RUINED? How To Fix Over Conditioned Leather Boots

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  • Опубліковано 19 гру 2020
  • Can you fix over conditioned, over oiled, over treated boots? The answer is yes, and you likely already have everything you need! Over saturating leather with conditioners and the like is just as bad as not treating them at all. In this video I show you how to reset your boots to (close to) their original condition. Thanks to Smiths All Natural for showing me this technique!
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    Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 316

  • @aidenlin9878
    @aidenlin9878 3 роки тому +292

    somebody send this to Nick at stridewise so he can finally lighten his iron rangers lmao

  • @drzaius844
    @drzaius844 3 роки тому +58

    The Red Wing clerk recommended mink oil for conditioning my IRs, 6 years ago when I bought mine. It darkens the leather, for sure, but I don’t mind. I actually didn’t even think about it until I saw videos about it this year LOL. I used mine very hard for the first 5 years, every day, on my motorcycle and on job sites with a lot of drywall dust, which sucks the moisture out of leather. I really like the patina that has developed on my pair, but sure, they do not resemble new Amber Harness boots anymore. But they are in great condition and still protect my feet, and are old-school comfortable. I’m just gonna keep using mink oil LOL Thanks for the video Karl-

  • @repairdrive
    @repairdrive 3 роки тому +29

    Channels like this are exactly why I no longer watch over the air, cable tv or subscription apps. This s is EXACTLY what I want to watch, when I want to watch it and the perfect length. 👍

  • @chrisk3739
    @chrisk3739 2 роки тому +36

    For something a little less aggressive, sawdust seems to do a great job at pulling out excess oils. Found that my Chippewas were noticeably drier and lighter after doing a little post-hurricane tree work. I kept them heavily oiled with Huberd’s since I wanted them water resistant for hiking.

    • @jesseryan4053
      @jesseryan4053 8 місяців тому +2

      I agree, any type of chainsaw/treework seems to dry work boots out faster than anything with the exception of maybe concrete work. I also use Huberds on all my boots, stuff is amazing. If you use the original grease, try the liquid oil kind, I’ve gotten same results and easier to work with.

  • @JohnDoe-df2zz
    @JohnDoe-df2zz 3 роки тому +5

    Nice hints because I've always been worried about changing the color of my boots when I condition them. I like to keep the supple and water resistant, but I don't want to destroy the color that I purchased them in, especially when I buy light colored leather products. Let Smiths know that the video worked, I already purchased some of their balm to test it out. Thanks!

  • @cowboycody8094
    @cowboycody8094 3 роки тому +22

    Thank you. Everyone talks about how to condition leather but not many people talk about how to know when to condition boots or when the are over conditioned.

  • @mbob67
    @mbob67 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for this. For some reason I got care instructions that said to condition every 1-2 months and I finally got my boots back to the color I loved when I got them. No longer dark dark brown.

  • @zach7269
    @zach7269 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks Carl! I've wanted to restore two different sets of boots now and now I know how. Love how manufacturers will recommend a conditioner that always ruins the color...

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому +3

      I know right? I think they're going with what they can sell rather than what the tannery recommends.

  • @xxflamezxx1able
    @xxflamezxx1able 3 роки тому +2

    I got smiths leathers balm because of you. Love this stuff.

  • @Doc.Holiday
    @Doc.Holiday Рік тому +5

    I give new boots a super condition with Obenaufs LP. It softens em up for a less painful break in. Then, I wear them until they appear a little dry and the color lightens up, then lube em up again. Rainy, snow wet season, I use Snow Seal. Easy, peezy. Can’t get too technical with this stuff…

  • @gmg921
    @gmg921 3 роки тому +8

    I'm glad you are getting more sponsors and this time around a really useful one. Seeing your channel growing is really great and I'm excited to what you will make videos on in the further. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!

  • @-M-A-B-
    @-M-A-B- 3 роки тому +25

    I had a mishap with a bottle of liquid mink oil on my left Red Wing 875, and this video quite literally, saved my pair of boots. THANK YOU!

    • @heflar
      @heflar 9 місяців тому

      yooooo same here!! that's why i'm here! i somehow softened up the heel so much that it felt loose after having mink oil on it, so i'm thinking i'm going to try this and hopefully they stiffen up again.

    • @xoversa
      @xoversa 5 місяців тому +1

      @@heflar literally have the same thing going on, the right heel feels completely loose where it was perfectly fine yesterday, at first I thought it was a manufacturer's defect but now I think I over conditioned the leather

    • @heflar
      @heflar 5 місяців тому

      @@xoversa I think mine have tightened up a little over time! I have been using a different leather conditioner on it the doc Martin's stuff and it's been fine.

