Reddit reviews Atsko Sno-Seal Original Beeswax Waterproofing Leather Protector, 7 oz

I highly recommend Sno-seal to waterproof leather boots. I've been using it for years and it works really well. It doesn't harden like pure beeswax does.

I usually just warm up the boots in the oven, on low heat, then rub it in with a rag. The first treatment often requires more than one application.

http://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Waterproofing-Protector/dp/B00O9OA01W?th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Waterproofing-Protector/dp/B00O9OA01W

you don't need to shine your work boots, just some waterproofing every other year or so if you even need it.

Lexol is great if they start to dry/crack.

I have used this stuff my whole life. The bad part is heating up the boots. Heat the oven up for a while. Don't heat the oven with the boots in there. I did that when I was young. And got to have a cobbler put on new uppers :( http://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Waterproofing-Protector/dp/B00O9OA01W

Depends on where you work, if your job is selling something to someone you might want to dress up in suit and tie, or if you're upper management that might be a requirement.

I can tell you all the places I've worked (~200 employee construction/engineering companies) old carharts, costco flannels and comfort shoes seem to be common from the grunts to the company owners.

If you'll be in an office, not interacting with clients on a daily basis, you might go with a nice pair of dark chino's, and a gingham button up, but skip the tie and jacket. Clarks desert boots for office work, but if you'll be running around outdoors you might invest in some Redwing Iron Rangers. For warmth, think several layers instead of some massive parka.

I think some of the best places to shop are going to be Nordstrom's, Banana Republic, Gap, and if you can stomach it, JCPenney (they have a good selection of Levi's at least). Costco is good for thermals, and cheap thick socks. I'd suggest checking out /r/malefashionadvice and be prepared to buy online and get things tailored.

Avoid Sears, Old Navy, American Eagle, Abercrombie, and Burlington's, low quality and you'll have to replace it next year.

Stallone's is a local menswear shop but really their selection is for fat old men who want to mask the shape of their body, and have no idea why someone would want "tailored" or "fitted" clothing. Plus their commissioned salesmen are hit or miss, as far as how pushy they are.

Boot Country is great for getting Vibram soles on your dress shoes but you can also hit up Fireweed Shoe Repair (I'd avoid Era's, they nearly destroyed my Wolverine 1000 Miles).

It's easy to overdress here, we were voted the worst dressed city back in 2012:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-worst-dressed-people/2

Edit: as far as boots and backup shoes, I tried this for awhile, and it was a pain in the ass, just get some SnoSeal and do a layer, let it dry overnight, then do a second layer

Edit2: Aaand I just read your username and now realize this guide really only works for guys

Made the switch to a pair of Kinco work mittens last season: https://www.amazon.com/901T-Heatkeep-Thermal-Premium-Pigskin/dp/B00RW287N6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1478540118&sr=8-4&keywords=kinco

slapped on some sno seal: https://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Waterproofing-Protector/dp/B00O9OA01W/ref=cts_ap_2_vtp?_encoding=UTF8&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2601945442&pf_rd_r=YNCD4EZZKBMXKB1N2Y28&pd_rd_wg=atkxZ&pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B00O9OA01W&pd_rd_w=90S7J&pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&pd_rd_r=YNCD4EZZKBMXKB1N2Y28

now they're almost too warm!

I just have a pair of Timberlands that I put this on

This is great for waterproofing leather boots, but keep in mind that it will definitely change the color of the leather.

I used to buy a Sno-Seal, but I came up with a similar recipe to OP's and started using that. Works great, and can be reapplied every couple of years to keep the leather supple.

Prep your boots:

Knock back the finish a bit with some diluted dish soap and a scrub brush. Set them aside to dry.

Apply some Sno-Seal liberally with rag or brush. Allow to set. For the first coat, I like to hit it with a hairdryer to let it get into the leather's pores and all the nooks and crannies where boot meets sole.

Apply a second coat of Sno-Seal and wipe off the excess with a rag.

Now get an applicator brush, a polish brush and a wax matching the color of your boots. Kiwi is a good brand, I've been using it for years.

Swirl your applicator brush around in the tin of wax and then apply it to your boots in a vigorous circular pattern. Pay attention to the areas around the crevices (such as in the instep). Let it set for a few minutes and then brush it down with the polishing brush in a vigorous back-and forth motion. Do NOT rub hard with the polishing brush - you're trying to bring it to a shine / gloss, not rub it off.

With the base coat of Sno-Seal and a good layer of wax over it you should be good for all winter. Wipe off any dirt / snow / mud before storing them in the spring, then repeat the process above in the fall.

Source: Army veteran, live in the Pacific Northwest. Many of my boots are over a decade old or more.

EDIT

For anyone following along, I reconditioned my 16-year old Vasque Sundowner boots this morning as they needed it. Questions welcomed.

These boots are currently down to $160 from $425. (I guess the tumbled leather wasn't a huge seller.)
https://www.allenedmonds.com/shoes/mens-boots/lace-up-boots/higgins-mill-boot-with-tumbled-leather/SF7539.html?dwvar_SF7539_color=7540#start=1

plus

https://www.gobros.com/darn-tough-socks-mens-hiking-boot-sock-full-cushion-charcoal-dt1405.html

plus

https://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Waterproofing-Protector/dp/B00O9OA01W

To waterproof your boots you can use:

SNO-SEAL

Obenauf HD/LP

They will both darken your both considerably

applying some sno-seal would probably be a smart idea

Obenhauf's leather preservative is fairly popular on /r/leathercraft. I use it on all of my straps, and as mentioned, it does darken the color for awhile, but it works wonders for keeping the sweat out. Sno Seal is another popular product, but I haven't personally used that.