• Hi, I am the owner and main administrator of Styleforum. If you find the forum useful and fun, please help support it by buying through the posted links on the forum. Our main, very popular sales thread, where the latest and best sales are listed, are posted HERE

    Purchases made through some of our links earns a commission for the forum and allows us to do the work of maintaining and improving it. Finally, thanks for being a part of this community. We realize that there are many choices today on the internet, and we have all of you to thank for making Styleforum the foremost destination for discussions of menswear.
  • This site contains affiliate links for which Styleforum may be compensated.
  • We would like to welcome House of Huntington as an official Affiliate Vendor. Shop past season Drake's, Nigel Cabourn, Private White V.C. and other menswear luxury brands at exceptional prices below retail. Please visit the Houise of Huntington thread and welcome them to the forum.

  • STYLE. COMMUNITY. GREAT CLOTHING.

    Bored of counting likes on social networks? At Styleforum, you’ll find rousing discussions that go beyond strings of emojis.

    Click Here to join Styleforum's thousands of style enthusiasts today!

    Styleforum is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

The Original Chippewa Heritage Boot Line

CoolNickname

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2012
Messages
70
Reaction score
1
Hi all,

Not sure where to post but I thought here was better than starting a new thread as its about the heritage line, although not the service boot.

I have just purchased the 6" CRAZY HORSE PLAIN TOE WEDGE (http://www.chippewaboots.com/footwear/original/general-utility/1901M18/ )

My question is with regard to proper care of the boot. I want to look after these boots properly and have years of life in them. How do I do this? Do I need to apply a leather conditioner? how often? I don't want to really change the colour or finish of the leather, just keep the oil in so they don't age prematurely. I seen the product Meltonian cream and Obenaufs heavy duty LP thrown around in forums (such as this) but I'm not sure if they relevant for this boot and leather type, as I remember seeing somewhere that this is to be treated like a suede.

Any info on products I should buy, how to use and how often to use them would be appreciated :) thanks guys

I use the leather dressing from here. It did not darken my boots, although I have the service boot in the cordovan color. Call this number (800) 728-0970 and ask for Kevin (owner). He is very helpful, and will tell you whether his product or another will meet your needs. Make sure to send him a link of your boots.

http://www.montanapitchblend.com/
 

Sad Panda

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2013
Messages
42
Reaction score
7
Th
I use the leather dressing from here.  It did not darken my boots, although I have the service boot in the cordovan color.  Call this number (800) 728-0970 and ask for Kevin (owner).  He is very helpful, and will tell you whether his product or another will meet your needs.  Make sure to send him a link of your boots.

http://www.montanapitchblend.com/
thanks for your help & advice! Appreciate the link! I've checked out the link but I don't think they sell products for suede and I believe these boots should be treated like suede. (I've since contacted chippewa). I'm learning a bit more but it seems you don't really need to condition suede other than initial protection and cleaning as needed. I thought all leather would lose oils and need regular conditioning? Must be a diff leather to the service boot? Cheers
 

Reginald Bartholomew

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2010
Messages
500
Reaction score
520
Anyone know if the wedge sole plain toe oxfords fit the standard Chippewa sizing? I'm a 9.5 in Kathadins, should I aim for a 9.5 in these?
 

linafelt

Distinguished Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2012
Messages
2,134
Reaction score
933
Forgo the mink oil and buy some obenauf's LP or Montana Pitch Blend. Hell, even Sno-Seal. You want beeswax in your boot dressing.

I won't pretend to be an expert on the chemistry of boot oils, but I have used lots over the years on various boots. Obenauf's and Snoseal are pretty heavy and will darken the boot significantly right off the bat. If you plan to walk in snow or slush for hours on end day after day, then you probably want Snoseal. But for normal wear, I found yearly Mink Oil or so to work quite well with this leather. I know there are some questions about long term stitching rot or something, but I have to think that's overstated. It's what my grandfather and father used on their boots, which lasted forever. And again, my Chippewas lasted over 10 years with it.

But again, I would say not to treat them right away (unless you are headed out into some intense weather), but wear for a year or more and let the patina begin to develop naturally. The boots will look "new" for a while, but short cuts to a quick patina are to be avoided I think.

Just my experience...
 

Sad Panda

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2013
Messages
42
Reaction score
7
Thanks Roguls, but this treatment isn't for a suede or nubuc type of leather is it? I have since contacted Chippewa themselves and they said to treat the crazy horse plain toe wedge as you would suede.
 