  • @RichPocsiJr
    @RichPocsiJr 3 роки тому +3

    Glad you did this video... finally received my Nicks Falcons and the recommend Smiths.. naturally I’m researching and you post this video! Thank you for the perfect timing

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому +2

      Great to hear! I must have sensed your Falcons...

    • @RichPocsiJr
      @RichPocsiJr 3 роки тому

      The boot force must be strong with you.. lol.. I emailed the pics over to you like I said I would.. Happy Holidays to you and the family

  • @DG-qq6gz
    @DG-qq6gz 3 роки тому +7

    Thank you for taking one for the team.

  • @briandunivent
    @briandunivent 3 роки тому +4

    Very informative, thanks!

  • @xxthadinkxx1344
    @xxthadinkxx1344 Рік тому

    This trick worked like a charm. I used dawn as my soap just make sure to not overdue it. You’ll be able to see all the oils and product lift from the leather.

  • @danielrgusa
    @danielrgusa Рік тому

    I know this is an old video, but I just did this to my first pair of JK boots that I had gone a little too crazy piling up. Worked wonders.

  • @Sams911
    @Sams911 2 роки тому +6

    I use Saphier Renovator both on the outside and inside of all my boots.... literally the best conditioner I've ever seen.

  • @mikesmusicden
    @mikesmusicden Рік тому +2

    That's how we used to strip our boots in the Army. A warm bathtub with dishwashing soap, let them sit in the soapy water for a few hours then scrub, and let dry. Good quality leather can take a lot of abuse and most oil-based products can be removed with minimal or no harm to the leather. Currently, I have two pair of Iron Rangers that I condition about twice a year. I don't care so much about color change, but for people that do it's an easy fix. Good video - thanks for posting it!

  • @geaagr
    @geaagr 3 роки тому +2

    Smart guy you´re Carl.Good video man. Thank´s

  • @fifteen8
    @fifteen8 10 місяців тому

    Great vid. I darkened my Thorogood Roofers and lost that beautiful reddish brown color. Will try this once the Smith's arrives!

  • @HARMAN7777
    @HARMAN7777 Рік тому

    I picked up a second hand pair of Redwing 875's and used dawn powerwash and it worked perfectly then reconditioned them.

  • @Camelwho
    @Camelwho 4 місяці тому +1

    I have a ten year old pair of 1907s that I had way over conditioned with Herdeg's Shoe Grease. They were practically black. I have so far done two rounds in the sink with Dawn dish detergent. I think I'm going to try one more time. They are already back to a medium dark brown and seem to be getting closer. Of course I'm resisting the temptation to treat them again! Stand by for updates.

  • @Daveyboy919
    @Daveyboy919 2 місяці тому +1

    I just did that to my boots. Thanks for the tip

  • @nodieusa
    @nodieusa 3 роки тому +6

    Those are probably the best looking iron rangers I've ever seen!

  • @trbennett4038
    @trbennett4038 3 роки тому +9

    Makes a good beard balm as well, not kidding the same ingredients in that are used in beard balms because they work just as well hydrating and conditioning living skinas well as protecting it from the harsh elements. Only difference is beard balm usually uses essential oils for fragrance

  • @Lawdagreat
    @Lawdagreat 3 роки тому

    Man I’m loving that resole!

  • @journeymanturdpolisher1692
    @journeymanturdpolisher1692 3 роки тому +3

    I condition my boots that I wear every day (I beat the hell out of them at work) about twice a month but I also clean them with saddle soap prior to doing so. My other boots that I wear casually, I just do it as needed

  • @flightsimguy1483
    @flightsimguy1483 Рік тому

    I overoiled my danner mountain horween Rios with huberds, let them sit in oil for a year and a half practically, amazing color and finish... They are past past the severe overconditioning, they feel amazing and the leather holds up to near daily chemicals and solvents hitting the leather. I recommend it for certain cases, only issue is the boots freeze solid, and they sweat in the sun.

  • @diego750
    @diego750 6 місяців тому

    Lifesaver, thanks Carl

  • @rubencruz2486
    @rubencruz2486 3 роки тому

    i used a finger nail brush, works great to get in all the nooks and crannies.

  • @massiliaGore
    @massiliaGore Рік тому

    Hello , great video ! I noticed the DrSole half sole supergrip and heel ! Great too :)

  • @thisoldwatch9944
    @thisoldwatch9944 Рік тому

    Thanks for the video. I bought my first pair of RW IR and I work around bags of concrete… never fails some always bust and just cover my boots. I clean them almost daily because I had always wondered what the dry concrete powder will do to my leather. I never use conditioner just a damp cloth ?

