If you have a pair of leather boots, you probably know that you can use mink oil for your boots. Mink oil is a type of oil produced from mink. It has conditioning characteristics that can soften leather very well. Therefore, people have been using mink oils for decades as a treatment for their leather shoes.
Mink oil is extracted from the fatty layer of the mink’s abdomen. Therefore, it is rich in fatty acids, unlike any other oil. Also, it will not go rancid as the fatty acids do not react with oxygen. This makes the shelf life of mink oil longer than that of other animal oils.
Using mink oil on the inside of boots is good for the short term as it conditions the inner layer. However, in the long term, mink oil has negative effects, since it accelerates the wear of the boots. Therefore, it depends on the frequency of use of mink oil. Also, the amount of oil that is applied inside the boots is important.
Advantages and disadvantages of mink oil inside leather boots
Mink oil has several benefits inside boots. However, each of these benefits can have negative consequences if not applied properly.
leather conditioning
Starting with the conditioning feature, mink oil can soften the leather. By applying a generous amount of oil to boots, you can make stiff boots softer and easier to wear. As most owners of leather boots know, leather is flexible and conforms to the foot. Leather conditioning makes it softer and quicker to form around the feet. This is why some people may use mink oil inside their boots.
To obtain the expected results, you must leave the boots for an adequate amount of time so that they fully absorb the oil. The oil will penetrate the pores of the leather filling them and thus softening the internal fibers. However, you should remove excess oil as it could lead to rotting of the leather.
On the other hand, while mink oil will soften the boots, it is difficult to remove excess oil from the inside. Excess oil inside can lead to rot. Also, too much softness on the inside of the boots can cause them to wear out faster.
water-resistant layer
The layer that mink oil creates by filling the pores will lock in moisture. Mink oil is a thick oil that can resist water, thus protecting boots from moisture. Whenever water seeps into the inside of your boots, the leather will not be affected as it has a waterproof coating.
However, the excess oil in the leather locks the moisture inside the pores and this leads to rot. Therefore, an adequate amount of mink oil protects the leather against water, while too much oil damages it.
Most people don’t really like to protect the inside of their boots from water. This is simply because this inner side is not normally subject to water like the outer parts.
Pro Tips for Applying Mink Oil Inside Boots
So, as you can see, mink oil has a huge advantage over leather boots. Also, you can use it on any leather shoes. This includes oil-tanned and smooth-finished boots. However, you should be careful about the following points.
Leave your boots in the sun for an hour or two after oil application. This helps the leather absorb oil quickly. If you don’t live in a place where the heat of the sun is available, you can use a hair dryer.
Use a dry cloth to remove excess oil from the inside of the boots. . Also, it is better to use a brush when applying the oil instead of just pouring some oil on it. This offers better distribution on the inner side and won’t leave too much excess oil behind.
Many people have always complained that mink oil changes the color of their leather shoes. So when applying oil to the inside, make sure you don’t get excess oil on the top of the boots . Unless you don’t mind a degree or two of darker color tones, never put mink oil on the outside parts.
Another important consideration is the mink oil on the soles. Mink oil will soften the soles and therefore they will wear out quickly. Also, the bottom of the shoes will become sticky and collect dirt. Therefore, make sure that the oil never reaches the soles.
conclusion
Mink oil is a favorite of many leather boot owners. Its conditioning characteristic is superior to any other alternative. Whether you apply it to the outer sides of the boots or inside them, don’t overdo it.
For application inside boots, you must have a reason to do so. Unless you need to soften the leather on the inside, regular oiling is not necessary.