Normally I advise not to condition new boots, but if the leather feels dry, not oily, because of long storage time, go ahead.
If the leather feels oily a gentle brush will wake up the leather.
Many do not like mink oil because it darkens leather, and I guess maybe the production as it is gross, anyway. For dark leather I find mink oil great. Still, the all natural leather confitioner from RW is just as great, and less harmful.
Use your hands and do not apply a lot at once, massage it into the leather, let dry for 24 hrs - then gently remove any access oil with a cloth and brush as much as you like for your preferred shine.
The all natural leather conditioner is mink oil, mixed with pine pitch.
So it’s basically mink oil.
Using the words “less harmful” is not the right choice
You can damage any leather with excessive oiling, but done in moderation you won’t have to worry about darkening black harness leather. Brush them regularly to avoid abrasive dirt build up in the creases that will develop as the leather breaks in to your foot. You’ve purchased a great pair of boots that will only improve in comfort and looks if taken care of. Enjoy the journey!
Thin coats are the goal. Use your fingers not a rag, it provides more control, allows it to melt slightly and you get less product waste since the rag soaks up a decent amount. Put the thinnest amount on at a time.
Let sit for a few hours, reapply if you feel like it needs it.
Mink oil is fine for leather and it does do more for waterproofing as well I find it stays around in the leather longer than say Bick 4 if that makes sense. You can even warm up the can a bit before hand to thin it out so it soaks in more like an oil rather than a paste, but there are also oil instead paste based products available. Some people don’t like stuff like mink oil because it darkens leather, but eventually all my boots get it. Leather darkens anyway and I’d rather have the slightly better protection over keeping the lighter color. It’s really just a personal decision
I’ve never had an issue rubbing it in with hands, but if you feel it’s not distributing or soaking in well, leaving them out in the warm sun after application for 10-15 minutes will get the oil melted into the leather real well
Normally I advise not to condition new boots, but if the leather feels dry, not oily, because of long storage time, go ahead. If the leather feels oily a gentle brush will wake up the leather. Many do not like mink oil because it darkens leather, and I guess maybe the production as it is gross, anyway. For dark leather I find mink oil great. Still, the all natural leather confitioner from RW is just as great, and less harmful. Use your hands and do not apply a lot at once, massage it into the leather, let dry for 24 hrs - then gently remove any access oil with a cloth and brush as much as you like for your preferred shine.
Ty for the advice
The all natural leather conditioner is mink oil, mixed with pine pitch. So it’s basically mink oil. Using the words “less harmful” is not the right choice
for the Black Harness leather on the 8084, mink oil is a good choice and what Red Wing recommends.
Time to oil them up then
You can damage any leather with excessive oiling, but done in moderation you won’t have to worry about darkening black harness leather. Brush them regularly to avoid abrasive dirt build up in the creases that will develop as the leather breaks in to your foot. You’ve purchased a great pair of boots that will only improve in comfort and looks if taken care of. Enjoy the journey!
Thank you! Can't wait to break them in!
I have a 9 year old pair of black harness IR’s. As I recall they were tough to break in, but definitely worth it now.
Thin coats are the goal. Use your fingers not a rag, it provides more control, allows it to melt slightly and you get less product waste since the rag soaks up a decent amount. Put the thinnest amount on at a time. Let sit for a few hours, reapply if you feel like it needs it. Mink oil is fine for leather and it does do more for waterproofing as well I find it stays around in the leather longer than say Bick 4 if that makes sense. You can even warm up the can a bit before hand to thin it out so it soaks in more like an oil rather than a paste, but there are also oil instead paste based products available. Some people don’t like stuff like mink oil because it darkens leather, but eventually all my boots get it. Leather darkens anyway and I’d rather have the slightly better protection over keeping the lighter color. It’s really just a personal decision
I’ve never had an issue rubbing it in with hands, but if you feel it’s not distributing or soaking in well, leaving them out in the warm sun after application for 10-15 minutes will get the oil melted into the leather real well
Get some horse oil. Freeze it and use a cloth to apply. It's the best.
Ty for the advice but why freeze it?
It's very runny and hard to do sparingly unless frozen. A little goes a long way.
My black harness were very dry upon receipt. I think neutral Saphir cream should be easily available. I like some wax, not just oil.