Bick 4 is the best for non darkening conditioning

[@drewgrob9791]

what would be good to use working underground in a coal mine trying to make mine last long as possible

[@Nordic_Sky]

I like the oil, but a little goes a long way. It's easy to over-apply.

[@sy_ta_nm101]

I don't apply oil on Tan teton leather. oil might change the leather color darker.

[@Eli5047]

Is this not obenaufs with Nicks name on it?

[@edwardwalters1607]

Are you supposed to oil around the eyelets?

[@TariqAbdul12]

Does it help breaking in new boots to apply Saphir renovateur on veg tan leather right out of the box?

[@ThomasSteed]

How bad does tan teton darken when doing conditioning, and/or waxing rough out and smooth? I can't seem to find any images, and is there another conditioning product you recommend for lighter leathers specifically?

[@davidwyby]

So - desert = oil…not wax? Thanks

[@Juos10kustu]

i just bought a hardened leather jacket from 80s. is it ok to use parafin oil to soften it out ?

[@cozmicblade4410]

which should you use on your casual summer boots so your feet dont get too sweaty? also which one darkens your lighter colord leathers more?

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

They both darken pretty bad. Great for the leather though. Disregarding darkening, probably the best conditioner on the market.

[@wsmoran]

For casual, I use Saphir products. Renovateur for most, Oiled Leather Cream for Chromexcel. Oiled Leather Cream will not darken. Renovateur can darken depending on how dry the boot is, but tends to lighten back up after time. If you need something that absolutely won't darken, Venetian Shoe Cream is good and is made in USA (Saphir is made in France)

[@labucisto7892]

"made right here in the United States" - all I needed to hear.

[@luisbarrera5740]

What would you recommend for waxy suede boots? I'm considering either the oregon trail boot wax which doesn't require a heat source (I live in Texas so it's not necessary), or the otter wax bar.

[@darrenwall5439]

Awesome 💚 What belt are you wearing please Grant? Very cool all the best

[@ThomasSteed]

Ok Grant! I've got one for ya, I remember the Nomadic INK dude (who must rolls his boots in drywall dust or something), saying something about people who's feet stink and sweat lathering up their feet to condition the inside of the boot...... Can you confirm or deny the effectiveness of this.

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Something wrong with that guy.

[@AdRock]

How about treating the inside of the boot or the sole on occasion?

[@nicksboots]

Great idea. You can use a bit of oil or grease on a rag.

[@imissyoumom7644]

Nick I respect your professional opinion, I bought a very nice pair of nacona cowboy boots for work. I drive semi trucks which I find cowboy boots the best for, I also daily walk through deep saw dust, and used horse stall shavings which are saturated with horse urine and manure. How would you treat my boots? The truck has a powerful air compressor which allows me to spray my boots off as soon as I’m done out side the cab work which usually only lasts around 10 mins at the most. I want them to last! Or is it a lost cause and should I buy some beater boots for work…..?

[@hunterdka]

Grease

[@nodieusa]

What about the heritage boots? Oil, wax or saphir oiled leather cream?

[@wsmoran]

I use Saphir Renovateur on mine, unless they are Chromexcel, in which case I use Saphir Oiled Leather Cream. Granted my heritage boots aren't Nick's. I'll stick with Obenaufs (or Nick's, which is the same product) for my work boots, both Nick's and old Danners

[@garrettmeadows2273]

I have a pair of waxed suede Allen Edmonds wingtips. Should I use saddle soap to clean them first, then the wax?

[@troyfarmer8778]

Yes

[@thayne559]

What do you condition roughout 1964 leather with without darkening it?

[@valerieramirez3496]

Any advice on how to condition a new rough out saddle?! Seat, seat jockey, and fenders are rough out. I'd really appreciate any advice!!!

[@stevenroche9874]

Use Nicks Leather Oil on rough out leather.

[@OgreKingMongrel]

Question if you can, is this good on Chromexcel?

[@garypitzer8729]

Couldn't I just clean my boots, put A coat of oil on them and follow up with A coat of grease A few hours after the oil?

[@Totemparadox]

If you don't over do it, sure.

[@bobhabsolute4995]

What do you use when you do not want to darken your light color leather boots?

[@yearginclarke]

Are you talking about work boots? If so, it shouldn't matter.

[@stevenroche9874]

Use Bick 4 or Lexol Neatsfoot Tack Conditioner.

[@bobhabsolute4995]

@@stevenroche9874 Thanks

[@stevenroche9874]

@@bobhabsolute4995 You're welcome, Bob. I have a lot of experience with leather care if you have anymore questions.

[@bobhabsolute4995]

@@stevenroche9874 Thank you for the offer. That is an old post, so I went for Saphir Renovateur. It’s very good but very expensive. So I welcome your suggestions and may even take advantage of your offer. What I realize is that good products not only extend the life of your boots but also extend the period in between treatments. I use Fiebing’s yellow saddle soap before my conditioner. It’s nice to have a soap that is not removing all oils from the leather before treatment. Now that I think of it, I do have a question. I get black marks on the back of my heel from the rubber mat of my standard car. I like patina, but I would like to diminish those marks without destroying the leather with hard chemicals or scuffing it with a brush with hard bristles. Do you have an idea? (It’s vegetal tan leather)

[@flipflat4814]

😳 "When I'm in my yard and I'm around a lot of dust and dirt, I'm usually going to take an air compressor blow my boots off and apply the oil to where I need it" 😔. Blowing your boots off with air, isn't a substitute for proper cleaning before you add the boot oil to your footwear. Please don't just blow your boots off with air or brush them off, clean them the proper way.

[@billchesser1475]

What is your opinion about saddle soap for cleaning boots?

[@nicksboots]

Saddle soap is our choice for cleaning boots, if you watch any of our cleaning guides we always use saddle soap there!)

[@UnkleDavo]

Looks like Obenaufs

[@duybear4023]

Less is more. I learned that it's easy to over love and overdo.

[@gavinsmith9900]

Can I use a coat of oil and then grease

[@stevenroche9874]

Yes, that is the best way and then heat the treated boots with a hairdryer and rub it in thoroughly with your hand.

[@ubiquitouspanda4466]

if you wanted to waterproof your boots, would you add the beeswax before or after the products in the video?

[@raffikkiz]

Both products have beeswax in them

[@stevenroche9874]

Beeswax as final product.

[@johna.w.2922]

Before applying 1 of these products, is it ok to clean the leather with saddle soap?

[@AlexanderMason1]

Yes. As a matter of fact, you SHOULD clean the boots first and saddle soap is an excellent cleaner.

[@roelgarza3870]

Use regular cooking oil

[@nlibby.268]

I ordered the 1964 brown, will the wax change the color??? I can’t wait to get my builder pros!!!!

[@elsa_g]

They've got another video on this channel going over their leathers including the 1964 where they show you what the leather looks like when you rub in the grease.

[@nlibby.268]

I have my Builder pros for 3 months now and I’ve greased them twice. Love these boots and they look real nice beat up and after a cleaning and greasing.

[@Jooknow]

Is that obenaufs?

[@johnnyhorizon8368]

Bought some Obenauf’s that was private labeled for Nicks in 1999.

[@CyclingSasquatch]

I can smell this video.

[@chevyon37s]

Black background, black shirt, black products you’re trying to display.... his head looks like it’s floating!

[@Hildr]

What do you recommend to bring back to normal a dry nubuck? 🤔

[@darrenwall5439]

Meindl conditioner & proofer is excellent for nubuck, it's water based too. Rub in with a toothbrush and let to dry, really good job💚

[@TheStevester2]

I use a suade cleaner from Amazon. It's a light detergent soap. I rinse the boots exterior with water, scrub with a soft nylon brush to get the suds going. Then wipe clean with a damp rag. Allow the boots to dry overnight, then fluff the knap with a soft wire brush. Then apply a VERY light amount of grease to a horse hair brush and briskly brush it on the boot. Gotta be careful with rough out leather and boot grease, it can very easily cause irreversible darkening. Tedious work, but I enjoy it.

[@Hildr]

Thank you for your response! I will look it up 👍🏻

[@stevenroche9874]

Use Saphir Médaille d'Or Renovateur Suede and Nubuck spray if you do not want to darken the nubuck. It is available in neutral and colors. If you do not mind a slightly darker and richer color, I would use Saphir Médaille d'Or Renovateur in the glass jar. Both products are available from Amazon and elsewhere.

[@crisismcnoodle]

Ok I'm no Einstein but don't these look suspiciously like obenaufs?

[@nicksboots]

You're onto something!

[@crisismcnoodle]

@@nicksboots 🤫

[@StolenAlias]

Those boots need a rebuild.

[@nicksboots]

Sure do!

[@Pawsforreal]

Looks same as Obenauf boot oil

[@axmajpayne]

It is. It's just rebranded for Nick's.

[@drgreenthumb808]

“Relatively clean” before applying grease and oil?! Yikes… grinding a grease/oil/dirt sludge deep into your leather is a great way to drastically shorten its lifespan. Please, please clean your boots first

[@Totemparadox]

Yes, relatively. Stop being so dramatic.

[@karlmadsen3179]

Beeswax. Only and always.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Not really. Just clean them properly and melt mineral oil with candlewax, rub it in, hit it with a hairdryer. Let sweat do the rest. Seriously nobody needs to spend 30 bucks on a tiny can of something worth 1 dollar.

[@richardcorti3921]

Oil

[@Thaskateguy]

"Leather Conditioners" that are to "Soften leather," do so by breaking down the Natural Fibers of the Leather. Older Leathers are already having their Fibers break down naturally. Adding more Softener will just accelerate that natural aging process.

[@_Hound_]

What would you recommend?

[@Totemparadox]

That's false. It's more like spaghetti. When dry they're brittle and break, when wet they're soft and bendy.

[@Totemparadox]

@@_Hound_ Ignore him.

[@stevenroche9874]

Conditioners lubricate leather fibers, they do not break them down.

[@HeritageCast]

Im changing to 100% tallow and 100% beeswax. I dont buy this plant and synthetics oil is safe on boots idea... Doesnt make sense...

[@user-ln2up8ti5m]

自分の肌には石油製品は塗りたくはない。

[@adminadmin9997]

Can you really use this on your beard?