How to Clean and Condition Work Boots // Ep. 146
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- We will go over how to clean and condition your work boots to keep them lasting longer. We will be using our waterproof leather Red Wing boots to show the importance of proper boot care. Have a question or comment? Leave it below!
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Hahaha "Laces out"😂😂
Finkle is Einhorn!!
heck ya! I was waiting for anyone to catch that! LOL!
Einhorn is Finkle!?
Thank you for the great video! My husband is on rooftops and in construction sites 14 hours a day and we just him his first redwings! Surprised him by cleaning and oiling them for him and they did a complete 180 and look amazing! Love that the oil kind of darkens the leather a bit. I didnt use a brush to clean them though. All I had was one of those green scrubbing pads and I think it did just as good as a brush :)
Hi Erin, Thank you for the kind words. Yes, the oil will darken .. but through the average day of wear and tear... and drying out ..will lighten them back again (that's when I know I need to re-condition them).
careful to not scrub the leather with the heavy duty green pads such as scotch bright because some of those are too abrasive and will put tiny cuts in the leather and cause it to look like suede. there are some scotch bright pads that are like sandpaper, and you don’t want that. the surface of the leather has to remain relatively smooth to retain its integrity, and strength so it doest hold onto the dirt as much like an open wound, and damaging oils like roofing tar, hydraulic fluid, and motor oils that can degrade the leather and break down the quality of the leather.
you don’t want to turn redwings into dead wings. a brush, or a scrubbing pad that’s not so abrasive, and relatively infrequent cleaning with ensure long life.
a quick soft daily cleaning goes a long way without having to deep clean, and recondition the leather often is the way to go.
@@ginoasci 100% GREAT info!
My wife would get flowers, chocolate, and nice dinner for a surprise like that lol
I just want to take a second to say thank you for your video. I just got my first pair of work boots, and since I’ve worn sneakers most of my life as a skateboarder, I was totally lost. I wasn’t sure what video to watch, but when I heard you say the patented Ace Ventura quote,” “laces out,” I bursted out laughing and said okay “he’s got my attention. I’ll drop a like and watch this.” 🤣
I was working on a cable deck and boots got full of grease used your tips boots came out nice 👍🏾 thanks
Awesome to hear....glad it helped!
I always use redwing mink oil for all my boots. Makes them last a long time and look great 👍
Good to know!
There's no difference between redwing mink oil and dollar store brand
Thanks for the shoutout!
Not a problem. Love your channel and boots! Let us know if you would ever like to do some collaboration!
@@HeavyMetalLearning You bet! Just reached out to you via your website!
Thank you, great video and appreciate your own opinions and not those you read on a product’s directions.
I work as an inspector on construction sites. My boots get water, cement and dirt on them. I also walk on 300 plus degree hot asphalt paving. I found your presentation very helpful, just what I needed to clean my leather work boots! Thanks!! The one thing different with boots are they have white waffle soles. How do you clean that?
Magic eraser works great....or grab a toothbrush with some AJAX or detergent. Thanks for the comment!
just started taking care of my helly hansen boots this video really helped me cause i was worried id end up messing it up and destroying my leather thank you
my second question is i have 2 care products should i be using both or sticking with one i just want that extra protection
Thank you sir for the great review, you know you are so smart verry natural and practical way of taking care of your things. Watching You from the Philippines. God bess you sir.🙏✌️♥️
Humble and informative.. thanks buddy for the video
Glad you liked it!
Came here because my work boots are dirty after the rain last week. Thanks man.
Appreciate the video! Researching boot cleaning methods because I am fixing to clean and condition mine right now! You now have a new subscriber! Thank you
Glad we could help! I'm no expert... but this is what I have done with my boots and have very good results.
You can just hit them with the pressure washer at the car wash. I promise it won't hurt a thing, just don't get to close. Let dry and oil with your choice of oil. Obenauf's boot oil is my favorite. 10+ years oil field work experience, 90% of it in Red Wings. Great video
Thanks for the comment and tip!
Obenauf’s is the bomb. Best product no one’s heard of.
