Red Wing Care

titaniumbolt · Sep 22, 2009

Just picked up a pair of 6" Red Wing Iron Rangers (Amber, 8111) from the Heritage Line. I know that people have a lot of different tips and personal preferences for the care of these types of boots and was wondering if I could get some advice as to the best way to care for these...

What should I be doing on a daily/weekly/monthly/etc. basis to ensure that these boots are well-cared for?

randob300 · Sep 22, 2009

Originally Posted by titaniumbolt

Just picked up a pair of 6" Red Wing Iron Rangers (Amber, 8111) from the Heritage Line. I know that people have a lot of different tips and personal preferences for the care of these types of boots and was wondering if I could get some advice as to the best way to care for these...

What should I be doing on a daily/weekly/monthly/etc. basis to ensure that these boots are well-cared for?

I recommend starting with Obenauf LP. Other choices to protect would be Sno-seal or Pecards. Personally, I avoid mink oil (correct me if I'm wrong, but Red Wing suggests using just that) because of its uber-softening qualities.

Once you get a couple of nice coats of LP, I would just wipe down with a damp cloth if they get too dirty and reapply LP if needed. They don't really need to be babied like dress shoes.

Wes Bourne · Sep 22, 2009

Originally Posted by randob300

I recommend starting with Obenauf LP. Other choices to protect would be Sno-seal or Pecards. Personally, I avoid mink oil (correct me if I'm wrong, but Red Wing suggests using just that) because of its uber-softening qualities.

Once you get a couple of nice coats of LP, I would just wipe down with a damp cloth if they get too dirty and reapply LP if needed. They don't really need to be babied like dress shoes.

Definitely avoid mink oil as it breaks down the leather over time and tends to oversoften the leather almost immediately.

^ +1 On not babying them like dress shoes.

Get a jar of Sno Seal, it's by far the best waterproofing product I've ever used. I apply a thin coat and melt it into the pores by moving a hair dryer briskly over the entire surface of the boots instead of baking them in the oven as indicated on the jar. Let cool, then wipe off excess. You can apply a 2nd coat if you want. Repeat treatment once or twice a year depending on how often you wear your boots.

Wipe them down with a rag when you walk in from the rain or snow. Aside from that, a pair of shoe trees will help them keep their shape.

countdemoney · Sep 22, 2009

Redwings are fantastic boots, enjoy your purchase. Apply mink oil. Seal with one of the silicone leather waterproofing products. Would typically re-apply mink oil and sealant every 3-6 months, and especially before and after winter. Additional applications depending on the amount of exposure.

Have had to replace soles, but rarely leather.

titaniumbolt · Sep 22, 2009

Thanks for all the helpful replies so far, keep them coming...

And yeah, I'm really loving these boots.

acidboy · Sep 23, 2009

I don't have access to Obenauf nor Sno-seal here, but the Red Wing leather cream I bought are fine with me.

titaniumbolt · Sep 23, 2009

Originally Posted by acidicboy

I don't have access to Obenauf nor Sno-seal here, but the Red Wing leather cream I bought are fine with me.

1) How often do you use the cream?
2) Do you also have the amber?

titaniumbolt · Sep 24, 2009

Any other suggestions for the amber finish?

mystillwater · Dec 6, 2009

i've got a new pair of Rugged Classics and i want to get them prepped for winter.

has anyone tried Kiwi Camp Dry "Beeswax Waterproofer"? it says it's "for all smooth leathers"... just don't want to ruin a great pair of boots.

Christobevii3 · Dec 7, 2009

Beeswax will usually make your leather quite a bit darker (think doc martens). So I wouldn't use it on them unless you want your leather to be darker. It usually takes a day or two for the greesy look to go away from it too.

upnorth · Dec 7, 2009

Originally Posted by acidicboy

I don't have access to Obenauf nor Sno-seal here, but the Red Wing leather cream I bought are fine with me.

Did the red wing cream significantly darken the leather? Mine is the original tan color and I just couldn't bear to see that color darken irreversibly by applying any cream or obenauf.

mystillwater · Dec 7, 2009

ordered some Obenauf's LP. thanks for the tips!!

acidboy · Dec 8, 2009

Originally Posted by upnorth

Did the red wing cream significantly darken the leather? Mine is the original tan color and I just couldn't bear to see that color darken irreversibly by applying any cream or obenauf.

no they didn't

supastylin · Feb 7, 2010

how do i delete my own post

supastylin · Feb 7, 2010

Originally Posted by acidboy

I don't have access to Obenauf nor Sno-seal here, but the Red Wing leather cream I bought are fine with me.
I just want to know whether Dubbin or Kiwi weatherproofing products are recommended? I went with the Dubbin as I also did not have access to Obenauf/Sno-Seal, however Wikipedia says Dubbin contains tallow which eats away the stitching, hence it says to pay special attention to stitching on the container. I have read from several sources the best choices are Obenauf's LP or Sno-Seal Beeswax as oil products (including the Red Wing products) ruin the leather and stitching over time. P.S. I wear GT's

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