  • @TheChazas
    @TheChazas 2 роки тому +2

    Question for conditioning Leather Jacket which is lamb leather. Was quite dry, used a very light coat of Aussie Leather Conditioner by Fiebing's, which worked very well before on many leathers, but this time after a day letting it sit, it came out with quite a big matte finish and kind of waxy feel even though it does not seem to be over conditioned or leaving any oily marks.
    Did I use wrong product on lamb leather? Should I try polish or wax it, warm it and wipe or polish, or simply wait a bit longer to see if it changes?
    Any suggestion are welcome, Thank you!

  • @JackOfAllThreatsMasterOfNone
    @JackOfAllThreatsMasterOfNone 3 роки тому +20

    That overcondition process, with every type of oils and creams the market has to offer, gave me an heart attack

  • @jakesshopandtracktalk1835
    @jakesshopandtracktalk1835 2 роки тому +5

    Carl, I don’t know if you will see this, it’s an older video. Okay, I was in the Navy for 20 years. Pretty much every night I hit my boots with some kiwi black. Anyway fast forward to now, I bought a pair of Nicks Builder Pro steel toes and I have heard everything from oil them every week to wait until they’re screaming for it. I wear them 5 days a week, 40 to 70 hours. I know that they’re designed for guys that consider that a part time job. I work indoors hard surfaces lots of exposure to hydraulic fluid, oil, occasional gasoline etc. I have been brushing them with a nylon brush including the tongue, dressing the edges every week and a very light coat of oil every 2 weeks. Today I scrubbed them and put some nicks boot grease on them. They’re 5 months old, I hadn’t put any of that on them yet. Am I overdoing it? I don’t want to love my boots to death. After 20 years in GI boots one of the first things I did upon retirement was buy a GOOD pair of work boots. Thanks for any help.

  • @ljohnston5457
    @ljohnston5457 3 роки тому +7

    Another reviewer @KimballCody did this to his Iron Rangers a few years ago and all the leather experts creeped out of the woodwork.
    Some of the most hilarious comments I ever read. I do this to my boots once every 6 months and it works great. Thanks for the video.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому

      Much appreciated!

    • @johnwen8810
      @johnwen8810 3 роки тому +2

      Yeah, but cody also suggests standing in a bucket of water as a means of breaking in new boots...let's just say "old school" doesn't always mean "best school."...hah..

    • @ljohnston5457
      @ljohnston5457 3 роки тому

      @@johnwen8810 yeah a tub full of water works better lol

    • @johnwen8810
      @johnwen8810 3 роки тому +1

      Climb into a tub of water? Well, I guess you're trying to break in new boots and wash a brand new pair of selvedge jeans at the same time...the ol' killin' two birds kinda thing....

    • @ljohnston5457
      @ljohnston5457 3 роки тому +2

      @@johnwen8810 lol nah I’ve only had to soak a pair of engineers one time in the tub and walk them dry. That was one pair of boots that I never could tame no matter what I did so I gave them away. I usually do it the hard way for hunting, work or casual boots. Thankfully most boots only take a couple hours.

  • @UncleSamsDeplorable
    @UncleSamsDeplorable 3 місяці тому

    Im about to put heavy duty lp on my ir hawthornes. I like the look of them when roughout gets dark

  • @richardrichmond8006
    @richardrichmond8006 6 місяців тому

    Nice video, and thank you.

  • @Freedom89984
    @Freedom89984 2 роки тому +4

    Update, Red Wing boots lose their color rather quickly, so if you go too hard on them with soap and hard brush, they will never be the same again, and you get a difference in color between the left and the right boot. I’ve been there, done that. Now I only use a bit of saddle soap and a soft brush for a quick cleaning 2x a year. After that a bit of Bick 4 and if you live in a wet country, you can protect the leather with Nikwax waterproof. The RW stay the same color, nice patina and no oily dark brown boots that can’t breathe.

  • @Fugalkibbles
    @Fugalkibbles 2 роки тому

    I don’t mind the colors darkening, but I cleaned and conditioned for the first time in years and they have the wet look, is it going to mess them up over time or should I not worry about it

  • @phelandeluna5439
    @phelandeluna5439 2 роки тому

    I highly recommend Obenauf's Cleanit and Heavy Duty LP.

  • @enriquemurillo5042
    @enriquemurillo5042 3 роки тому

    Hey Carl! I know this is a lot to ask but do you think you can review the Fison Beartooth camper jacket? Thank you for your time.