@JumpRockz Depends on what you do. Mud and concrete will dry out leather really fast. Don't let either of them sit on your boots over night, that's what causes leather to crack. But, basically if you start noticing the leather getting lighter in color or scuffs showing up easier, it's because it's drying out. Once a month for basic wear but if your in mud, or concrete, or some other harsh environment... more often.
Good Ol Neatsfoot Oil is what i use. 20 years in work boots & it hasnt ever let me down.
When I buy a new pair of boots, would treat them with minks oil two or three times and work the sole by bending and twisting the boot; would do this for about 5 to 10 mins each time I treated the new boots. I would start wearing the boots after this "break-in" process because it saves my feet from fatigue of "normal break-in" and it seems to make the boots last longer. I have 5 pairs of Georgia boots that range from 8 to 15 years old. I clean and treat them when needed or every 3 to 6 months depending on how often I wear them or often they get dirty. They all still have the original soles on them but 2 pairs are in need of new soles.
Also, I have just bought a new pair of Wolverine boots. Guess I'll see if they are as good or better than my Georgia boots.
Great informative video. 👍🏽
Thanks! Glad it helped. Check out the newest boot care video we did. (updated some of the best practices).
I like people cleaning boots!!
OH YEAH!
Enjoyed it, thank you👍
Appreciate the support! Thanks!
Thanks for the great video. Very detailed and clear. I'm a plumber in Washington state. Lots of mud, rain, dirt and my favorite fiberglass INSULATION.... Itchy!
appreciate the comment. Yah fiberglass is the worst. Glad I am not around that!
Einhorn: “The laces were in!”
i had to scroll through the comments to see who caught that reference. hahaha
Very helpful video, the first one I’ve seen where someone describes when to use oils versus creams. The video I’m looking for but cannot find is one where I think he was a boot manufacturer and said to never use saddle soap, but rather Murphy’s oil soap for cleaning leather. So I’m going to say perhaps use Murphy’s rather than Dawn or saddle soap for actually cleaning the leather, just based on that one vid I now can’t find again. But if I remember correctly, I think his dislike of saddle soap had to do with the chemicals in in it stripping out the oils and being a detriment to the leather; and possibly than does not matter, since you are treating the boots with a quality leather oil anyway.
Thanks for your feedback! I have heard something similar about saddle soap.. but specifically about poor quality SS.. If you are going to use it, use high quality not the $4 stuff :) The real key is, as you said... replenish with oil what you extract out. My other 'issue' with SS is that it softens the leather too much, imo... with work boots I don't need them soft... i just need them to be durable.
Great video! I was surprised to learn that you could use a little bit of dish soap when washing the boots. I also recommend Obenauf's heavy-duty leather preservative. Its a great product!
I have the Red Wings 604 boots, same as yours but with the 6” upper instead of the 8”. I’ll have to give that Naturseal a shot. All I’ve done to clean and protect the leather on mine was wash them down, then when dry work in melted coconut oil. Then just use an old towel to buff off any excess. The guy at the Red Wings shop told me that they offer free cleaning and conditioning for the life of my boots. But I usually work 6 or 7 days a week, so no time to drop them off and not have them for a couple days.
Doesn't coconut oil go rancid (heard that before)?
@@jamesbriangaultier3247 It can, but I was washing my boots with a little Dawn, warm water, and a scrub brush every month during the winter. Never had a chance to go rancid. But I’ve been using Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP for the past year now. Definitely better than coconut oil.
Thank you brother
Thanks for the comment! Hope the video helps!
I am a mechanic and I just poor tones of dawn on my boots because they get a lot of grease and oil on them. I clean my boot probably every two years so they get pretty bad. Good video.
I bet they do! Thanks for the comment!
I stepped in some gas yesterday any tips ?
They are red wing iron rangers
jcub78 that’s a good question, but not sure I know the answer. Maybe someone else will chime in. I would say that I would rinse them off and then apply saddle soap.
Been A driller for 30+, Regularly wash and oil my boots. Old feet require more care. LOL
Thanks for the comment!
Lol "dish soap like dawn" as you grab dawn dish soap.
Close! this is the good ole' dollar store Dawn knockoff!
