How long does it take you to clean and prep your boots?
-
Lilith — 3 weeks ago(March 08, 2026 02:45 AM)
Silly sausage!
I got these new leather boots. They are zero drop and barefoot. This pair is black with a faux fur sherpa-type lining. They have been amazing. Absolutely amazing. They even have helped alleviate some of my back pain and helped my posture. So I ordered a 2nd pair in dark brown (gotta get ready for Spring and Autumn) that have NO lining.
I'm doing my boots with the lining. First, I brush them down and clean them with saddle soap. They have to dry for 6-12 hours. Then I buff them with mink oil, and that takes another 6-12 hours to let the oil seep in and condition the leather. Then after that, I brush wax on them to help keep them water-resistant. Looking for that spit shine!
Remind you of Basic Training?
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith -
Lilith — 3 weeks ago(March 08, 2026 03:27 PM)
It makes the jacket feel lighter? Maybe that's all the dirt that gets wiped off? lol
The last time I used saddle soap was to clean my horses' tack. (I really miss the smell of saddle soap).
When I brushed my boots off, I was surprised at how much dust (and snow and salt stains) were caught in the creases. I'm looking forward to seeing how both pair turn out, nice and shiny and soft! I've never had boots that were this comfortable before, so I want them to last.
I inherited a horse hide bomber jacket (an original one from WWII). That sucker was so heavy!
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith -
MJ66 — 3 weeks ago(March 08, 2026 05:02 PM)
This is what Google comes up with..
A leather jacket often feels lighter after applying mink oil because the treatment significantly increases the flexibility and softness of the leather, reducing the "stiffness" that is often interpreted as weight. While the oil technically adds mass, the improved suppleness makes the jacket feel more pliable and less cumbersome, which is frequently interpreted as "lighter
. -
Lilith — 3 weeks ago(March 08, 2026 05:39 PM)
That makes sense. If it's supple, it's softer and more pliable, easier to drape.
I finished buffing the mink oil into my boots this morning, so by tonight, enough time will pass so that I can wax them and buff them. They're already looking refreshed.
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith -
Lilith — 3 weeks ago(March 10, 2026 11:11 AM)
I just finished the first pair last night, let the wax dry/sink in, and re-laced them. With all the brushing and buffing, that's a lot of work. I've got two more pair of boots to do. How often did you have to do this in Basic? Or if you do it now, how often do you do it? They look gorgeous, deep black and super shiny. Time-consuming, but meditative in a way.
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith -
Cheeky — 3 weeks ago(March 08, 2026 06:23 AM)
Groovy!
Edit- I didn't mean to post yet, I tried to find a pic but there isn't one
If we take the time to see with the heart and not with the mind, we shall see that we are surrounded completely by angels ~ Carlos Santana -
Lilith — 3 weeks ago(March 08, 2026 02:50 AM)
These are the first pair of boots that I have really fallen in love with, and that I know (hope?!) will really last. They are absolutely incredible boots and wonderfully comfortable. I've never gone through all of these steps with my other boots, but I really want to take care of these.
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith