Cobbler's Choice was the first conditioner I ever bought and I've stuck with it because it works well for me. I've used it on several different leathers and I like it.
Thanks a ton for the insight! Sounds like a solid choice. Most people tend to overdo it with the care, if at all that is. A healthy middleground is rarely found... So, thanks!
Again, great job, risking your Vibergs for the team. The "after" looks good -- admittedly a bit heavier an effect than I'd personally be after on my brown Chromexcel boots. For Chromexcel I've had great (and more subtle) results with Saphir Medaille d'Or Oiled Leather Cream, in the two available browns and in neutral. It'd be great if you'd do a video about Saphir Medaille d'Or Oiled Leather Cream on Chromexcel. In my experience, it doesn't alter the Chromexcel's hand, it helps blend scratches away, and it seems to me to do a great job nourishing the Chromexcel, too. For a more affordable option from Saphir, there's the Saphir Chromexcel Greasy Leather Cream (the non-Medaille d'Or version), again in the two browns offered (dark and medium) and in neutral. This might be worth covering, too, perhaps in the same video as the Medaille d'Or versions. I do like Saphir Renovateur, Saphir Leather Lotion, and Venetian Cream (and Venetian Balm), but for Chromexcel I tend to limit the use of those products (which are more waxy, more shiny) to the toe caps on my cap toes and wingtips. I dig your channel, and appreciate the quality content -- content that's obviously driven by a genuine passion for what you're covering.
Hey, really appreciate your well thought out comment! To be honest, I just have a hard time getting enough beat up boots to make this many conditioning videos, haha. Maybe I need to go on eBay and drop cash on beat up boots but it's just surprisingly hard to make these videos because I'm always reviewing new boots so my old ones don't get beat up. Anyway, you've given me a lot of food for thought. Maybe I'll ask people to send me their boots and I'll pay for shipping and send back conditioned boots...
Perhaps for the boots you lend to friends, tell them to wear the boots vigorously...go on adventures with them, then hand them back for some conditioning.....
Did you see the post recently on the GYW subreddit where the user boiled a handful of popular conditioners and did some good research about what might be in them and how they work. I highly recommend you view it; it's a great read!
I use Venetian Shoe Balm and Otter to condition my boots. Otter is all natural and is fairly transparent as well on their ingredients. I've only used Hubert's Shoe Grease on my workboots where the leather darkening is not a big issue. I've been pretty satisfied with all three of these products.....
@@Stridewise oh, I happen to be size 11 in redwing and wolverine and 11.5 in frye, if you ever want to sell the boots you don't need, I will be interested as long as the price is good, I live in Montreal so shipping shouldn't be a problem, cheers
I own a pair of Viberg Service Boots and a pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile boots, and I have to say that there is a night and day difference between the leathers, even though they are both Chromexcel. The 1000 mile boots creased horribly the first time I wore them, whereas the Vibergs are still running strong. I typically use Saphir products, Venetian Shoe Cream, and Chamberlain's Leather Milk for my leather products. The only thing for which Kiwi products are good is the smell: For some reason, I can't get enough of that chemically smell that Kiwi shoe polish has.
When I buy a new boots sometimes I want to make them as shiny as possible before first wear them. Any suggestion on how to do that? What products should I use?
I think most conditioners with bee wax will darken the leather. Just look at that previously scuffed area. It's darker than the rest. Bee wax dulls the color too.
Good review as always, Nick. Should get this (assuming it is available for Canadian residents) for my boots and save the more expensive Renovateur for my dress shoes.
Great review Nick. How would compare the Cobbler's Choice with renovateour? Would you be willing to do a head to head between these two like you did between Venetian Shoe Cream and the renovateour?
Im a bit confused, I have Dr Martenz combat boots, just cleaned them and then applied the leather conditioner, should I also use the waterproof spray after it dried? I'm confused because it says on the leather conditioner that it also waterproofing.
I find it very interested that you don't seem to care if your boots have a gusseted tongue or not. Base in the sole fact that this one are gusseted I'll take them all day long over the Alden Indy's. That's a very important feature for me. Great instructional video as always!
I have to ask is cobbler's choice related to Thursday Boots Co? The websites look identical not to mention CC seems to use TBC almost exclusively for shoe models.