@@HeavyMetalLearning no shit? Fooled me lol. Either way thanks for this video man.
You could try use Saphir conditioner a good product I think you would like it
I have heard alot of people recommend it - saying it is the top of line stuff. Will definitely look into it for sure. Thanks for the suggestion.
This is an actual tip video instead of the other guy who’s video is just about him using his boot dryer machine he bought just to dry his boots 😂
I use Irish Setter Mesabi boots and work in all kinds of weather and conditions like you described. They seem to be a suede type leather boot. Should I follow along or use something different?
Super soles are absolutely amazing 👌🏼
100% agree. I was thinking about doing a vid about when/why/how to get them resoled.
I bought a pair of those a week ago
I use Fluid Film. Easy and effective better than most oils.
Thanks for the idea. I had never heard of Fluid Film. I might do a test with it in the future to compare to traditional oils.
Fluid film really? That’s what I use on the motor of my jet ski to keep salt off
Boots ain't cheap so it's good to take care of them cus they take care of u good deal 👍
Agreed...thanks for the comment!
Redwing...yes!
Oh yeah...we love em!
Mink oil is the best. I have boots from 2006 that are still awesome. Couple have been resoled but they are like gym shoes in comfort. Not tears or cracking
Loved the info. I work as a carpenter and hate spending $250 aud on new boots every 6 months. Only now (after 7 years) have I thought of actually taking care of them. I was instructed by the site ware store to apply my letter conditioner to the cracks once a week and a full treatment once a month. As I’ve only just started taking care of work boots I was wondering if you or anybody knows how much longer I can expect the boots to last? Any advice would be appreciated
Sounds like you are hard on boots like me. I'm amazed to read stories of people having same pair for 20 years. I've tried doing the monthly cleaning and conditioning and it did not make a difference.
Adding the Tough Toe helps. The only other thing that helped me is having two pairs. Rotate every day. Start rotation by buying used pair on eBay. I got same model redwings for $25 used. To see if your new ones last longer than a year. If yes then buy new pair and go from there. I've been tempted to get a custom pair of those 700-800 dollar boots but they look very heavy and really don't believe they will last a lifetime. When people say I should resolve mine, there's nothing left to put sole onto.
@@nathankisner8332 Yes im a carpenter and i have 3 pairs of boots. They get rotated out the end of the day if there is concrete, plaster or lots of mudd on it. Yea its a pain to clean and let it fully dry and recondition... but swap them out for the next pair that is fresh and ready. I have Caterpillar, Wolverines and Georgia Boots that are in my current rotation... all bought on Craigslist by my daughter when she finds one my size. I have to say the Caterpiller boots are the most durable, but Georgia Boots are the most comfortable. Never thought Id be a connoisseur of steel toe boots. After this vid, i want a pair or Redwings now.
✅❤ thank you!
thanks! hope this helps! We have another video (newer) with some other cleaning techniques on our channel if you want to check that out
Great vid and right to the point. I've got a brand new pair of waterproof swede leather Red Wings that I haven't worn yet. I work in wet environment for 8 hrs. Would you suggest applying the Natur Seal or some other compound before wearing these boots?
Thanks for the kind words! I'm no expert... but right out of the box you should be good to go. Redwing puts on a good dose of conditioner to start. I tend to work in extreme conditions... either SUPER dry sand or Texas mud.. What's worked for me is making sure I pull the insoles out everyday after work and making sure those boots are able to get as much air-flow to dry them out and prevent rot... Keep them conditioned as needed with Naturseal or whatever you prefer as the wet environment will pull out oils. Maybe some other folks can post a better answer?
Nice video！ how long will you carry out this maintenance procedure？
Thanks for the comment! Not sure if I understand your question but I think you are asking about when should you clean them? Please correct me if I am wrong. I am no expert... but I clean them as needed depending on wear and tear. For what I do for a living once or once every other month works. Depending on your wear it could me more or less. I KNOW I need to condition them if the leather starts to look dried out... Don't let that happen or the leather will breakdown, then start to crack! Once that happens there is no going back... Hope that helps!
Oil is alot easier to bang out and hang ur boots up before you leave for a day on Friday compaired to the pastes but they both do a great job on dif types of boots.
