How to Oil Dress Boots

Leather boots need oil for protection from cracking and age.

Dress boots, like all leather products, eventually require oiling to prevent cracking and deterioration. Oiling leather is a restorative process, because leather in its pre-manufacture condition naturally contains many oils and fatty acids. These deplete with time and wear, so the goal is essentially to return the leather to its original, supple state. For dress boots that don't require heavy-duty waterproofing, mink oil revitalizes the leather. Derived from the hide of minks and similar in composition to human hair oil, mink oil is often applied to leather by footwear manufacturers during production. Replenishing this natural protectant is accomplished in a few easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• Clean chamois cloths
• Buffing cloth or brush
• Saddle soap or other general leather cleaner (optional)

Instructions

1. Follow manufacturer's directions to clean the boots with saddle soap or other general leather cleaner, if they are dirty. If they don't need cleaning, you can skip this step and focus only on oiling them.

2. Allow the boots to stabilize to room temperature. Don't apply mink oil to boots just brought in from the cold on a winter day.

3. Allow the boots to stand empty for 24 hours after wearing. Leather boots absorb small amounts of perspiration from your feet and should be dry before oiling.

4. Remove the laces from the boots, if they have them.

5. Apply mink oil to the boot leather with a clean chamois cloth. Rub into the leather for at least 15 minutes using round strokes.

6. Wipe away any excess mink oil with another clean chamois cloth.

7. Buff the boots with a soft cloth or buffing brush to restore shine.

References

• Bootdog: Boot Products Demystified
• Mermac Inc: Mermac Mink Oil FAQ
• Ravenswood Leather: Ravenswood Mink Oil Creme Instructions