Boot protection ?

[lpcjon2]

Ok this may seam weird. I have size 15.5 feet, and when I buy boots they are expensive!(due to size). I just got a pair of tan work boots that I want to wear out and about as well as doing some field hunting. I need them to stay somewhat clean and waterproof protected.

  What is available that will keep some of the water and dirt off, and wont ruin the color.I may be pipe dreaming.

[Alexander Traditional]

I've always used Lexol,but as far as the color goes I don't know. It seems to make the leather darker,but is good for keeping the leather crack free and flexible.

[lpcjon2]

I have a bottle of that, I may try it. Thanks

[widow sax]

Revivx air dry it is truly amazing as a waterproofing and it does not change color of leather that I could tell. I got mine at Gander Mountain one can will do a pair of boots with several coats easy.    Widow

[RecurveRookie]

I like mink oil the best for leather boots.  It will darken the leather (probably a lot for light colors)and protect from moisture.

[stickandstring]

I warm my boots in the oven then apply snow seal. Its primarily beeswax and works well to protect and waterproof the leather.

[Hummer3T]

toilet ring wax <$1.00 but will change color, so like won't work for you.  If you decide to try, I use a heat gun to apply.  protects the leather and nothing water proofs better.

[Countcoup43]

Sno seal here as well. does darken some leather a bit.
I have done the oven trick as well as used a hair dryer for about the same effect. Opens pores of leather and melts beeswax into it.
Sno seal has some petroleum base mixed in it which I think helps drive it into leather but seems really odor free about 24 hours in.
I have also used it to waterproof regular cotton ballcaps as well.Just rub it in good. kinda makes a Tincloth out of it!!

[pukwana]

X2 on the mink oil.  I also like to warm them up before applying, the leather will take it better.

[Buranurra]

Originally posted by stickandstring:
I warm my boots in the oven then apply snow seal. Its primarily beeswax and works well to protect and waterproof the leather.

THis is exactly what I do, I have a pair of 20 year old scarpa boots that are still going strong.

[Jake Fr]

I use grizzly greese it will.darkin leather but clams to be barnyardacid and commercial acid proof I put it on and place boots on boot dryer works good so far and water just beads off

[Brazos]

I use snow seal.  Rub it on and set out in the sun.  Will darken leather but everyone who sees it asks how I achieved the color.  May try the toilet ring wax though.  Sounds good.

[DamselflyFarm]

I, too, use Snowseal. I heat the boots in the sun, apply Snowseal, then leave the boots out in the sun to soak. Works well. A lot of guys here seem to use the Montana Pitch Blend and say it works better than Snowseal, but I've not used it yet.

[gnihsifnamk]

another easy thing to do is buy a pair of boot rubbers to protect the bottom few inches, makes a big difference in snowy slushy wet weather, especially on the east coast with our crazy salt use. plus you can pull em off when you go inside and still have clean boots

[heydeerman]

Originally posted by Hummer3T:
toilet ring wax <$1.00 but will change color, so like won't work for you.  If you decide to try, I use a heat gun to apply.  protects the leather and nothing water proofs better.

This aint no lie. If you coat your boots real good, seams and all, you can stand in water and your socks wont get wet.

[Rick Richard]

This stuff is great...Obenaufs

"Obenauf's Heavy Duty Leather Preservative (LP) is the most durable protection available. Originally developed for the severe conditions endured by wildland firefighters, LP protects, preserves, and restores boots, saddles, motorcycle leathers, tool pouches, gloves, baseball mitts, and more. It is especially useful for any leather that gets worked hard and is regularly exposed to harsh environments.

Three natural oils are suspended in Beeswax and Propolis. In the leather these oils gradually seep out of the Beeswax/Propolis suspension formula. If exposed to heat or flexing the oils are released faster so leather gets oiled instead of parched and cracked. This Beeswax/Propolis* Suspension Formula provides a time release lubrication to inner fibers while the surface is reinforced against scuffing, and the leather still breathes."

[lpcjon2]

Thanks for all the good info, i have some research to do.  

[Running Buck]

I have had the best luck with montana pitch blend

[mossyoakpenn]

All this advice is great but I think you may be pipe dreaming.  Ive never had any luck with keeping a pair of hunting boots clean, especially if they are lighter colored.  But, I believe a pair of boots look a million times better with some wear and tear on em.  Give em a good coat with any of the above mentioned products and watch the boots age gracefully.  Good luck to ya!

[Kevin Hansen]

Originally posted by Rick Richard:
[qb] This stuff is great...Obenaufs

AGREED!!! The best I have ever found.