does mink oil ruin hiking boots?does it make them to soft?
1671811
I'd probably say it will soften and darken the leather. As for ruining the boots, it depends on the type of boots, age, and condition of the leather uppers. If the boots have leather uppers that are worn, scruff, feeling powdery to the touch, then probably not. On the contrary, it might revive the boots and give the leather uppers another year or so--such was the case with my keen hiking boots. If the boots are new and have much of the leather uppers intact, I would say let it be. But I would value the opinions from folks with more hiking experience and those who own more technical hiking boots. hope this info helps. I'd probably say it will soften and darken the leather. As for ruining the boots, it depends on the type of boots, age, and condition of the leather uppers. If the boots have leather uppers that are worn, scruff, feeling powdery to the touch, then probably not. On the contrary, it might revive the boots and give the leather uppers another year or so--such was the case with my keen hiking boots. If the boots are new and have much of the leather uppers intact, I would say let it be. But I would value the opinions from folks with more hiking experience and those who own more technical hiking... » Read More I'd probably say it will soften and darken the leather. As for ruining the boots, it depends on the type of boots, age, and condition of the leather uppers. If the boots have leather uppers that are worn, scruff, feeling powdery to the touch, then probably not. On the contrary, it might revive the boots and give the leather uppers another year or so--such was the case with my keen hiking boots. If the boots are new and have much of the leather uppers intact, I would say let it be. But I would value the opinions from folks with more hiking experience and those who own more technical hiking boots. hope this info helps. « Show Less
1671812
I'd probably say it will soften and darken the leather. As for ruining the boots, it depends on the type of boots, age, and condition of the leather uppers. If the boots have leather uppers that are worn, scruff, feeling powdery to the touch, then probably not. On the contrary, it might revive the boots and give the leather uppers another year or so--such was the case with my keen hiking boots. If the boots are new and have much of the leather uppers intact, I would say let it be. But I would value the opinions from folks with more hiking experience and those who own more technical hiking boots. hope this info helps.
1671813
I've put the oil on 4 pairs of hiking boots and it does make them darker and a little softer. The leather from hiking books tends to soak up a lot more of the oil and I usually re-apply once or twice a year. Benefits would be waterproofing the boots and conditioning the leather which, I assume, will prolong the life of whatever leather you put it on. I'd recommend the product.
747213
I would not recommend mink oil because it tends to soften leather. You might be better off using a leather reconditioning cream. I have used the one made by Lexol with good results in both my car and on a leather couch. It penetrates the leather. You let it absorb and then buff it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
531701
We used peanut oil with no issues, till it stopped working now it just collects a lot of dust, thanks Great Northern!
1031377
I apply the snow seal and then use a hair dryer to warm the leather. Then rub the snow seal into the leather while the boot is still warm. The boots won't absorb 100 percent of the sealer so you will have a greasy looking boot for the first few times you wear them but that will diminish with time. I love this stuff! Keeps your feet DRY inside the boots.
101448
Based on my experience with The Ona leather bag, which is made with thick, supple leather panels which are fitted and sewn together to yield a strong but pleasent looking bag. I recommend applying a coat of Mink Oil (similar to shoe polish in a tin), to the outside of the bag. The mink oil will put a protective sheen on the leather and will make the surface of the leather feel soft. Finally, any fine leather bag which is repeatedly rubbed against abrasive surfaces will, over time, be damaged.
747212
Yes, absolutely. The heat would even help soak in the mink oil. First make sure the leather will not be discoloured by testing it on a low-visibility area. Wipe off the excess with a damp cloth. This is a far better product than Kiwi's mink oil.
1723722
Saddle soap followed by something like neatsfoot oil with help keep the leather pliable and cracking less but nothing will heal them. For cleaning, like to bring back their original color, I've never had much luck.
968056
Never considered that. All use I know of has been for smooth work leather. Email the vendor or Russell Moccasin for guidance. They are both super folks
1104242
You could use it on gloves. It will make the leather very shiny and richer looking.. However, they will be somewhat slick.. If you need to be able to "grip" anything you may encounter a problem. If however the gloves are just for warmth, they will look a lot better after the conditioner is applied.. I bought this product after a motorcycle dealer gave me some sample packlets.. I was amazed at how well this stuff works compared to the mink oil I have been using for years.. And not near as messy. I have only used this Bick 4 on black leather.. If your gloves are another color, I don't really know what kind of results you will get.. For the price, its a real good bargain. You would find many uses for it if you have other leather products.
1717213
Not greasy at all. used it on natural finished leather shoes that don't have the thick waxy coat of most leather shoes. Mink oil is very greasy and leaves a residue on my leather boots that also makes them look darker. The Lexol oil left my shoes looking just like they did before I applied the product.
248266
NO! This is a conditioner only for the uppers of your boots. I suppose it could be used on the solses, but it is the consistency of honey. It may cause slipping on wet surfaces. Once dried. I suppose it would not hurt, but be prepared to get residue on rugs and flooring. John Kozel
756837
This doesn't contain silicone. If you google "mink oil Fiebing MSDS", you can find the MSDS, it states 5-15% mink oil.
762360
Yes, Sno-Seal will darken he surface of lighter leather. I used it on a pair of Columbia hiking boots I had just purchased, which were not a light brown, but a medium dark brown, and they were a noticeably darker after I coated them with Sno-Seal. I liked the look, but you need to be aware it will darken.
640990
We had the same gritty residue you are describing and we quit using Ecover because of it. Our Amazon review is at http://www.amazon.com/review/R2O17SE90E3ZKW/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
930702
Nothing, that's just the appearance right after oiling. Let them dry overnight and where your boots for a week, they will look just fine after a 3-4 days.
2188095
Hi Stuart. I would say, yes. I can't imagine any reaction being caused by the lube. I bought it to use on the plastic guides of the cable-lacing system of my Red Wing boots. So, it acts as a buffer between hard plastic and soft plastic cable coating. It's a great product. No more sqeeky boots. I hope that was helpful.Best wishes.Steve.
79250
Like others said. Rub it in with bare hands. No extra heat source is needed. It will make your hands feel good too like they just had a lotion bath. I usually let the boots rest for a while and then apply a 2nd coat. Clean the excess off with a clean shoe brush and/or buffing cloth. The boots might retain a waxy/oily feel to them which will go away over time.