Caring for your Chippewa boots without darkening them

[CoolNickname]

I'm wondering what is your opinion on how to take care of these boots without darkening the color. I live where it rarely rains and never snows so those conditions will rarely be applicable to me. However, I would still like to protect them so they can last. By the way, the picture below doesn't do these boots justice because they are so much nicer in person. The cordovan color makes these boots look very sharp.


http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/...noPopUp=true&gclid=CIulgfm-3roCFSEV7AodcXoAtQ

I was recommended to use Lexol and Obenauf, but I was told that Obenauf would make the leather darker. I really like the color as is and want to minimize any darkening if possible.

A response from Chippewa on how to care for the boots was the following: "For oil treated leathers, we recommend the use of a cream based conditioner, such as Apache Cream, to maintain the moisture in the leather. To water resist these boots, the use of Aqua Seal or Snow Seal as well as Welt Seal is recommended, depending on the conditions the boots are being subjected to."

I have also heard of Nikwax being a good product, but not sure which method would darken less or none at all. What is your opinion of these products? If they all equally darken, I'm willing to go with the best product to preserve my boots as much as possible.​

 

[theBlar]

You haven't had any replys after 3 months, but you must have figured something out by now. I'm in the same boat, and I wanted know what has worked best for you.

 

[direstrats220]

I typically just use Venetian Cream on my boots. A good brushing and some Venetian cream goes a long way in keeping the boots clean and conditioned.

 

[CoolNickname]

You haven't had any replys after 3 months, but you must have figured something out by now. I'm in the same boat, and I wanted know what has worked best for you.

I used the leather dressing from the link below. It did not darken my boots. Call this number (800) 728-0970 and ask for Kevin (owner) if you want more advice. He is very helpful!

I put it on before wearing my boots (although he felt it wasn't necessary). I brush them with a horse hair brush after every use and haven't needed to treat them again yet.

http://www.montanapitchblend.com/

 

[whipstitch]

I used Saddle Soap.