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New boots: Best way to condition them?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Mad German, Jan 12, 2025.

  1. Jan 12, 2025 at 2:08 PM
    #1
    Mad German

    Mad German [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just got a pair of Keen Cincinnati and some Ariat Sierra boots. I was told that you should always condition a new pair of boots since you have no idea how long they’ve been sitting at the store/warehouse.
    I’ve always used mink oil on other boots, but it darkens them up quite a bit.
    Can you recommend a conditioner that’s as good/better and/or longer lasting than traditional mink oil?
    These are the boots I just got. Thx for your help!
    IMG_8692.jpg IMG_8691.png
     
  2. Jan 12, 2025 at 2:14 PM
    #2
    FastEddy59

    FastEddy59 TTC #0061

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  3. Jan 12, 2025 at 2:18 PM
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    Sig45

    Sig45 Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Jan 13, 2025
  4. Jan 13, 2025 at 6:21 AM
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    outdoorgb

    outdoorgb (.)(.)

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  5. Jan 13, 2025 at 6:25 AM
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    Voltron4x4

    Voltron4x4 Well-Known Member

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  6. Jan 13, 2025 at 6:58 AM
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    Pickeledpigsfeet

    Pickeledpigsfeet Well-Known Member

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    Did you buy those Cincinnatis directly from keen? In my experience, Keens year warranty doesn’t usually cover Amazon. I like their uppers but the soles delaminate within a couple months when used for work. Keen will warranty them with no hassle if you bought directly from them. A little more hassle if you bought from an authorized reseller.

    I don’t condition that style of barnyard leather Keens use. I do for my redwings and thorogoods as they are different type.
     
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  7. Jan 13, 2025 at 8:02 PM
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    Mad German

    Mad German [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I got the Cincinnati boots from a local boot shop. I talked to a lot of people who have these Keens and none have had any problems.
     
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  8. Jan 14, 2025 at 9:31 AM
    #8
    Pickeledpigsfeet

    Pickeledpigsfeet Well-Known Member

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    I didn’t keep the pics from my warranty returns but mine looked just like this thread on Reddit. Like you said lots don’t have problems though, but if you notice anything and it’s still within warranty, contact them.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/WorkBoots/comments/1bzduxc/keen_cincinnati_2_months_for_delam_blowout_in_3/
     
  9. Jan 15, 2025 at 5:28 AM
    #9
    outdoorgb

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  10. Jan 15, 2025 at 5:58 AM
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    Kbar

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    I’m on my 3rd pair of Cincinnati's. They are wide enough for my Fred Flintstone and they’re well..Keens. I never conditioned them at all. I’ve also had those Ariats and gave them away due to not enough support. Either boot I haven’t conditioned. If I was to do so I’d use Obenaufs. But I go through boots so I don’t bother treating them.
     
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  11. Jan 15, 2025 at 3:03 PM
    #11
    2lazy2

    2lazy2 Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG] Let's see, I've been using this for about 60 years now.
     
  12. Jan 15, 2025 at 3:22 PM
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    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Lexol and Neats Foot mentioned above were the choice for my ball gloves before there was an Amazon.

    Back in 19 none of your business when I was a cross country land surveyor, I started off with Army/Navy surplus boots that pretty much responded only to traditional polish. They were tough, but horrid to keep decent.

    When I made a buck I picked up a nice pair of somethings with softer leather. I used the Lexol (because I still had some) till the boots started getting a good bit of wear, then I experimented with ATF. Yep, that's what I said. It worked really well at keeping the leather soft and water repellent, and I didn't care that it made the leather really dark.

    Wound up with a pair of canvas Vietnam style 'jungle boots' for days in the swamp, and the soft leathers for non wading work.
     
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  13. Jan 16, 2025 at 10:17 AM
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    Kbar

    Kbar Well-Known Member

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    Brother used neets foot on his riding saddles.
     
  14. Jan 16, 2025 at 10:20 AM
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    fiftysix

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  15. Jan 16, 2025 at 10:26 AM
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    banjoGrampa

    banjoGrampa Well-Known Member

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    I use obenhauf's. I have use Bee seal as well. Anything you use, make sure it is specifically for boots, will not be detrimental to stitching, will condition the leather as well as give it a layer of waterproffing. Then just wear the heck out of them for a few to break them in.
     
  16. Jan 16, 2025 at 10:33 AM
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    waffleiron

    waffleiron Well-Known Member

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  17. Jan 16, 2025 at 11:22 AM
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    Mad German

    Mad German [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've read lots of great info and reviews about the Obenauf's Boot Oil. I believe the stuff has been around and is time tested. I'll give it a try. Thanks so much guys!
     
  18. Jan 17, 2025 at 12:21 PM
    #18
    Jesse H

    Jesse H Well-Known Member

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    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CS2Q4M?ie=UTF8

    This is my go to. Like previously mentioned they all will slightly darken the leather, but as long as you don't over do it and use it sparingly by the time you buff it out the darkening isn't noticeable. I use it on my Justins and Tony Lamas.
     
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