  • @dorusie5
    @dorusie5 3 роки тому +3

    I cleaned my iron rangers once with renomat and dishsoap because I had used the wrong conditioner for a long time and the leather was cracking because it didn't do much. Went a bit overboard with the cleaning and then my boots turned yellow when some splashes of water get on there. Really had to grease them up to get rid of that behavior... pretty sure I'm doing all kind of things wrong there lol.

  • @classysfrag
    @classysfrag 3 роки тому

    Where did you get that mug? It's 🔥

  • @albetherechillin
    @albetherechillin 2 роки тому

    Thank you

  • @hernandezz4912
    @hernandezz4912 3 роки тому +4

    I’ve wanted a tin of Smith’s since I’ve seen Parker from Stock & Barrel use it. But instead of ordering a can and waiting for it, I just used some hand salve from Burt’s Bee’s.

  • @hardin308
    @hardin308 Рік тому

    So I have a pair of twisted X boots I’ve tried this with but Im getting this darker and could even say black discoloration. I should also mention that I’m impatient and may or may not have used a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. Could that be what’s causing the discoloration?

  • @apacalyptic1freelancevideo823

    First pair I’m ever conditioning thanx for the warning not to get too crazy on the lotion

  • @roberthall6859
    @roberthall6859 3 роки тому

    Great video. Those look like some good boot laces. What brand are they?

    • @roberthall6859
      @roberthall6859 3 роки тому

      I took enough screenshots to see Mad Dog. Thanks anyway.

  • @boaltjeh
    @boaltjeh 3 роки тому +8

    Very interesting video Carl! Love the stormwelt on these iron rangers!
    Is there a specific reason you chose dishsoap over saddlesoap? Or is it because everyone has some dishsoap lying around?

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому +9

      I've used saddle soap in the past, and it does a great job of cleaning leather. The dish soap seems to purge all the greases better, plus I like the fact that most people will have this at home already.

    • @randomuser6110
      @randomuser6110 2 роки тому +1

      In general saddle soap is a much milder soap plus a wax or conditioner. It is meant to clean the leather without "drying it out" (striping out oils) too badly. Here you don't want to clean dirt off, you want to strip oils. So the dish soap plus a light conditioner after would give you better results probably.

  • @theigbocheez7771
    @theigbocheez7771 Рік тому

    Quick question, what type of laces did you use?

  • @theHerathrig
    @theHerathrig 2 роки тому

    Am testing out saddle soap. Can saddle soap remove leather creams and conditioners like dish detergent?

  • @freedomsglory1
    @freedomsglory1 3 роки тому +18

    Watches this: “wait, but that’s exactly what I want my leather to do. I like the darker color.”

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому +5

      Well then you’re all set! 👍🏻

    • @freedomsglory1
      @freedomsglory1 3 роки тому +8

      Carl Murawski I didn’t realize that people think that oiled leather look was considered “ruined”.
      But I totally understand now.
      👍

    • @adamdunn5031
      @adamdunn5031 3 роки тому +5

      @@freedomsglory1 I literally buy leather products in tan and end up with dark brown after the first lot of Dubbin. I like the depth of colour it gives you.

    • @freedomsglory1
      @freedomsglory1 3 роки тому +2

      Adam Dunn exactly.
      Leather is such an amazing material.

    • @Freedom89984
      @Freedom89984 3 роки тому +1

      I don’t like these oversaturated oily boots as they lose all those nice properties like breathing and supporting your feet. For me a little mink oil liquid does the job. Because the most Red Wing leathers are oiled from the factory, they only need a little oil 2 times a year. I use my rough and tough moc toes all year long in the rainy climate of western Europe and they never leaked.

  • @MomusFilms
    @MomusFilms 2 роки тому

    How does dish detergent compare to Saddle Soap for pulling out old conditioning/oils/fats?

  • @ex0gen
    @ex0gen Рік тому

    What about saddle soap; how would that work as compared to the method you describe here?

  • @MadelnMachines
    @MadelnMachines Рік тому

    I just got new amber harness red wings and spilled water on them and got 10 darkened bits where the water dropets were despite wiping it as soon as i noticed. How can I get rid of them without darkening the boots? I have lexol leather cleaner and bick 4.

