Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is a great leather heavy duty protector and conditioner but it comes with some minor problems. I also own and use Obenauf's leather oil and have a review of that as well. Basically, the HDLP is for heavy use such as for work and hiking boots while the leather oil is better for lighter duties such as dress boots. I've been using these solely for my heavier boots and belts so I can't say much else for other leather products but I see a few problems with such use. Application: This is a wax, so it has the consistency of a soft runny wax that will melt with body heat. I usually apply this stuff by hand and it works very well since it allows you to massage the wax into the leather. After application, it takes about a day to dry or a bit faster if left in a warm(not hot) place. After it's dry, use a rag to wipe off the excess and a Qtip to get into the nooks and crannies. I then use horsehair brush to buff off the excess. This will leave a dull sheen that can be polished if you want to. It works well but tends to leave an annoying sticky and waxy residue longer than other conditioners. It took almost a week for a pair of boots to dry before it wasn't sticky to the touch anymore. I don't know how people can use it for leather couches or anything you regularly touch. The smell: Obernauf's formula is obviously made from a base of bees wax and other proprietary leather conditioning oils(often animal products but may occasionally be saps or plant based) so there is a smell. A pretty a strong smell. It's not unpleasant and smells like honey but it actually remains around for some time. I waxed my Red Wing work boots about 3-4months ago and it still smells of honey when I lace them up. This makes me doubtful about its utility on other leather products such as jackets you'll reek of honey for weeks if not months. The color: It will darken leather. Basically all leather conditioners will but this will significantly darken it until it totally dries. Even dry, it will still be a few shade darker. It took several months before my Red Wing work boots came back closer to its original copper color. Personally I think it is worth it unless you have a very light pair of shoes. It works best for dark brown or black leather. I'd avoid using these in dress shoes, the leather oil is better for that use. The protection: It works very well. It revitalized several old dry leather belts and boots. It has brought some measure of life back to those shoes and boots. I'm expecting a few more years of life from those old worn boots and belts. It works great at waterproofing. My Danner leather hiking boots have been through treks through muddy trails and streams and after a good rinse, the muck and water slides off. It's not magic but it comes close. When I hose off my Red Wing work boots, the dust easily washes off and the boot itself looks untouched beneath. I've been using the HDLP on my hiking shoes for almost 3years with weekly day hikes, my Danners look worn in but the leather still looks great. I've had to reapply the HDLP every 3-4months. Overall great product with some caveats. Caution because of the darkening of leather, smell and sticky residue. Great leather protection from heavy dirty situations. However, if you just need a good boot oil with decent protection without as much darkening, I'd suggest the Obenauf's leather oil.