Yes, but if you want something that makes a base for a shine as opposed to shine + water resistance you might be more interested in something like Saphir's Renovateur or Bick 4
Naw it returned to the same color a week or two later. I maybe should have had like three separate filming days for conditioner reviews, it's just a lot of work haha
I've been using Lexol products on all my leathers for 20+ years with excellent results. I thoroughly clean the leather with Lexol, liquid cleaner, using a sponge and warm water and wipe off the residue with a soft cloth. Lexol is PH balanced, does not effect the color of the leather and a light buffing leaves it with a warm, rich glow. For some reason, the cleaner has the effect of enhancing the grain of most leathers, which is a bonus. If the leather is becoming dry, I rub a small amount of Lexol conditioner into the hide, let it set and buff the item again. It's very important to thoroughly clean the leather before you use any conditioners or all you are doing is rubbing dirt and other abrasives into the hide, seams and stitching. The result will be premature wear and discoloration.
@@Stridewise yes! I know! Its done a number on some of my leather. But if you get to know it Oh mann its my go to when resorting antique leather. My tick is to get a small amount and work it into a horse hair brush. Just enough to be damp. Then brush it into my boots. Ofcourse thats after you brush the dirt off. But no if you put to much even if you just put some on your finger it goes dark real quick lol. The trick with that is slowly work it in. But love your channel! Thanks for the comment
"Picking the right conditioner is a pretty stressful experience" made me lol for real.
Cobbler's Choice was the first conditioner I ever bought and I've stuck with it because it works well for me. I've used it on several different leathers and I like it.
I use Venetian shoe cream, but I'll try cobblers choice the next time. I like the ingredients content...all natural.
Cool! Glad to be of help, David. Use my link so I can make a sweet sweet quarter from the purchase haha
Would love to see your take on Smiths Leather Balm. They are very transparent about their ingredients too.
Oh yeh? They're on my list!
Thanks a ton for the insight! Sounds like a solid choice. Most people tend to overdo it with the care, if at all that is. A healthy middleground is rarely found... So, thanks!
Cool! Glad you liked the video dude.
@@Stridewise I always do! It´s usually bad for my wallet,but I do :-)
Again, great job, risking your Vibergs for the team. The "after" looks good -- admittedly a bit heavier an effect than I'd personally be after on my brown Chromexcel boots. For Chromexcel I've had great (and more subtle) results with Saphir Medaille d'Or Oiled Leather Cream, in the two available browns and in neutral. It'd be great if you'd do a video about Saphir Medaille d'Or Oiled Leather Cream on Chromexcel. In my experience, it doesn't alter the Chromexcel's hand, it helps blend scratches away, and it seems to me to do a great job nourishing the Chromexcel, too.
For a more affordable option from Saphir, there's the Saphir Chromexcel Greasy Leather Cream (the non-Medaille d'Or version), again in the two browns offered (dark and medium) and in neutral. This might be worth covering, too, perhaps in the same video as the Medaille d'Or versions.
I do like Saphir Renovateur, Saphir Leather Lotion, and Venetian Cream (and Venetian Balm), but for Chromexcel I tend to limit the use of those products (which are more waxy, more shiny) to the toe caps on my cap toes and wingtips.
I dig your channel, and appreciate the quality content -- content that's obviously driven by a genuine passion for what you're covering.
Hey, really appreciate your well thought out comment! To be honest, I just have a hard time getting enough beat up boots to make this many conditioning videos, haha. Maybe I need to go on eBay and drop cash on beat up boots but it's just surprisingly hard to make these videos because I'm always reviewing new boots so my old ones don't get beat up.
Anyway, you've given me a lot of food for thought. Maybe I'll ask people to send me their boots and I'll pay for shipping and send back conditioned boots...
Perhaps for the boots you lend to friends, tell them to wear the boots vigorously...go on adventures with them, then hand them back for some conditioning.....
Saphir products for me personally. Excellent kit altogether
Just ordered this! Your video convinced me. Thank you!
Hope you enjoy it!
Did you see the post recently on the GYW subreddit where the user boiled a handful of popular conditioners and did some good research about what might be in them and how they work. I highly recommend you view it; it's a great read!
Link me bro!
@@Stridewise Gladly!
www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/comments/d5ghp1/short_term_conditioner_test_2_bick_4_chamberlain/
Man I need that guy to make a video for me
I hope you review Armstrongs all natural soon too! They are the best around I think.
I'm actually getting the founder to write some articles for the site!
I use Venetian Shoe Balm and Otter to condition my boots. Otter is all natural and is fairly transparent as well on their ingredients. I've only used Hubert's Shoe Grease on my workboots where the leather darkening is not a big issue. I've been pretty satisfied with all three of these products.....
Thanks for the feedback, John! Yeah Huberds is definitely for outdoorsier wear.
I wonder how you store all these boots, take us on a tour through your shoe closet!