  • @michaelsullivan5195
    @michaelsullivan5195 Рік тому

    any suggestions on over conditioning Ariat turbo slip on waterproof mostly in the desert all day around alot of lawn chemicals so I try to rinse them off daily

  • @thec.tysonsynopsis7280
    @thec.tysonsynopsis7280 3 роки тому

    I have that exact some dr. Soles half sole on a pair of mto renav Goods Co boots 💯

  • @NonLegitNation2
    @NonLegitNation2 6 місяців тому

    I actually didn't know this was a thing until I applied some Bick's HDLP to my boots an hour ago because tomorrow we are supposed to get a light rain/snow mix and I realized the boots were really tacky feeling and seemed to attract dust really easily. Since I'm lazy though I'm not going to wash the conditioner off I'm just going to wear them and the conditioner should over time wear off naturally. At this point though I don't think I'll have to condition my boots for atleast a year.

  • @charlesbronson240
    @charlesbronson240 3 роки тому +1

    I actually just used some Smith’s balm to wax some roughout boots and I basically made homemade waxed flesh.

  • @richardalfaro4933
    @richardalfaro4933 2 роки тому

    How does someone over condition a boot ? Did they condition everyday or what ? And waht about acetone ?.. my ostrich boots don't really get over conditioned their tanned honey brown and black.. but I'm about to get some awesome back cherry camion boots !

  • @holdthatblaow
    @holdthatblaow 3 роки тому +1

    Smiths is good stuff. I just haven't figured out how much to use. Sometimes I'll use it and it leaves no residue the next day. Other times it leaves a waxy coating on for days. Good stuff regardless.

    • @jensrb50
      @jensrb50 3 роки тому +1

      You have to mix the conditioner before using it .If you leave it untouched for a while then the top will have more hard wax than the bottom .It happens to every conditioner .

    • @smithsleatherbalm7544
      @smithsleatherbalm7544 3 роки тому +3

      Hi Miguel! Thanks so much for using our product :) About the residue you experienced: Leather will not absorb beeswax. Instead the wax will form a thin film upon the surface of the leather until you buff it with a rag or a horse hair brush. If you don't have a rag or brush it will buff itself out naturally after a couple days of use. Hope this helps :) Take care!

  • @rorynelson7548
    @rorynelson7548 Рік тому

    Is there more to over conditioning than just looks? My 606s are for straight up work, don't care about looks one bit and I want em to last so I oil the heck out of them with mink oil. Is this bad?

  • @MIIIB
    @MIIIB 3 роки тому +3

    Saddle soap can help but for really deep cleaning notjingt like dish soap. Greasy cutter. A good brushes and the leather will drop everything..... The only thing is to re- condition the leather and let dry slowly in a cool place, hurrying the process can crack the leather. I recommend apply conditioner, with wax base like Saphir Cream and/ or oil and leave them outdoors for 30-45 min (sunny day) to let penetrate any substance deeply.
    PS: I like the resole! However, the heel do not hurt?

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому +3

      Nope! I think they’re better actually

  • @andrewho8891
    @andrewho8891 3 роки тому +1

    Would this work on Iron Rangers that have been overconditioned for years? By that I mean, I have a pair of 6 year old Iron Rangers that have been darkened for years now, ever since I took them into a shop 4 or 5 years ago and they just slathered on the conditioners. I just kind of assumed there was no going back at that point and just accepted that they were going to be super dark and have continued to condition over the years, making them darker. Would doing this lighten them up at all, or do you think the years of conditioning are just way too worked in?

    • @charlesbronson240
      @charlesbronson240 3 роки тому +2

      Yes it’ll work, just might have to do it more than once.

  • @offthegrid2567
    @offthegrid2567 Рік тому

    I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m done scrubbing them out with some dawn. Gonna let them dry. I only have wonder balsam and Bick 4 leather conditioner. Which one should I use?

  • @danielpotter8957
    @danielpotter8957 4 місяці тому

    Best conditioner for redwing copper rough and tough leather? I've read it's a nappa leather.

  • @joshuawray5917
    @joshuawray5917 5 місяців тому

    i like mine oversaturated. with working in the woods mud snow rain etc. its the only way they stay waterproof. i don't know how its bad for them it eventually wears off. good video though. good tips for non work boots

  • @contemporaryprimitiveman3469
    @contemporaryprimitiveman3469 2 роки тому +3

    I overconditioned my right boot when a hydraulic return line blew out and drenched my right leg. Now that boot is almost black and noticeably heavier than my left one. Haven’t had much luck restoring it so far.

    • @markm0000
      @markm0000 Рік тому

      I would soak it in a bucket with dish soap and scrub it every so often. It should get all the oil out within a few days. The leather will dry out extremely brittle so be careful when applying oil and don’t wear them for a few days.

  • @WolfRichter337
    @WolfRichter337 3 роки тому +1

    so what i gathered is that overconditioning only changes the leathers colour and doesen`t actually hurt the boot, right? so if i have black boots for example i can overcondition them as much as i like?