Sad Panda

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2013
Messages
42
Reaction score
7
For anyone interested in what Chippewa said about how to care for the 6" CRAZY HORSE PLAIN TOE WEDGE (http://www.chippewaboots.com/footwear/original/general-utility/1901M18/ ) their reply is below:

"For Nubuc or nap leathers such as 1901M18, we recommend that you treat this as you would suede. Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove the loose dirt. Then clean the boot with a cleaner recommended for suede. Also, it is recommended that this type of leather be treated with a water resisting treatment made specifically for suede".

cheers for all help and advice :)
 

Roguls

Distinguished Member
Joined
Nov 27, 2009
Messages
1,492
Reaction score
209

For anyone interested in what Chippewa said about how to care for the 6" CRAZY HORSE PLAIN TOE WEDGE (http://www.chippewaboots.com/footwear/original/general-utility/1901M18/ ) their reply is below:

"For Nubuc or nap leathers such as 1901M18, we recommend that you treat this as you would suede. Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove the loose dirt. Then clean the boot with a cleaner recommended for suede. Also, it is recommended that this type of leather be treated with a water resisting treatment made specifically for suede".

cheers for all help and advice :)


Obenauf's and Sno-Seal will darken the leather, but will lighten over time. The treatment is called "dubbin". Both products are far superior to Mink oil and work with pretty much all leathers. Please research Crane's posts on the Wolverine 1000 Mile thread. Sno-Seal, Montana Pitch Blend and Obenauf's have anti-bacterial properties, which is key to hide health. The key is the beeswax.
 

Sad Panda

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2013
Messages
42
Reaction score
7
Obenauf's and Sno-Seal will darken the leather, but will lighten over time. The treatment is called "dubbin". Both products are far superior to Mink oil and work with pretty much all leathers. Please research Crane's posts on the Wolverine 1000 Mile thread. Sno-Seal, Montana Pitch Blend and Obenauf's have anti-bacterial properties, which is key to hide health. The key is the beeswax.

Cheers Roguls! So just to confirm, do you recommend I treat these crazy horse Plain toe Chippewa's with Obenauf's heavy duty LP before I wear them even though Chippewa said to teat them like suede because they are a nubuc / nap leather? (They just arrived today). I will only wear them for street use, not in snow or mud or rain (beyond normal rain if it starts raining when I'm wearing them).

I have purchased this product (~~ http://www.ebay.com/itm/310724314161?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649) and was assuming just to use the water repellent on them only.

I had a look at the wolverine 100 mile thread, but it seems like there's a few threads? is this the thread you are referring to? http://www.styleforum.net/t/205531/wolverine-721ltd-shell-cordovan-1000-mile-boot-review/15 I noticed Crane mentions to not use on suede though? "I use boot oil and snoseal in combination with each other. After 35 years of dealing with top grain/bridle leather and Shell Cordovan it seems this combination works the best when it comes to keeping the leather supple and water proofed. Oh and do not do this to suede!!! It will destroy it."

Thanks for your advice
 

matthewh

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2013
Messages
67
Reaction score
17
Cheers Roguls! So just to confirm, do you recommend I treat these crazy horse Plain toe Chippewa's with Obenauf's heavy duty LP before I wear them even though Chippewa said to teat them like suede because they are a nubuc / nap leather? (They just arrived today). I will only wear them for street use, not in snow or mud or rain (beyond normal rain if it starts raining when I'm wearing them).

I have purchased this product (~~ http://www.ebay.com/itm/310724314161?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649) and was assuming just to use the water repellent on them only.

I had a look at the wolverine 100 mile thread, but it seems like there's a few threads? is this the thread you are referring to? http://www.styleforum.net/t/205531/wolverine-721ltd-shell-cordovan-1000-mile-boot-review/15 I noticed Crane mentions to not use on suede though? "I use boot oil and snoseal in combination with each other. After 35 years of dealing with top grain/bridle leather and Shell Cordovan it seems this combination works the best when it comes to keeping the leather supple and water proofed. Oh and do not do this to suede!!! It will destroy it."

Thanks for your advice

You may want to look thru the thread for the Katahdin Iron Works boots. (http://www.styleforum.net/t/144358/calling-all-llbean-katahdin-iron-works-boots-owners ). The Katahdins are made by Chippewa and have a similar leather. There's lots of good photos in that thread which show how the leather reacts to different treatments. Both Obenauf's LP and Sno-Seal are good products for waterproofing but they will change the look and texture of the Crazy Horse leather. Some people are ok with that. I have a pair and Katahdins and tested a small area with Obenauf's but didn't like the result. It takes away the textured look of the leather and darkens it. I've had good results using Bick 4. Its a conditioner that seems to provide a little water resistance but doesn't affect the look of the leather. My boots see mixed urban and outdoor use but no snow / backcountry stuff. My feet have stayed dry thru rain and damp conditions. The leather is not waterproof, it looks wet when it gets wet, but it dries and doesn't soak thru.
 

linafelt

Distinguished Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2012
Messages
2,134
Reaction score
933
For fun here's a pic of my pre-Katahdin Chippewa engineer boots, next to Oak Street boots and Vibergs. The other two are pretty new in this pic, but the Chippewas are over 10 years old, with lots of wear, though not especially hard wear.



They started out much lighter than this, and as I've said for probably a couple of years I used no oil or treatment at all, and they developed a nice long term patina. Then mink oil once a year or so, or whenever I thought they needed waterproofing. As you can see, they look great even after a decade.