Should I Conditioner my boots before the first use? Any care I should do before using a pair of boots for first time?
Good question! Depends on the type of boot and quality of material. If they are new Redwings for example... they come pre-oiled/conditioned so there is no need. If they are some offbrand that have been sitting on a shelf or warehouse for who knows how long... then they absolutely might need it ASAP! A quick way to tell on oiled leather, is push a finger from the inside, somewhere around the side around the ankle area and see if the leather pushed out changes color.... If it does that is a good sign that the oil is fine.. no change means it needs oil/conditioning. I am MORE concerned with softening the leather TOO MUCH...so I prefer to just break my boots in gradually. 1) start with a pair of heavy socks and wear the boots around the house for as long as you can stand it... STOP before blisters. 2) Then wear them to start you day but bring your old boots to swap once your feet hurt. 3) slowly wear the new boots more and more until they are broke in. Hope my novel helps! LOL!
Thank you,
The boots are www.thebootoutlet.com/product/timberland-hightower-waterproof/
I will use them for some industrial work. Dealing with powder, lots of dust and some water.
PS. These boots have some parts made of suede. ^^
@@Breadfetish Thanks for the info. You shouldn't have to condition them prior to your 1st day. 1) they look to have a waterproof liner. So water shouldn't be an issue at the start. 2) BUT Make sure you are breaking them in prior to the 1st day... 3) If they are super tight/tough you can apply a conditioner or oil... that will help loosen up the leather faster. You can do some research but I like Redwing's Natureseal oil (from the video) or recently I have been using Obenauf's HD LP or their oil. For cheaper conditioner.. I have had folks recommend Lexol Leather cleaner/Conditioner but I have not personally used it. Please let me know if that helps.
What boots would you recommend for a transmission mechanic?
Hi mate, I am not sure.... as I do not know the safety specifications you are required to have nor have I ever been a mechanic. I am assuming you need steel/composite toe and oil/slip resistant? I would look at a wedge sole boot for comfort... but that is just my opinion. Maybe some folks in the comments can help?
Man i always had a problem that seemed like trans fluid just DEMOLISHED the leather on my boots
Laces out Ray Finkle hahaha
Shop welder here, how often would you say to clean and oil the boots?
That's the million $ question! Depends on your wear and tear. In my line of work.. I do a total strip down like this 2? times a year. Otherwise I do the standard, saddle on, wipe off immediately, condition method once a month or so. Basically as soon as I see the boot drying out (faded color) I know I need to clean. I have another, newer video on the channel that walk through this better with my Ariat wedge soles... if you want to check that out.
I have the 606 redwings and I use the red wings saddle soap for cleaning and the red wing boot oil for conditioning and I work as a car mechanic so a lot of dirt grease and chemicals and mine have held up real nice so far I’ve used dish soap too but prefer saddle soap
Thanks for the comment! Agree on the saddle soap!
where do you buy that NaturalSeal ?
You can buy it directly from Redwing's website. I bought mine from one of their stores. Obenhauf's makes a similar product that I have been using this year instead. You can learn about it in the newer shoe care video on this channel.
I have similar scuffed toes, did it help a lot with that?
it will.. to an extent. Best way to get scuffs out of good work leather is a stiff bristled brush and/or an eraser (or a magic eraser works too). I have a brush/eraser combo built into 1 tool. Got it from Fleet Farm store in their shoe care section... I am sure a big box retailer would have one too. Hope that helps.
Scuffed toes/heels? There's a coating that protects against that. I just smear epoxy on the toes/heel. Avoid flex points. Sprinkle sand on wet epoxy. Make yer boots more abrasive than your work environment.
Great video buddy!
Thank you!
Been doing concrete for 300 years. I just use vaseline and honey. Yep, I'm a vampire.
I’m a diesel mechanic and I wear Carolinas brown/tan. Would I clean the the same way?
Yes...that should work.
How often do you wash and condition everyday workboots?
