Winter boot care?

[126610LN]

New member from Toronto with some rookie questions.

I've mostly worn cheaper sneakers my whole life and bought nice boots this year for a change. Redbacks, Red Wings, RM Williams, Parkhurst veg tan, Nicks veg tan. This will be my first winter with them. I live downtown so sidewalks and asphalt with lots of salt!

I've seen a bunch of youtube boot care videos but I think those guys all live in warmer climates than me. I gather I brush, clean, and condition them and then I can use a leather protector spray at the end. I have Red Wing and Saphir sprays. Will that be enough to prevent my leathers from getting salt stains even the veg tan? Will conditioners and creams be good enough? Do I condition and spray just once before winter? I don't have any mink oils or waxes should I get some of those instead? I'd rather not darken the leather.

I don't mind wearing all of the boots in winter if they won't get damaged if it's just a matter of me brushing them off at the end of each day. If there is a risk of salt stains than I'll just wear the Redbacks since I got those as beaters.

 

[msimon]

Never really understood this kind of mentality, you spend all that money and decide nah they will get used so I will wear cheap shoes instead. Wear those baby's but take care of them without going overboard with waxing and oiling.

I brush after every wear, damp cloth when necessary and wax or oil once a year if needed. That's all you need to do.

Most of those videos in my opinion are over the top and plain right predatory.

And on another note if you have to use spray on winter boots, you got the wrong leather for the right shoe.

 

[rjc149]

A wipe down with a damp cloth and a little bit of boot conditioner prevents salt staining/damage in my experience. No need to overthink it or overdo it.

I would avoid wax on leather boots, as it will seal the pores. You want leather boots to remain breathable.

I don’t wear my leather boots if conditions are going to be very slushy. I will opt for my synthetic Goretex hiking boots for those conditions.

 

[ter1413]

No need to overthink it or overdo it.

+1

 

[Daniel Hakimi]

The main thing to do with salt is to wipe it off when you get indoors.

Rubber soles or topys or metal toe taps might help a little.

Super invulner and a few other things will offer some extra protection, but I'll agree that a little bit of wear isn't always the end of the world, especially if the boot is styled like a classic winter boot. If you want to wear sleek chelseas in the snow and ice, I get your concern, but you might want to avoid doing that instead.

If you really want a hardcore solution, you can consider galoshes, that'll keep your boots safe.

 

[ter1413]

I have 2 pairs of rubber shoe galoshes(low cut). I keep 1 under my desk at the office and 1 at home.

They work wonders protecting my shoes.

 

[bicycleradical]

Galoshes are the way to go to protect your quality shoes from salt and snow.

 

[ter1413]

Mine are from Totes. They do the job very well.

 

[126610LN]

Thanks guys!