Bootcare Advice

All leather will eventually show signs of cracking where the boot leather flexes, however, drying boots too quickly may shrink the boots and will also harden the leather and accelerate flex cracking – regular treatment of Leder-Gris will extend the time before cracking occurs. 

Altberg recommend only Leder-Gris for use on their boots. We do not recommend dubbins, saddle soaps, oils, or any shoe-type polishes. 

Leather Boots for Water Repellency Leder-Gris Treatment Video

In this video the Altberg bootmaker gives a demonstration and practical advice on how to treat leather to enhance water repellency and delay the onset of flex cracking of the leather.

Leather Treatment (Leder Gris)

We recommend regular use of Leder-Gris wax-oil, it has been specifically developed for the type of water repellent leathers we use. 

We recommend that you brush in Leder-Gris when the leather is almost dry. Use a brush to work the wax-oils into the leather, and brush vigorously to drive into and below the leather surface, pay particular attention to the flex area and stitched seams at the base of the tongue. Don’t forget to pay extra attention to the stitching, this helps avoid abrasion of the stitched seams and sustains waterproofing. Always wax behind the heel tab in the flex area at the back of the collar. .

If boots squeak, it is usually the leather in the upper area of the folded tongue. Apply plenty of Leder-Gris to the area. .

Delaying Hardening/Cracking Of Leather (Leder Gris)

If leather is constantly going through a wet/dry cycle, hardening will eventually occur and flex cracking across the joint is inevitable. 

However, correct and constant use of Leder-Gris will extend the time before which flex cracking will occur. In more arduous conditions we recommend occasional use of Leder-Gris Xtreme, this will soften the leather, and used correctly, it will extend the time before the leather begins to crack. 

Drying Leather When Wet

Wet leather opens up (burns) more easily – this means it becomes brittle, and can crack. Treat boots constantly with Leder-Gris, especially when damp, and during drying. Always dry slowly, in a cool place away from heat, direct sunlight or central heating.

NEVER dry quickly.
NEVER dry near heat.
NEVER force dry in any way.
NEVER leave in direct sunlight.
ALWAYS treat boots with Leder-Gris or Leder-Bök before storage .