Depends on your wear and tear. In my line of work.. I do a total strip down like this 2? times a year. Otherwise I do the standard, saddle on, wipe off immediately, condition method once a month or so. Basically as soon as I see the boot drying out (faded color) I know I need to clean. I have another, newer video on the channel that walk through this better with my Ariat wedge soles... if you want to check that out.
Every 30 minutes.
21 years old and after 3 back surgeries the only boot I wear costs me $300+. Protect your investment
buy a GREAT bed and GREAT boots. You'll spend literally most of your life in either!! :)
Hi Which boots are these? whats the brand?
Info 0:34 - 0:39.
Gracias amablemente
🙏
de nada
I was wrong i do apologize.
Take this sub and thumbs up.
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Try oil paint weld splatter Wd- 40 cement and epoxy
Interesting....thanks for the comment!
Just started working a construction site as a lowly cleaner. Any advice on how to clean some brown Timberlanes? I'm too poor to buy some nice leather boots, and these Timberlanes are all i've got for work.
Congratz on the new job! Do you know what type/style of Timberland's you have? Are they leather, suede leather, or another material? Timberland has a large variety of different styles and materials they use. Post below and let us know - myself or maybe some of our fans can help.
914s and 2412 what's the difference? I have 2412s and these look like the exact same boot ..I imagine this routine will work out the same for my boots
Good eye! Yes, they are basically the same EXCEPT the 2414's are insulated. You should be good to go. Thanks!
@@HeavyMetalLearning thanks for replying 👍🏾
My search on UA-cam for boot cleaning.
First result: Guy comes on and says "Homie wore his Timberlands through a rain storm". Nope. Next video.
Second result: Guy comes on and says "This is how to get red wine stains out of your suede boots". Nope next video.
Last video, guy gets out of heavy equipment...my search gas ended.
OMG! Send me the red wine stains on suede boots link! I totally need that. I was at a showing last week in NY highlighting 19th century blind Croatian colored pencil landscape artists and someone had the GALL to bring red wine for the event AND spilled some on my leopard skin suede riding boots.
@@HeavyMetalLearning funny. I had you figured as an Interpretive Dance enthusiast.
Much cheaper mink oil does a better job at conditioning the leather because it also leaves behind protective waxes. The leather's natural oils are lost during usage and, to an extent, during the cleaning process. Less shine perhaps, but they'll be dirty again after the next wear!
I live 30 miles away from the real red wing boot manufacturer
Awesome...we love our Red Wings!
Laces out🤣
AMAZING movie!
Perfect! Wash your boots like you wash your car, scrub it with soap and rinse it off. So many UA-cam videos where they "delicately" wash their boots, for god sakes they're work boots!!
Yup! You need to clean the leather so it opens the pores back up so they can breath. So far so good, I am at about 1YR of medium use on these boots using this technique - no issues (except they need to be resoled)
Ask anyone that cleans horse saddles. Many will use Dawn, and inform you that even tho soap is in the name of saddle soap. It's purpose is different.
I have those same boots. It’s hard cause there always covered in thick glue mixed with dirt. I’m a commercial plumber
I bet, you are putting them to the test! How are they holding up?
@@HeavyMetalLearning really good! I just got the tuff toe for it. Wish I did it when they were new. Next time I will. Most comfortable boot I ever owned!
@@BrouilletteLuke true... i don't know anyone that regrets tufftoe. Same thing for me.
Are those steel toe boots
No, these are not safety toe. The 2412 (insulated) or 2414 are the comparable version with a safety toe imo...
I suggest you buy a large horsehair dauber to clean your boots. Much more gentle on the leather than the nylon brush in the video.
I've always used motor oil does anyone know if its bad.
you can....you can also moisturize your skin with motor oil. Do I recommend it??? NO
No such thing as waterproof leather unless its not real leather. Its the goretex bootie within the boot that makes it waterproof.
Good point...thanks for the comment!
Leather tanned with silicone is the closest your gonna get to water proof leather
Didn't mention lace maintenance. Wash, dry and wax those laces.
a little trick I learned after making this video. Agreed!
Use permacord.
@@dystopiaisutopia paracord
@@donhorak9417 permafrostcord
Lol dirt operator talking about "dirty" boots
just because you work in the dirt doesn't mean you don't take care of your boots....right???
