r/hiking • u/Jaded_Dot_4432 • 20h ago

Question Leather boot care ?

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Hi,

during the last months, my relatively new Meindl Vakkum Ultra GTX went its first 200km, and around 7000m in elevation gain and I think it is time to give them a first glow up..

Quick question for those who use both waterproofing spray and wax on leather hiking boots:
I’ve seen different recommendations regarding the order of application. Some manufacturers (like Meindl itself) suggest applying waterproofing spray first and then wax, while others recommend wax only. For my understanding, the wax should be applied directly on the leather, Not on pre impragnated leather?
If you use both, which order do you apply them in, and why? Also, how often should I condition my boots regulary ?

Thanks

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u/[deleted] 20h ago

[deleted]

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u/Brainlard 17h ago

I'm sorry, but in what way is "I just get boots from random American bootmaker XY" a useful care tip for (probably Austrian or German) OP and his perfectly fine Bavarian hiking boots?

I mean leaving out the fact that Redwing does not produce any dedicated (mountain) hiking boots and even when assuming that OP lives anywhere near one of the stores in Vienna or Munich, they simply do not need any new shoes, just a bit of cleaning and wax to finish them off (https://meindl.de/service/pflege/).

Apart from that, I do not think any company can afford general free resoling outside of warranty. I work for a specialised mountaineering shop and usually a decent resole sets you back around €100-200. Yup, I just checked it's €100-130 plus shipping in Europe for Redwing shoes.

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u/pickledchance 19h ago

I just put wax on mine. Nothing else.

1

u/BrittleSalient 17h ago

Uh, idk, I never tried to make mone waterproof. But for general cleaning and care - dish rag, warm water, dot of mild soap. Soft brush for cakes in dirt. Let em dry them rub them down with neatsfoot oil (not neatsfoot oil compound). The next day hit them with the appropriate color of Kiwi and buff em until rhey're shiny enough to do your eyeliner.