Preserve

Preserve

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How to use

Step-by-step guide

  1. Clean first — conditioner drives surface dirt and salt down into the leather

  2. Let the leather dry completely, away from radiators and direct heat

  3. Test on a hidden area; oils can darken leather permanently

  4. Work a thin coat in with a cloth or applicator, using small circles

  5. Pay extra attention to the flex points — toe crease, ankle, and tongue

  6. Give it time to absorb, then buff off whatever hasn't soaked in

  7. Add a second thin coat only if the leather is still drinking it up

  8. Finish with a protector or wax if the shoes will see weather

Pro tips

Care tips

  • Condition every three to six months, sooner if the leather looks dull or feels stiff
  • Always clean first — conditioning over dirt seals it in
  • Thin coats absorb; thick coats sit on the surface and attract dirt
  • Oils darken leather, creams and lotions shift it less — test before committing
  • Never dry wet leather near heat; that's what causes cracking
  • Mink and neatsfoot oil suit rugged boots, lotions and creams suit jackets, bags and dress leather
  • Suede and nubuck need a colour restorer, not an oil — oil flattens the nap
  • Condition before storing for a season, and keep trees or paper in the shoes

Watch

See it in action

Gallery

In real life

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How often should leather be conditioned?
Every three to six months with regular wear, and sooner if it looks dull, feels stiff, or has been through a dry winter or road salt.
Will conditioner darken my leather?
Oils such as mink and neatsfoot usually deepen the colour, and the change is often permanent. Creams and lotions shift it far less. Test on a hidden spot first.
Do I need to clean before conditioning?
Yes. Conditioner drives whatever is on the surface down into the fibres. Clean, let it dry fully, then condition.
What's the difference between mink oil, neatsfoot oil and a conditioning lotion?
Mink oil conditions and adds water resistance, best on work and rugged boots. Neatsfoot oil penetrates deeply and softens stiff leather. Lotions and creams are lighter, made for jackets, bags and finished dress leather.
Can I condition suede or nubuck?
No — oils and creams mat the nap and darken it. Suede and nubuck want a brush and a colour restorer instead.
Can conditioning fix cracked leather?
It softens and disguises surface cracking and stops it spreading, but cracks through the grain are permanent. Conditioning is prevention far more than repair.
My boots got soaked — what should I do?
Dry them slowly at room temperature, stuffed with paper and away from heat, then condition once they're completely dry. Water pulls the oils out; conditioning replaces them.
Can I use too much conditioner?
Yes. Over-oiling leaves leather greasy and limp and can weaken stitching. Several thin coats, buffed off, beat one heavy application.

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