Who's got walking boots then?

[SSS]

Last month I took the plunge and bought some Lowa Tibet Pro GTX boots on a friends recommendation. I'm after some info on the best way to keep the leather looking well and stop it cracking over time. I realise that Ive not had them long and they probably dont need anything just yet, but I figure if I look after them from day 1, they should last a lifetime.

I've heard about using hand cream to keep the life in leather, and using beeswax to proof the leather from water.

So, what do you use to look after your boots and most importantly, the gore-tex lining?

[Blunderbuss]

I've tried all sorts in the past, sno-seal, neatsfoot oil, etc. The trouble is, oils and creams which keep the leather supple can block the micro pores in the Goretex. Don't use dubbin as it can rot the stitching. I use Nickwax, as it's specially designed for Goretex lined walking boots. Also, every now and then (once or twice a year, depending on how much you use them), give them a wash inside using pure soap flakes or liquid (not detergent). When they get wet, never dry them by a fire or on a radiator.

[clakk]

renapor its a wax but with various add ins used it on bike gear for 20 years now to me its the dogs dangles but i also kno peeps various that swear by nickwax like blundabust .renapor sold at most shows and online nickwax every outdoors shop flogs atb clakk

[SSS]

Since I have had them, theyve been on my feet everyday simply because theyre so comfortable. I reckon I will wear them everyday until its warm and dry again (if that ever happens)!

When I first had them, the water used to bead on the leather and just run off, but it seems to soak into the leather now theyre broken in. My feet never get wet inside, Im just worrying about ruining the gore-tex

Nikwax is something I have seen and heard a lot about but Ive never heard of renapor. Maybe thats a good thing though?

[washerboy]

Yep nixwax

[Fatcatsplat]

With modern boots i wouldn't bother as the sole will go well before the leather does.

[MM]

http://www.viovet.co.uk/Non-Prescription_Medicines-Horses-Gold_Label-Gold_Label_Leather_Care-Gold_Label_Dubbin/c119_116_11777_12282_12201/category.html?quick_find=135633&gclid=CI7P3dH1sbQCFebLtAodrBEA8A

[Alex C]

I use some stuff from Meindl. Cleans proofs and keeps the leather fed.

[mudpatten]

I`m intrigued by the comment that dubbin rots the stitching.

 

I`ve used it without any such problems for over thirty years on numerous pairs of leather boots, in none of which has the stitching rotted. Especially since nowadays few manufacturers actually use a thread made from natural fibres. They are almost all synthetic and pretty much impervious to everything.

[washerboy]

i just bought these

so at that money if they last a yr or 18 months its no too bad

so far they are 100 % waterproof

 

 

http://www.sportsdirect.com/merrell-norsehund-omega-mid-mens-walking-boots-143037

[figgy]

I have Altberg boots and use the Ledergris they recommend.

 

Figgy

[Scully]

I`m intrigued by the comment that dubbin rots the stitching.

I`ve used it without any such problems for over thirty years on numerous pairs of leather boots, in none of which has the stitching rotted.

Must say I haven't come across this either,have used all sorts of stuff on the different boots I've worn over the years,including lots of dubbing,but have never found rotten stitching.

Have seen Mouflons with split leather and bits hanging off but wearer said his feet were still dry as the gore-tex lining was still intact!My mouflons split also after a while(but it was the leather which split,not rotted stitching),long before the soles wore out,and I tend to wear boots a LOT.

Best pair I ever had were Canadian Matterhorn gore-tex boots.Had them re-soled three times ove the twelve years I had them,and they were worn on a daily basis.I used nothing but Neats foot oil on them.Tend to mostly use dubbin nowadays,mostly because I can plaster it on and work it well in.

[sandspider]

I`m intrigued by the comment that dubbin rots the stitching.

 

I`ve used it without any such problems for over thirty years on numerous pairs of leather boots, in none of which has the stitching rotted. Especially since nowadays few manufacturers actually use a thread made from natural fibres. They are almost all synthetic and pretty much impervious to everything.

 

+1. Dubbined my boots for the past 10 years, and they're dry as a bone inside, the leather is nourished and the stitching looks fine. (They don't have a goretex liner though).

[matone]

Another dubbin user here ! Never had a problem with stitching,it`s usually the sole units that let go

with me.

[SSS]

A few things to look at then really. Realistically, how long will I be looking at the boots lasting? At nearly 200 quid, Im hoping to be writing them into my will!

[MM]

i end up buying a new pair every 18 months due to the sole going. mine get hammered though.

[SSS]

Cheers Mate. Im told the soles are easily replaceable on these. Hopefully the soles go before anything else really!