The 7 Best Mink Oils For Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots have been some sort of fancy for a while now. These days, people wear them not just for work anymore but as a fashion statement. Also, they have become a part of our priced shoe collection, so we want them to look good for as long we use them.

Concerning cowboy boots, you need to clean, brush, moisture, and store them properly for them to last longer and be pretty while you use them. This has got many people trying different products on their cowboy boots so they can look good. And it raises the topic of using mink oil for cowboy boots.

If you have been using cowboy boots for a while, you would have also cared for them through different methods and products. Since mink oil is one way to care for cowboy boots, it makes people wonder so much about it. Should you use mink oil for your cowboy boots or not?

Using mink oil for cowboy boots can have its benefits and drawbacks, and we will get into that in the article. Also, if you are looking for the best mink oil for cowboy boots, we will review some of our top picks for you.

Let’s get right to it.

Sof Sole Mink Oil for Conditioning and Waterproofing Leather, 3.5-Ounce, Limited Edition

Angelus Genuine Professional Mink Oil Conditioner Spray

JobSite Premium Mink Oil Leather Waterproof Liquid - 8 oz - 1 bottle

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Sof Sole Mink Oil for Conditioning and Waterproofing Leather, 3.5-Ounce, Limited Edition

Buy on Amazon

Angelus Genuine Professional Mink Oil Conditioner Spray

Buy on Amazon

JobSite Premium Mink Oil Leather Waterproof Liquid - 8 oz - 1 bottle

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The 7 Best Mink Oils For Cowboy Boots

We have established that mink oil is good for your cowboy boots. Mink oil is amazing for moisturizing, conditioning, protecting, and waterproofing your cowboy boots.

With the right mink oil, you can enjoy the benefits of using mink oil on your cowboy boots. But, of course, you would need a guide to help with selecting some of the best.

So, we have selected our top 7 picks that we think would be suitable for your cowboy boots. We will review them below:

1. Sof Sole Mink Oil

Sof Sole Mink Oil for Conditioning and Waterproofing Leather, 3.5-Ounce, Limited Edition

• Mink oil for Waterproofing, conditioning, and preserving leather goods
• Ideal for leather boots, shoes, purses, jackets, hats, baseball gloves, saddles and harnesses
• The oil creates a WaterProof barrier against the elements and helps to protect leather by preventing...

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Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• Protect leather from water, salt and perspiration stains
• Easy to absorb and dry within minutes
• Make the leather more supple with moisturizer
• Works well for waterproofing leather.
• Ideal for use on smooth or grain leather cowboy boots and other leather products.

Cons

• May darken some leathers
• Don’t make your cowboy boots shine.
• May leave white residues on cowboy boots.

Sof Sole mink oil is one of the best mink oil for cowboy boots. First, it is made from the finest and best ingredients. Containing about 5 to 10% pure mink oil, 55 to 85% bleached mutton tallow, 10% glycerol it helps to moisturize your cowboy boots’ leather adequately.

Since it contains glycerol, it has deep cleaning properties that keep your cowboy boots clean and moisturized. In addition, these ingredients penetrate deep into your cowboy boots, creating a water-resistant barrier on your boots.

One good thing is that it absorbs into the leather quickly, and within a few minutes, it dries up on your leather. You can use it with smooth or grain leather and you will get improved cowboy boots’ looks after application.

As long as you apply it the right way, you can enjoy the benefits of this product. However, using Sof Sole mink oil on your cowboy boots has its disadvantages.

For one thing, it may darken your cowboy boots’ leather. You should know this before rubbing it on your boots. You should also try it out on an inconspicuous spot on your cowboy boots and gauge if you want that difference in your boots.

Another drawback is that it doesn’t make your boots shine or glossy. The color only looks better. Also, you may notice some white residues on your cowboy boots after using them.

Overall, Sof Sole mink oil seems like a pretty good product to buy for your cowboy boots.

2. Fiebing’s Golden Mink Oil Paste

Pros

• Apart from mink oil, this product contains silicone, lanolin, and Vitamin E.
• Works well for softening, protecting, and replenishing cowboy boots.
• Great for waterproofing and protection from mold and stains on the leather.
• Soften stiff leather
• Excellent for use on leather and vinyl cowboy boots, as well as furniture, shoes, purses, and other items!

Cons

• May not darken leather which could be an advantage for you if you would rather not darken your cowboy boots.
• Might leave a faint light coat on

Fiebing’s golden mink oil paste is also one of the best mink oils for cowboy boots. The manufacturer says it contains silicone which helps protect leather, lanolin, which serves as a leather softener, and Vitamin E, which helps restore the oil in leather.

Therefore, this product is good for softening and protecting your cowboy boots, and as a result, you can use it to flex and soften your stiff cowboy boots. Also, it can serve as a water repellant for your cowboy boots and protect your feet from moisture.

Furthermore, it helps protect your cowboy boots from salt and water stains and mold that could possibly ruin the leather.

Another drawback is that it does not darken leather. However, this could be an advantage depending on what you are looking for. In addition, this product might leave a faint light coat on your cowboy boots. Anyway, the product is good for use on your cowboy boots.

3. Angelus Genuine Professional Mink Oil

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Angelus Genuine Professional Mink Oil Conditioner Spray

• WHAT IT DOES: Waterproofs, Softens, Lubricates, and Preserves leather, suede, nubuck, rough-out,...
• IDEAL FOR Shoes, Boots, Harnesses, Saddles, Holsters, Jackets, Bags, Wallets, & More
• RESTORES TO BUTTER SOFT SUEDE: Revitalizes faded suede and gives you that buttery soft feel back to...

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Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• A premium leather conditioner
• Rejuvenate faded suede in a short time
• Prevent stains from getting on leather.
• Extends the life of the leather cowboy boots
• Convenient with the spray version
• Great for use on leather, suede, nubuck, rough-out vinyl,.etc.

Cons

• Using up quickly
• Might not be water-resistant

Angelus mink oil conditioner spray is another good mink oil for your cowboy boots. It is a premium leather conditioner that works well in conditioning leather and would help your cowboy boots retain their softness and moisture for a while.

In addition, it can improve faded suede leather within a short period and make it look almost as good as new. Not only is it good for suede leather but also for nubuck, rough-out vinyl, leather, etc.

Also, it can protect your cowboy boots from stains that may disfigure them. Furthermore, it would help preserve the leather of your boots so you can use them for a longer period.

It is very easy to use as the mink oil is packaged in a spray can so you can apply it to your leather without stress. However, the spray package could be a disadvantage because you can easily use up the product in no time.

Another major drawback is that it might not make your cowboy boots water-resistant which could be a turnoff for many people. Nevertheless, overall, the Angelus Genuine mink oil is an excellent buy for your cowboy boots

4. Red Wing Heritage Mink Oil

Red Wing Heritage Mink Oil, Clear, 20 M US

• Protect and lengthen the life of your boots with our specialty made in the USA care products,...
• Style No. 97105
• Protect and lengthen the life of your boots with our specialty made in the USA care products,...

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Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• Designed with lanolin and silicon.
• Helps increase leather water resistance.
• Works well for softening and conditioning leather.
• Protect and lengthen the life of cowboy boots
• Absorbs very evenly and does not leave a white residue.
• Was designed particularly for Red Wing’s oil-tanned leathers such as mesa, muleskinner, rough and tough, and yuma.

Cons

• May darken leather.

Red Wing heritage mink oils also made the list of our best mink oils for cowboy boots. It contains lanolin and silicon, which are good for softening and conditioning leather, and as a result, you can enjoy comfortable cowboy boots.

In addition, this product improves your cowboy boots’ water resistance and keeps moisture from getting into your boots. It also serves as a protection for your cowboy boots from sand, salt and other factors that may damage your boots.

As a result, it extends the lifespan and continuous usage of your cowboy boots. Another important feature that makes this product great is that it evenly out consistently on your cowboy boots and leaves no white residue on them.

It is most suitable for Red Wing’s oil-tanned leathers, like mesa, muleskinner, rough and tough, and yuma.

However, you should note that this mink oil product may darken your cowboy boots. That way, you have an idea of what you’re paying for. However, after a few wears, the leather lightens.

Overall, red Wing mink oil is good for your cowboy boots, especially if they are made from Red Wing’s oil-tanned leathers.

5. JobSite Premium Mink Oil

Pros

• Contains mink oil, silicone, lanolin, and pure Neatsfoot oil.
• Works well as a waterproof for leather.
• Helps repel oil and salt stains on cowboy boots.
• Enabling leather to breathe, making it supple, flexible, and appear younger
• Keeps dried-out leather looking fresh by protecting, preserving, and restoring it..
• Against stiffness often caused by wet and dry cycles.
• Good for leather, vinyl, and smooth leather.

Cons

• Can darken light-colored leather of cowboy boots.
• Not suitable for suede or nubuck leather.
• Does not make cowboy boots shine.

Another mink oil product good for cowboy boots is JobSite premium mink oil leather proof. The manufacturer says it is a blend of silicone, lanolin, mink oil, and natural Neatsfoot oil, so it helps condition and replenishes oil in cowboy boots.