Most are in storage haha and a half dozen are being worn by friends with my shoe size. I need to get them all together for a photo shoot though!
@@Stridewise oh, I happen to be size 11 in redwing and wolverine and 11.5 in frye, if you ever want to sell the boots you don't need, I will be interested as long as the price is good, I live in Montreal so shipping shouldn't be a problem, cheers
@@Stridewise, wow you must have a lot of friends.. I used to..
@@bravobear1844 :/
I own a pair of Viberg Service Boots and a pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile boots, and I have to say that there is a night and day difference between the leathers, even though they are both Chromexcel. The 1000 mile boots creased horribly the first time I wore them, whereas the Vibergs are still running strong.
I typically use Saphir products, Venetian Shoe Cream, and Chamberlain's Leather Milk for my leather products. The only thing for which Kiwi products are good is the smell: For some reason, I can't get enough of that chemically smell that Kiwi shoe polish has.
Right, exactly! I found the same thing re: Vibergs vs Wolverine. Been hearing a lot about Chamberlain's but haven't tried them myself.
When I buy a new boots sometimes I want to make them as shiny as possible before first wear them. Any suggestion on how to do that? What products should I use?
Will you ever review any logger style boots?
Could you use Cobbler's Choice on Thursday's Rugged and Resilient collection?
I think most conditioners with bee wax will darken the leather. Just look at that previously scuffed area. It's darker than the rest. Bee wax dulls the color too.
Good review as always, Nick. Should get this (assuming it is available for Canadian residents) for my boots and save the more expensive Renovateur for my dress shoes.
Yeah I think that would definitely work
Consider doing a product review on service boots from Nicks Boot Co.
Great video mate! Still gotta get some Vibergs. Cheers
Great review Nick. How would compare the Cobbler's Choice with renovateour? Would you be willing to do a head to head between these two like you did between Venetian Shoe Cream and the renovateour?
Im a bit confused, I have Dr Martenz combat boots, just cleaned them and then applied the leather conditioner, should I also use the waterproof spray after it dried?
I'm confused because it says on the leather conditioner that it also waterproofing.
Have you tried cobbler's choice leather cream?
I find it very interested that you don't seem to care if your boots have a gusseted tongue or not. Base in the sole fact that this one are gusseted I'll take them all day long over the Alden Indy's. That's a very important feature for me. Great instructional video as always!
Thanks Marx, I do need to do a better job of pointing out if boots have a gusseted tongue or not.
I have to ask is cobbler's choice related to Thursday Boots Co? The websites look identical not to mention CC seems to use TBC almost exclusively for shoe models.
Can anyone recommend something that doesn't darken too much but still waterproofs your boots for bad weather
What u recommend for veg tan Natural Dublin boot? I been using bick4. I'm not into a shiny finish.
What is sir shoes price
Hi. Could you recomend a Conditioner for My Frye Hsrness Boots in Gaucho Leather? Thank You.
You used blackrock leather conditioner yet?
Hey....where you been? Am always looking forward to you vids.
It's been... 9 days since my last video? Yeah that's too long. Sorry man, been super busy
Hello! Would you be able to review Leather N' Rich by Blackrock?
hello, what do you normally use to recover the edges of any boots like the one on the video or thursday boots?
Did you apply some conditioner on yourself too?
You look red
Tried something new with lights for this one and, ah, it didn't work out super well
Would you say this product would work well for dress shoes and leather sneakers?
Yes, but if you want something that makes a base for a shine as opposed to shine + water resistance you might be more interested in something like Saphir's Renovateur or Bick 4
Hi. I hate to say this but it Darkened the Leather too much. Hope it lightened up?
Yes! It really didn't darken the leather Peter, I think my lighting is screwy on this one
Do you plan on trying Thursdays new Major boots? No one has a review yet, not sure how NEW they are.
Hmm. Truthfully I think you can just read my Captains review haha they seem identical just with a zipper. Though the leather is different too...
@@Stridewise if its pretty much the captain thats good enough for me, once you go zipper, you cant go back, at least to me haha
@@MrJames_Bondage Haha I suspect that's true, I'm about to get my first pair
@@Stridewise my forst pair of side zips were the timberland city boot 6 inch
Hey nick, I’m a huge fan of saddle soap, have you ever tried it?
I haven't! I know I need to. But a lot of compnies make saddle soap and I don't know what the *real* saddle soap is!
Need some help. How long after you applied the conditioner did you buff with the horsehair brush? Immediately?
Wait about 5 minutes.
Quick question. What would you recommend more. Blundstone or Thursday chelsea?