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому

      Well that’s not entirely true. Moisture can weaken the leather somewhat, especially vegetable tanned leather.

  • @Nathan-zw7nq
    @Nathan-zw7nq 4 місяці тому

    I condition my work boots once every 3 months, very light coat of mink oil and a coat of sno seal and I just brush them daily to get the dirt, mud and sand off. I will also wash my work boots with saddle soap once a year to get any motor oil or diesel and gasoline out of them and then immediately give them a condition with the mink oil and let them dry for a 24 hour period before applying sno seal. Casual or dressy boots I only condition once every 6 months as well and do a brushing after everytime I wear them. Seems to work pretty good for me.

  • @learningtobeme5195
    @learningtobeme5195 2 роки тому +10

    I've always used mink oil on my leather boots and cleats. My goal was always waterproofing or to reduce shrinking.
    I couldn't always devote a day of wearing my cleats after a wet game or practice, so I would scrub the grass and mud off each time, slap a generous slather of mink oil on, and wait. After about 5 minutes wipethe excess off and put them on the boot drier until you had to throw them back in your bag on your way to school in the morning. They'd relax and loosen up by the time warm-ups were done and survive the toe box abuse that a proper fitting cleat goes through between muddy days, as well as be supple after 7 or 8 months of sitting in a closet until soccer season rolls around again.
    For my boots, thirsty leather means leaky boots that are quicker to die when fine dirt particles get absorbed into the stitches and seams. Darker leather indicates they aren't thirsty. I found that darkness would fade during the dry months because I wouldn't be doing a weekly scrub of seams and stitching unless they got some kind of nasty on them or I just wanted to spiff them up. In the wet weather they would get hosed daily as needed, cleaned and conditioned on Friday, and maybe some more conditioning on Saturday or Sunday to get a good filling of the grains. I had to catch the bus at the end of a 1/4 mile basalt gravel driveway in the dark while navigating giant puddles most of the school year, barn chores that involved stepping in some kind of poop and urine concoction, and 30 acres of volcanic clay that was exposed all over the place from Thanksgiving until Father's day. Sharp volcanic rock dust, acidic volcanic ash clay, and fecal sludge were what I didn't want settling into my pride and joy yet daily wear Redwings. I mowed so many miles to save up for my first pair of boots and didn't want to destroy them because they were my most comfortable footwear.
    I really struggled in the military to get the kiwi wax polish to keep my boots in good condition. Mink oil is what I wanted to use but we were issued kiwi blackening polish pucks in basic for inspection regulations, I didn't even see my beloved Bee Natural Leathercare mink oil on the shelf in any base exchange my whole time stationed in Japan. Glad I don't need a "mirror shine" on my boots anymore, that was so fussy and boots still weren't water resistant let alone waterproof for basic standing water sweepers.
    For me, "over conditioned" means I've got life resistant footwear that is going to outlive their sole and every other shoe I own.

  • @andrewclark6822
    @andrewclark6822 3 роки тому +1

    Great video! also beard is looking good

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks man!! Winter coat is coming in I think!

    • @andrewclark6822
      @andrewclark6822 3 роки тому

      @@CarlMurawski yeah man I'm growing mine out for the winter as well

  • @rogergirouard
    @rogergirouard 2 місяці тому

    dawn!!
    i put it on and rub it in with my hands , doing it that way sence army 55 years ago

  • @themuscovydrake3786
    @themuscovydrake3786 3 роки тому

    I arranged my space for shooting videos never realizing it looks similar to yours 💀 Great video btw

  • @straycat62
    @straycat62 3 роки тому +1

    Oh I cringed at the purposeful over oiling. ahhh. I bet they were sloppy and squishy with too much oil/lotion. But great video to help people out with this issue. Thumbs up

  • @IdeaStudioBKK
    @IdeaStudioBKK 3 роки тому +25

    This reminds me of when I worked in Telecom and they would give us redwings every year, when I went in one year to pick up a new pair they offered to condition the ones I had on. So i handed them over and they proceeded to mop on a half-gallon of some type of oil they had sitting in a heated pot. the boots went from a reddish-brown to basically black. After that, I always conditioned my boots myself. I should have known better than to trust the hipster kid at the red wing shop.

  • @gmg921
    @gmg921 3 роки тому +3

    Dawn dish soap does really well because it strips oils but it's not a harsh chemical hints using it on penguins and other animals and of course saddle soap will do wonders stripping oil as well.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  3 роки тому

      Absolutely! Saddle soap is great as a cleaner, dish detergent as the degreaser.

