Care

Brushing with a horsehair brush is a good first step in boot care, as it removes dust and dirt without harming the leather. It also helps distribute the oils infused in the leather more evenly by warming them and bringing them to the surface. As they say, conditioning is overrated, and brushing is underrated.

Conditioning

For most leather conditioning, we recommend Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner or Saphir Renovateur. For waxed flesh or for waterproofing roughout leather, we like Saphir Everest Dubbin wax. Natural leather will soften, darken, crease, and acquire a patina over time. If you’d like to darken the color of your leather permanently, you can condition it with Bickmore 100% Neatsfoot Oil. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

Break-In

Our boots are made from quality materials that often require a break-in period, usually about 80 hours of wear. New leather footwear can initially feel snug, like a firm handshake, and often requires several wears before the leather conforms to the shape of the foot. 

Heritage boots usually break in after about 80 hours of wear.

During the break-in period, as you move from a few hours of wear to a full day, it is often good practice to allow a day for the boot to rest. Cedar shoe trees help maintain your boot's shape and absorb moisture and odor (plus they smell great). Minor creasing, flexing, and changes in the leather's appearance during the break-in process are normal and should be expected.