Thursday. Not a fan of Blundstones, they're more suited to farm work tbh
Would you use this product on the briar oil slick blacksmiths?
For those I'd probably use Bick 4, just because that one is the best for not changing the color
Any thoughts on Chamberlain's Leather Milk？
Haven't tried that one, I fear!
Nice job Nick and seems like a great boot but I'll stick to my 1000 mile boots!
I got a new captain shiny boots, do I need to conditioner or waterproof them with cobbler’s choice before I wear them?
Nah, you can just take 'em out
@@Stridewise will condition them before use will make them more crease resistant?
?
@@polanialmoni6274 yeah dude, condition them just in case the boots were sitting in the warehouse for months
Will this be good for lizard skin boots?
This is probably best: www.kirbyallison.com/saphir-reptile-beauty-milk.html
That's a completely different shade of leather now! No way would this be worth a purchase if you like the original colour of your boots
Naw it returned to the same color a week or two later. I maybe should have had like three separate filming days for conditioner reviews, it's just a lot of work haha
I've been using Lexol products on all my leathers for 20+ years with excellent results.
I thoroughly clean the leather with Lexol, liquid cleaner, using a sponge and warm water and wipe off the residue with a soft cloth. Lexol is PH balanced, does not effect the color of the leather and a light buffing leaves it with a warm, rich glow.
For some reason, the cleaner has the effect of enhancing the grain of most leathers, which is a bonus.
If the leather is becoming dry, I rub a small amount of Lexol conditioner into the hide, let it set and buff the item again.
It's very important to thoroughly clean the leather before you use any conditioners or all you are doing is rubbing dirt and other abrasives into the hide, seams and stitching. The result will be premature wear and discoloration.
why is this conditioner so hard to find?
there's a link in the description!
What is the Name of the design n from where I can buy this boots
viberg.com/products/service-boot-brown-chromexcel
Is it better than obenauf's? Cause i swear by that stuff.
I really don't like Obenauf's, it darkened my Iron Rangers beyond all recognition. So yes is my answer!
@@Stridewise yes! I know! Its done a number on some of my leather. But if you get to know it Oh mann its my go to when resorting antique leather. My tick is to get a small amount and work it into a horse hair brush. Just enough to be damp. Then brush it into my boots. Ofcourse thats after you brush the dirt off. But no if you put to much even if you just put some on your finger it goes dark real quick lol. The trick with that is slowly work it in. But love your channel! Thanks for the comment
@@Horologist-zu5vq I wish I'd had your tip when I was doing mine haha. Thanks for the advice - and thanks for liking the channel!
No finer looking service boot, IMO, than the Viberg.
She's a beauty!
Yes I agree. My only complaint is that it takes some time to break in. Other than that, they are amazing.
What’s the boot and color?
Viberg Service Boot in brown chromexcel viberg.com/products/service-boot-brown-chromexcel
Are these the most expensive one in your collection?
Yep! Until I start getting into British boots...
Stridewise waiting for some John Lofgren reviews!
@@Stridewise Tricker's? John Lofgren is also in my rader.
@@DEN3366 I have reviewed Tricker's! Been meaning to start with Loakes and go from there
Stridewise skip loakes go right to cheaney
Not so inexpensive anymore, $3 per ounce 😟😟. Thanks for the informative review.
good review but not a fan of darkening the leather
1:00 depth of color and brown CXL dont match. Dullest leather out there imo
good!!
Thanks Ren Mín Guǎng Chǎng!
@@Stridewise greetings from Argentina. my name is rene, but I abbreviate it as ren
@@ren-s7819 Haha I used to live in China so I went straight to Mandarin, ren means 'people' and everything is named after the People in China
@@Stridewise haha look you
New lighting? Looks weird
Edit: or you just have a nice tan lol
Yeah new lighting. I think I messed up the color balance, i was in too much of a rush to get this up to notice it haha. Oops
Look into Obenaufs. You’ll thank me later.
Also, put boots into black garbage bag and let them sit in the sun for at least an hour. Your boots will be very soft afterwards!
Oh my god, Obenaufs is the worst conditioner! It darkens boots to a crazy degree, it ruined my Iron Rangers. Not a fan!
Stridewise agree with that, that is for work boots that are used to shovel snow. Never on a boot that I truly care about “fashion wise”
Yeah exactly Bruce, I'm not saying it's worthless just that it's what you use when looks are not a concern.
In my experience, I haven’t used a product that protects and conditions leather better than Obenaufs.
Review?
More like infomercial
Those are some super gay looking boots.
Nice hit and run comment, you little bitch ass coward