TYPES OF LEATHER
Full Grain Leather: This premium leather is exactly what it sounds like. Full-grain leather means no layers have been removed in the production process, making it an exceptionally strong and long-lasting leather. This type of leather has accepts conditioners and protectants like Black Rock with ease.
Nubuck Leather: Nubuck leather is leather that has had its outer layer buffed away, leaving behind a smoother surface than full-grain leather. If you own a pair of boots in “Tan” or “Scotch” leather, it’s nubuck. We recommend using the Black Rock kit here or online at www.blackrock-leather.com.
Split Suede: This is a type of full-grain leather that is soft to touch, and has a more “textured” surface. If you own a boot in our “Gaucho” colorway, it’s handcrafted with split-suede leather and will require a different approach to cleaning and care than full-grain or nubuck leather. Do not use a polish or conditioner unless you’re willing to alter the look and feel of the suede. Instead, we recommend using a light protectant spray like Kiwi and a suede brush as desired.
Suede: It’s soft, it’s leather, and it should *never* be polished or conditioned with Black Rock leather n’ rich. Suede styles include our Kinnickinnic and Kane deconstructed shoes and several bags and accessories. Do not use a polish or conditioner unless you’re willing to alter the look and feel of the suede. Instead, we recommend using a light protectant spray like Kiwi and a suede brush as desired.
How do I care for my boots?
No bells and whistles needed. We keep it simple, and recommend you do the same. To keep your boots in working order, polish and condition them every so often with a non-pigmented conditioner. We recommend Blackrock shoe polish, which we carry in-store at our Walker’s Point location.
Can my boots be waterproofed?
Our boots are handcrafted with oiled leather and treated with a water-repellant finish. While Milwaukee Boots are naturally water-resistant, they are not entirely waterproof as the seams are not sealed. If you want to waterproof them yourself, we recommend a clear waterproofing spray like Kiwi waterproofing spray. Just remember that even a clear spray will slightly darken the finish on your boots. We like to call that “added character.”