Leather Conditioner for Boots & Shoes: How to Care for Leather Footwear
Leather Conditioner for Boots & Shoes
How to Care for Leather Footwear
A good pair of leather boots, shoes or trainers can last for years, but footwear has to put up with a lot. Every step flexes the leather, while rain, mud, dirt and changing temperatures can all gradually leave it looking dry or feeling less supple.
Using a leather conditioner for boots and shoes when the leather needs it helps maintain its flexibility, restore its appearance and protect it from everyday wear. The same principles also apply to smooth leather trainers, provided the material is suitable for conditioning.
Here we look at how to tell when your leather footwear needs conditioning, how often to do it and the best way to apply leather conditioner.
Want to know more about leather conditioner and how it works?
Read our complete Guide to Leather Conditioner.
Why Do Leather Boots and Shoes Need Conditioning?
Leather footwear is constantly flexing as you walk. Add exposure to rain, mud, dust and repeated changes between wet and dry conditions, and it is easy to see why boots, shoes and leather trainers can begin to show signs of dryness over time.
As leather loses some of its natural oils, it can become dull, stiff and less flexible. Creases may become more pronounced and, if leather is allowed to become excessively dry, cracking can eventually occur.
Conditioning helps replenish the leather and maintain its suppleness, while a conditioner containing protective waxes can also help guard the surface against moisture and everyday wear.
How Do You Know When Your Boots Need Conditioning?
Rather than conditioning leather boots and shoes according to a strict timetable, the condition of the leather itself is usually the best guide.
Look for signs such as:
- Leather beginning to look dry or dull
- A stiffer feel than usual
- Dry-looking areas around creases and flex points
- Leather becoming lighter in certain areas
- Moisture being absorbed more readily into the surface
Boots worn regularly outdoors will naturally need more attention than smart leather shoes that only come out occasionally. Smooth leather trainers worn regularly can also benefit from conditioning, particularly around areas that repeatedly flex as you walk.
How Often Should You Condition Leather Boots and Shoes?
How often you should condition leather footwear depends on how frequently it is worn and the conditions it is exposed to.
Boots, shoes and leather trainers in regular use will benefit from periodic care to help keep the leather conditioned, polished and protected, particularly when exposed to rain, mud and regular outdoor wear.
Even footwear stored away can gather dust, while warm or dry conditions can gradually affect the leather and its protective finish. So it is still worth giving occasionally worn footwear some attention from time to time.
The condition of the leather is the best guide. If it begins to look dull, feel dry or lose its protective finish, apply a light coat of Renapur Leather Balsam.
A little love goes a long way.
How to Condition Leather Boots, Shoes and Trainers
Looking after your leather footwear does not need to take long. Renapur Leather Balsam is quick and easy to apply, making it simple to give your boots, shoes or leather trainers a little care as you head out the door.
1. Clean the leather
Remove any loose dirt, dust or dried mud before applying Renapur Leather Balsam.
If your footwear needs a deeper clean, use Renapur Leather Cleaner Spray first and allow the leather to dry naturally before conditioning.
2. Always patch test
Before treating the whole item, test Renapur Leather Balsam on a small, inconspicuous area first, particularly with lighter-coloured or more absorbent leather.
Conditioning can darken some leather, so this allows you to check that you are happy with the result.
3. Apply Renapur Leather Balsam
Lightly wipe the application sponge across the surface of the balsam, then wipe the sponge against the side of the pot to remove any excess. A little goes a long way.
Use the sponge to work the leather conditioner evenly into the leather, making sure you cover the whole surface.
4. Ready to go!
Your leather footwear is now conditioned, polished and protected, with no need to wait for Renapur Leather Balsam to dry. Your boots, shoes or trainers are ready to wear straight away.
Good to know
If you accidentally apply too much Renapur Leather Balsam, there is no need to worry. Simply buff away any excess with a clean, dry cloth.
Renapur Leather Balsam is suitable for many types of smooth leather, but should not be used on suede, nubuck or fully aniline leather. If you are unsure about your particular leather, always check the manufacturer's care instructions and test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
What types of footwear can you use leather conditioner on?
Renapur Leather Balsam can be used to condition and protect a wide range of smooth leather footwear, including everyday shoes, fashion boots, walking boots, riding boots and suitable leather trainers.
It is particularly useful for footwear that is regularly exposed to everyday wear, changing weather and repeated flexing, helping to keep the leather supple and looking its best.
Always check the footwear manufacturer’s care instructions first if you are unsure about the type of leather.
What Should You Look for in a Leather Conditioner?
For leather footwear, a good conditioner should help keep the leather supple and cared for, while providing protection against the everyday wear your shoes and boots are exposed to.
This is where the combination of oils and waxes in Renapur Leather Balsam comes into its own. Jojoba and avocado oils help condition the leather, while beeswax and carnauba wax help polish and leave a protective finish on the surface.
The result is one simple treatment that conditions, polishes and protects, rather than adding several different stages to your shoe care routine.
Trusted for over 30 years, Renapur is used by leading footwear brands including Fairfax & Favor and Vivobarefoot, as well as customers around the world caring for everything from everyday shoes and trainers to much-loved leather boots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leather Conditioner for Shoes and Boots
Can you use leather conditioner on leather shoes?
Yes. A suitable leather conditioner can help keep leather shoes supple, maintain their appearance and provide protection from everyday wear. Renapur Leather Balsam conditions, polishes and helps protect suitable smooth leather in one simple application.
Can you use leather conditioner on boots?
Yes. Renapur Leather Balsam can be used on many types of smooth leather boots, including fashion boots, walking boots, work boots and riding boots. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions and patch test first.
Can you use leather conditioner on leather trainers?
Yes, provided the trainers are made from a suitable smooth leather. Many trainers combine leather with other materials such as suede, nubuck, fabric or mesh, so Renapur Leather Balsam should only be applied to compatible smooth leather areas. For suede, nubuck and fabric areas, use Renapur Suede & Fabric Protector instead.
How often should you condition leather shoes and boots?
There is no single schedule that suits every pair. Footwear worn regularly or exposed to rain, mud and outdoor conditions may benefit from more frequent care, while occasionally worn footwear may need less. Let the appearance and feel of the leather guide you.
Should you clean leather shoes before conditioning them?
Remove any loose dirt or dust before conditioning. If your footwear needs a deeper clean, use Renapur Leather Cleaner Spray first and allow the leather to dry naturally before applying Renapur Leather Balsam.
Does leather conditioner make shoes waterproof?
Renapur Leather Balsam contains protective waxes that help provide water resistance and protect the leather from the elements, but it does not make footwear completely waterproof. Water can still enter through areas such as stitching, seams and joins, so these should always be considered when assessing how water-resistant a pair of shoes or boots will be.
Can I use leather conditioner on suede or nubuck?
No. Renapur Leather Balsam is designed for suitable smooth leathers and should not be used on suede, nubuck or fully aniline leather. For suede, nubuck and fabric footwear, we recommend Renapur Suede & Fabric Protector instead.
Looking after your favourite leather footwear?
Condition, polish and protect with Renapur Leather Balsam.
Here we look specifically at how to care for leather footwear, how to tell when it needs conditioning and the best way to apply leather conditioner. For more general advice on choosing and using leather conditioner, you can also read our Complete Guide to Leather Conditioner.