There are tons of websites that will tell you exactly how to get a shine on black leather boots. Some of them even suggest ways to get different levels of shine. One thing that isn’t covered by most of those instructional pages is what to do when it goes wrong, or what to do when you no longer want glossy boots (converting an old pair from uniform/dress wear to a more outdoor role).

The most common problem I have noticed in polishing boots is people who are new to boot-blacking will often use too much wax or apply wax too quickly, not giving it nearly enough time to bond between coats. This often results in the wax cracking and flaking off. For this particular problem I recommend wearing the boots for a while to help the excess fall off before moving on the the normal removal process, to make removal easier.

The technique I use to remove polish from boots I learned from my friend David, an airman. The secret to removing polish from boots is to use metal polish. Specifically Nevr-Dull wading polish. All that is required is to rub the wading over the surface of the boot, let it sit for 4-8 hours, then rub the boots with a soft, damp cloth. Because the wading is designed for use on metal, not natural leather, there is some risk of the leather becoming dry and brittle after using the wading to remove the polish. To minimize this risk, apply a good coating of leather conditioner (conditioners made specifically for boots work best) after the polish has been removed.

Before attempting to add a new layer of polish the boots should be fully dry and all excess conditioning agents should be removed from the leather to prevent blemishes in the new layer of polish.

Hi! My name is Curt and I am the author of this particular boot blog. I am interested in boots because of a personal fetish for them, which had been enhanced by a somewhat obsessive friend who also has a boot fetish. I have 20 pair of boots, 6 of which are logger boots. I have been encouraged into this particular style by my friend, but I find that I now have a very strong attraction to them. My favorite style of logger, and the one that I have the most pair of is Chippewa’s Super Logger style. I have them in both of their primary leather types, oiled black and bay apache. I have them in both steel and plain toe (and two of the plain toe bay apache). I am attracted to this particular style because of their rugged appearance and how well they break in. I also like the materials used by Chippewa to construct them because they are so easily maintained.

I have created this website because unlike most shoes which are selected for fashion or serve a function for a limited life span, boots can last for many years if taken care of properly. Boots that are made of natural leather tend to have a very organic way of aging, becoming softer and developing more character as they age. The boot making industry has realized this recently as well with the option to “recraft” old boots and restore them to service, in the tradition of cobblers, rather than replacing a pair simply because it is old. In the same spirit I intend this blog to serve as a resource for those interested in extending the life of their boots and keeping their boots from pre-maturely aging. While old, worn-in boots do have a certain character and romanticism, boots should get that way through earned miles of walking and genuinely use and not through abuse and neglect.

My philosophy on footwear is that there is an appropriate shoe for every task. While some are quite versatile, there are tasks that require special equipment, boots can often fall into either category. I recognize that I have more types and styles of boots and other footwear than most, but I do feel that it is possible for everyone to find a boot that will meet most of the needs of their lifestyle.

Welcome to inboots.net! The purpose of this website/blog is to provide useful information for guys* who wear boots. The information will range from boot care and maintenance tips to some personal observations regarding the aesthetics of boots. As a guy with a boot fetish I am very passionate about boots. I don’t limit myself to a particular type of boot, although I am personally very interested in combat boots, tactical boots, logger boots and construction boots.

It is my objective through this website to create a repository of information that may be used to help men prolong the life of the boots that protect their feet and help them complete their tasks. Through proper care and respect, a pair of boots can last their owner several decades. That duration can facilitate a transformative process by which boots go from a fashion accessory or tool for the job to a familiar companion which can be relied on and trusted through whatever circumstances life may present.

[*While I write this blog directed toward men, it is possible that women may find valuable information as well. I do not discriminate against physical sex, but my interest is primarily in boots that could be considered “masculine”]