    • @JourdanUrbach
      @JourdanUrbach 3 роки тому

      @@CarlMurawski what's the order of operations there bud?

    • @JourdanUrbach
      @JourdanUrbach 3 роки тому

      One more question - my riding boots are sharkskin bottoms and calf uppers. What's your suggested routine for going from "thick mud everywhere" to "ok to leave in the closet for a week"?

    • @jordanbeyer7607
      @jordanbeyer7607 3 роки тому

      @@JourdanUrbach just brush off the heavy dirt. You don't need to wash them every time they get dirty. Just brush to dirt off

    • @JourdanUrbach
      @JourdanUrbach 3 роки тому

      @@jordanbeyer7607 even if it’s heavy caked-on wet mud? It sort of leaves streaks.

  • @mattblair2224
    @mattblair2224 3 роки тому +4

    kitchen sink made my day hahahahaha

  • @bonifaciomagdiwang1697
    @bonifaciomagdiwang1697 3 роки тому

    Hi Carl, what boots is that?

  • @Speedgovernor
    @Speedgovernor 2 роки тому +1

    Besides the looks extreme over conditioning and oiling can start to really ruin your boots because when leather and the whole boots structure get throughly damp with oils it can start to dissolve gluing in sole, toe cup and heel. Great content!

  • @thegrindeveryday9408
    @thegrindeveryday9408 3 роки тому +22

    I honestly like it when my boots darken up.

    • @charlesbronson240
      @charlesbronson240 3 роки тому +1

      Dark=healthy

    • @Sifo_Dyas
      @Sifo_Dyas 3 роки тому +6

      I was wondering myself about the whole premise of this video. He says at the end of the video that "over conditioning" is bad, but why? I personally don't even think there is such a thing.

    • @thegrindeveryday9408
      @thegrindeveryday9408 3 роки тому +2

      @@Sifo_Dyas I have noticed the leather is softer after I condition it and it’s more susceptible to getting gouges and scrapes. But it goes away after a while. I use obenaufs leather conditioner btw.

    • @ThomasSteed
      @ThomasSteed 3 роки тому +1

      I use obenaufs too. My current boots I only use for snow removal and spreading salt. I apply it thin in layers with a heat gun along the bottoms and primarily exposed areas after using vinegar to strip the salt from the leather, and drying them lightly. I find the heat gun gsts the leather to suck up the conditioner and beeswax Im actually supprised how well these Timberland pro boondocks (vibram sole version) have held up. For just over a year and a half of use, and aren't doing to bad. Not as comfortable as some franks or nicks, but Probably could use a resole after next year I'd bet, if it would be worth it, and as long as they can be. If anything I'd like the safty toe cap to be implemented on a higher quality build down the line, If someone would tackle that kind of a rebuild.

    • @thegrindeveryday9408
      @thegrindeveryday9408 3 роки тому

      @@ThomasSteed I might try that vinegar trick. I work in a boiler house so I don’t need a heat gun lol.

  • @Crypt0rkid
    @Crypt0rkid 3 місяці тому

    So is it just about the look or is there damage done to the leather and doesn’t crack or fall apart if over conditioned?

  • @Kman1960
    @Kman1960 2 роки тому

    Have you tried SaddleSoap instead of dishwashing soap ?

  • @chrisodle007
    @chrisodle007 Рік тому

    What’s your reco for waxed flesh boots to restore the waxy look and condition ?

  • @roberttudisco6530
    @roberttudisco6530 Рік тому

    Hey, I am trying this for the first time with a pair of 875s. Ive had them for 5ish years and have conditioned them with mink oil id say 1-2 times per year…so yeah, a lot of conditioning. They were super dark and tacky. I have stripped them with Dawn in the sink 3 times now and they are finally starting to lighten up. However the coloring is a little inconsistent. There are clear dark and light spots. Is there anything I can do to even out the coloring?

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  Рік тому

      Its hard to say. You COULD attempt to spot clean those areas, but the results might be mixed. They also may even out with a good conditioner.

  • @stevenroche9874
    @stevenroche9874 Рік тому +5

    Carl, use a large horsehair dauber and Dawn Platinum to get rid of unwanted conditioners. A stiff nylon bristle brush is very aggressive and unnecessary. Also, you could apply turpentine to a cloth and wipe the boots down prior to washing. This will really strip them. Best regards.

    • @NonLegitNation2
      @NonLegitNation2 6 місяців тому +1

      I think acetone would work well too although tbh it might be too aggressive and take away the color, but I'm not sure.