I would second the thought that Obenauf's and Sno sneal are not necessary for these, unless you really are getting them wet and muddy all the time. And they absolutely will darken the leather a lot right off the bat. I would also not worry about preventative waterproofing for casual wear. This is a tough leather that will stand up to the elements and clean up well if you get caught.

Also, I would not worry about treating them "like suede." This simply is not suede and is not as delicate as that.

Anyway, we all have opinions...!
 

matthewh

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2013
Messages
67
Reaction score
17
FWIW, here's my first Chippewa boots. My dad bought these for me when I was a teen, circa 1980.



These boots saw 15-20 years of pretty much only outdoor use and abuse, hardly any pavement. Beside cleaning, about once a year I treated them with Mink Oil. The Mink Oil made them kind of soft over time and was never really great for waterproofing. I don't use Mink Oil any more, but these have lasted and the Mink Oil did a decent job of preserving them.

They're a great pair of boots, just too small for me now. I don't think Chippewa makes anything like this anymore though. These are fully leather lined. Chippewa does still use the same brass hooks on some of there boots.
 

Sad Panda

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2013
Messages
42
Reaction score
7
You may want to look thru the thread for the Katahdin Iron Works boots. (http://www.styleforum.net/t/144358/calling-all-llbean-katahdin-iron-works-boots-owners ). The Katahdins are made by Chippewa and have a similar leather. There's lots of good photos in that thread which show how the leather reacts to different treatments. Both Obenauf's LP and Sno-Seal are good products for waterproofing but they will change the look and texture of the Crazy Horse leather. Some people are ok with that. I have a pair and Katahdins and tested a small area with Obenauf's but didn't like the result. It takes away the textured look of the leather and darkens it. I've had good results using Bick 4. Its a conditioner that seems to provide a little water resistance but doesn't affect the look of the leather. My boots see mixed urban and outdoor use but no snow / backcountry stuff. My feet have stayed dry thru rain and damp conditions. The leather is not waterproof, it looks wet when it gets wet, but it dries and doesn't soak thru.

Thanks a lot Mathewh! Yeah a good thread, thanks. Unfortunately, quite a few of the older images have been removed but good info there for sure!. The Katahdin is pretty much the service boot yeah? Is crazy horse a colour or type of leather?

Yeah, I don't really want to change the look and texture of the crazy horse leather. I love the look as it is. I don't need to do any major waterproofing either as its a urban boot to wear with denim. Sounds like we have similar needs, aesthetic and usage.

Would you use the Bick 4 on my crazy horse plain toe wedge's when new and before 1st wear? or just as needed every year or so? I love that it doesn't effect the look of the leather! I just want the leather to last and not dry out. Any opinion of the Obenauf's Leather Oil? http://www.amazon.com/Obenaufs-Leat...UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1B7M9EQGNCLQA#productDetails

Out of interest, do you have the same boots as me, or just a chipp's fan from way back :)
 

Sad Panda

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2013
Messages
42
Reaction score
7
For fun here's a pic of my pre-Katahdin Chippewa engineer boots, next to Oak Street boots and Vibergs. The other two are pretty new in this pic, but the Chippewas are over 10 years old, with lots of wear, though not especially hard wear.



They started out much lighter than this, and as I've said for probably a couple of years I used no oil or treatment at all, and they developed a nice long term patina. Then mink oil once a year or so, or whenever I thought they needed waterproofing. As you can see, they look great even after a decade.

I would second the thought that Obenauf's and Sno sneal are not necessary for these, unless you really are getting them wet and muddy all the time. And they absolutely will darken the leather a lot right off the bat. I would also not worry about preventative waterproofing for casual wear. This is a tough leather that will stand up to the elements and clean up well if you get caught.

Also, I would not worry about treating them "like suede." This simply is not suede and is not as delicate as that.

Anyway, we all have opinions...!
Thanks Linafelt! appreciate your help! Nice boot collection BTW :) Yeah, thanks for your thoughts. I agree I don't need sno seal or Obenaufs LP for what I'll be using them for.

Yeah, it does seem strange to treat them like suede since them seem nothing like suede (although I guess a bit different to the leather on shoes I'm used to). Since I already own the suede water repellent, should I still use it before I wear them or do you think it will change the look too?

Yeah, there's lots of different opinions on this subject. Also seems there's a bit of art to it all based on aesthetic taste and experience. Makes it quite confusing if you're new to it but are the kind of person who likes to learn a lot and do it right. Appreciate your opinion :) cheers!
 

Featured Sponsor

How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?

  • Definitely full canvas only

    Votes: 45 40.5%
  • Half canvas is fine

    Votes: 44 39.6%
  • Really don't care

    Votes: 5 4.5%
  • Depends on fabric

    Votes: 18 16.2%
  • Depends on price

    Votes: 25 22.5%

Staff online

Forum statistics

Threads
504,422
Messages
10,573,936
Members
223,687
Latest member
corcelleglauru
Top