You don't wipe properly, huh?
I work for the Grounds Department at the Dallas Independent School District doing landscaping for the schools basically, and I ended up buying this exact same pair of Red Wings. I'm currently still using these boots, and I'm about to hit my 1 year mark with them, and haven't cleaned or maintained them like this. I've only been scrubbing all grass, dirt, and mud, off every day after my shift with a médium bristle brush. This video has inspired me to take better care of them now 😅 I was wondering where you got that brush from, I feel like it's the perfect brush to maintain it.
Good to hear mate! It's all about learning. I made a newer video this year using different product and techniques on this channel. Check it out as well. It is an OLD brush I think from Target in the housewares section? Not sure though.. I would check your local dollar store. Now go get some oil/conditioner on your boots! :)
Always laces out!
God Bless in Jesus Christ Name Amen.
one word in leather care: Obenaufs.
youre welcome.
What about cleaning the inside of the boot? Husband has super stinky feet! Lol
I mean if the dish soup does not destroy your finger it won’t destroy your boots
That's kinda my take on it. Same concept... you just have to introduce conditioner/oils back into the leather.
Work in a hog hog processing plant and get blood and fat and grease all over my wolverines
Just got done red moose mink oil bout to put these puppies right
Waterproof leather lol. It’s what you put on ANY leather that makes leather repel water instead of soak in the leather.
Thanks for the comment. I didn't clarify here but true there is no such thing as waterproof leather. These have a gortex waterproof membrane. Any oil/wax will make the leather more water resistant.
Lanoline.
Thanks for the suggestion!
I'm buying my first per of wolverine work boots 120 bucks but I want to make them last I'm 21
I know its a red wing boot can you tell me the number of the boot
HI Yarlin. The Red Wing boot in the video is a Red Wing 914.
Don't get water inside your boot. It may stink permanently.
true! dry them thoroughly!
Don't ever wear those boots in manure, if you have a slight puncture between the two layers of the soul and manure gets in there, it will eat from the inside out and destroy your sole
Would have been nice to see a few close detail shots. I saw none.
Agreed. Maybe we can add those next time.
I used to use dish soap on my leather jordans when i was a kid and didnt know any better. It will slow dry out the leather overtime
Yah... now you know better right? I'm no sneaker expert but tennis shoe leather is no where near the thickness or quality of a good work boot leather. So any harsh detergent will sap the oils out very quickly. You absolutely need to re-condition them after cleaning i bet!
Yeah I guess if you have a la tie da job and you only use your boots to walk through a fucking field this all will work Because the biggest culprit is sand and dirt
I love my la tie da job!
The sole reason I disliked this vid, is cuz those boots weren't even dirty
I’m just going to say this. Redwings suck. A lot of them are made in China. Just check the tongue.I’d buy Thorogoods they’re made here. In the good ole USA. Super comfortable. Been working construction in Chicago for 20+ years. Best boots I’ve ever worn.
We love our Red Wings! But thanks for your comment and feedback.
Keep buying cheap Chinese crap then. You should be ashamed!!!!!
itin4265 Dude, a large number of Red Wing’s boots are not only made in the USA, but use leather from cattle raised, harvested, and tanned in the USA.
My RedWings are not China. I like them.
@@layer8man ^-- this. My 914's are USA made. Haven't had a chance to wear thorogoods yet. Maybe that will be the next pair.
They where already clean boots before you “cleaned” them
LMAO...Flooding the boot with water. NOT! Damp rag!
Thank you for commenting. I was doing a full strip cleaning with the understanding of adding back in multiple applications of conditioner (oil in this case) to replenish the loss of natural oils and the effects of the detergent. I do this only when necessary. My normal cleaning and conditioning is to use saddlesoap to brush on... then immediate wipe off with a rag. Finish up with Obenhauf's LP, conditioner, or oil. I have another, newer video on this channel walking through this process.
@@tulkom78 Good video. And have a great Thanksgiving.
Boot maintenance is a pain in the ass. I spit shine mine after cleaning the old way and heat up the polish. I am anal. Be safe!
Thanks for the comment!