  • @johnc2802
    @johnc2802 3 роки тому +17

    I have never had this problem. A heavily conditioned boot usually starts to wear out over time and so I never worry about it too much. I have the oxblood leather Iron Ranger though so it could be that that leather colour is more resilient to conditioning.

    • @anonanon7497
      @anonanon7497 Рік тому

      The colour has nothing to do with it.

    • @hazindu
      @hazindu 7 місяців тому

      After working with concrete and getting dust everywhere, I once WAY over conditioned my natural chromeexel trench boots. I liked the color darkening, but they looked puffy and felt sticky icky until I cleaned them with automotive interior detailer.

  • @TheMarkinMD
    @TheMarkinMD 5 місяців тому

    I do the same, but I use saddle soap.

  • @petersaczko6192
    @petersaczko6192 Рік тому

    I drown my Chippewas (Cibola 8”) in rice bran oil. In six months the oil is gone and needs to be reapplied making the leather supple and waterproof. I previously used coconut oil and it went rancid and stank. Wouldn’t recomend coconut oil for this reason. Rice bran oil hasn’t become rancid yet after 4 weeks, so far so good.

  • @tomb306
    @tomb306 Рік тому

    Will this method of cleaning the oil from the boots leave the boots stiffer material or will the leather boots still be mushy and very soft

    • @OwlskiTV
      @OwlskiTV 2 місяці тому

      I know this comment is a year old, but cleaning this way would make the boots more dry (as you're removing the oil) which makes the leather stiffer. Depending how much you clean the boot with the degreasing soaps, the effect will be more stronger.
      You'd need to re-condition it keep it more supple.

  • @MrKinghuman
    @MrKinghuman 3 роки тому

    I use wax. It conditions and waterproofs them the best. Is it not correct, don't know, but I have 15 year old boots that still look like new

  • @mannycalavera2335
    @mannycalavera2335 6 місяців тому +1

    I think that a lot of the boot enthusiasts on internet forums overcondition their boots. They get this horrible " dipped in olive oil" look and the leather loses its structure. Not only does it look particularly unattractive, but I really wonder whether boots last longer when the leather has the feel of a dirty rag. Wear the shoes out of the box without conditioning. If it is a pair you wear a lot, condition them maybe once per year in my opinion. Less if you don't wear them or they are never used in harsh environments.

  • @Austin-pu6hl
    @Austin-pu6hl 5 місяців тому

    Is this just for a visual thing? For my work boots I don’t think there is a thing such as over oil

  • @Cyco-Dude
    @Cyco-Dude 3 роки тому

    I dunno, seemed pretty typical to me. The boots will be quite dark after oiling; just gotta let them sit.
    P.S. Nice re-sole...storm welt too?

  • @JohnDoe-zg6fn
    @JohnDoe-zg6fn 9 місяців тому

    Just so I understand, the only issue that comes with over conditioning is changing the color of the leather? Sorry kinda new to this and im just trying to understand. Doesnt more conditioning mean better water/weather resistances and longer life?

    • @mike_nolan
      @mike_nolan 6 місяців тому +2

      Yes, it does. This is a bit of a non issue if you're a normal person.

  • @wallaceavin7490
    @wallaceavin7490 3 роки тому +3

    Does over conditioning weaken the structural integrity of the boot leather or merely cause discoloration?

    • @gabeah
      @gabeah 3 роки тому +2

      i think the biggest risk is it over softens the leather and causes a boot to break in or stretch too much, but I'm definitely guilty of using a ton of Red Wing oil on my moc toes, and i love the darker look. No issues yet.

    • @smithsleatherbalm7544
      @smithsleatherbalm7544 3 роки тому +4

      The greatest danger in over saturating your boots with heavy oils is that it may prevent the leather from being able to breathe properly. This will lock moisture inside of your boots and could lead to the premature break down of the leather :) Hope this helps!

    • @williammcguire1823
      @williammcguire1823 3 роки тому

      @@smithsleatherbalm7544 thank you!

  • @elliotruddick791
    @elliotruddick791 3 роки тому +3

    Would saddle soap do the same job of removing the build up of oils?

    • @StolenAlias
      @StolenAlias 3 роки тому +1

      Yup, kinda curious as to why he didn’t use that since it’s specifically for leather, not dishes.

    • @rohanm4541
      @rohanm4541 2 роки тому

      @@StolenAlias Probably because dishwashing liquid (and laundry liquid) are much better at cutting oils

  • @MoonbeameSmith
    @MoonbeameSmith 7 місяців тому

    Where are we regarding Saddle soap? I have a pair of Irish Setters that need to be revived