Also, it works well for waterproofing and preserving the lifespan of cowboy boots. While it helps waterproof your boot, it also enables your cowboy boots to remain breathable.

In addition, it replenishes and refreshes cowboy boots’ looks and makes them look almost as good as new. It restores dried-out leather and softens the leather, making it flexible.

Further, it helps prevent oil and salt stains from getting on your cowboy boots. This product is suitable for leather, vinyl, and smooth leather.

However, this product may darken your cowboy boots, and at the same time, you may not get the shine you are looking for.

But, of course, it would help improve your cowboy boots’ look. Also, this product is not suitable for suede or nubuck leather and adds almost no shine to your cowboy boots.

6. Griffin Mink Oil

Pros

• A premium leather conditioner and safe to use on high-end leather goods
• Maintaining the boots’ flexibility while adding shine and lifespan
• Remain the leather soft, supple, and in good condition.
• Serves as a water repellant and improves cowboy boots’ water resistance.
• Protects cowboy boots from mold, mildew, and salt abrasion.

Cons

• May darken leather.
• May leave white residue on the leather.

You can use Griffin mink oil on your cowboy boots as it boasts excellent benefits. First, it works well as a leather conditioner for your cowboy boots and is very suitable for use on high-end leather goods.

It keeps cowboy boots’ leather soft, supple and flexible, and makes them look good. Also, it helps prevent moisture from getting into your boots and is a good water-repellent product.

Furthermore, it protects your boots from harsh weather, mold, mildew, and salt abrasion. Since it can protect your boots, it means you get to use your cowboy boots for a longer period.

However, this product may darken your cowboy boots. It may also leave a white residue on your cowboy boots after usage.

7. Ariat Unisex Mink Oil Paste

Pros

• Contains a blend of mink oil, silicone, and Neatsfoot oil.
• The paste sinks into the leather, softens and conditions smooth leather.
• Serves as a water repellant and helps improve cowboy boots’ water resistance.
• Keep leather pliable and supple.
• Protects and preserves leather life span.

Cons

• It’s not suitable for exotic leather.

The major ingredients in this mink oil product are mink oil, silicone, and neatsfoot oil which help to soften and condition leather adequately. Since it keeps leather pliable and supple, it makes your cowboy boots more flexible.

For that reason, you can use them to relax your stiff cowboy boots. Further, it creates a water-repelling barrier on your cowboy boots and protects your feet from moisture when you wear your boots.

It also serves as a protective layer for your cowboy boots, extending their lifespan for longer use. However, you should know that this mink oil product is not suitable for exotic leather. Although there is a possibility that this is a fault of the supplier or manufacturer.

Why Should You Use Mink Oil For Cowboy Boots?

Is mink oil safe for use on cowboy boots? Absolutely! In fact, mink oil is a care product for your cowboy boots. Using it on your cowboy boots will make them look and feel good.

Typically, mink oil is just like applying polish, leather conditioner, wax, or other products to your cowboy boots. It performs similar functions to other care products.

However, they are somewhat different in name and other factors. So before we get into the best mink oil for your cowboy boots, you should know the benefits and drawbacks of using mink oil for cowboy boots.

Benefits

Let’s delve deeper and explore what benefits mink oil can have on your boots.

1. It helps soften stiff cowboy boots

When you wear your cowboy boots for the first time, they would have felt a little bit stiff around your feet. This is quite typical of many new shoes, which may make the first few wears feel a bit uncomfortable for you.

With time, it ought to change and feel more unrestrained around your feet to be comfortable. Cowboy boots softening may take a while or a short period; however, you can get them to soften around your feet with mink oil.

So, you should use mink oil on your cowboy boots if you want to soften them. When it absorbs in the leather, it relaxes and makes more room for your feet in your cowboy boots.

However, before you apply mink oil on your cowboy boots, ensure that the boots are clean and rid of any dirt. Also, you should consider not using mink oil on your cowboy boots if they are new or fresh from the store.

Wear them for a while before you try to use mink oil to soften them.

2. Protects cowboy boots from cracking

Wearing your cowboy boots makes them prone to drying out and cracking. Cowboy boots aside, this is somewhat common with shoes; they start to change after wearing them for a while.

When you wear your cowboy boots, you expose them to harsh weather and other elements that suck moisture from them and make them dry. When cowboy boots become too dry, they may crack, and they would not look nice that way.

So, it is either you fix them, or you opt for new cowboy boots. However, you can avoid that if you ensure they don’t dry out.

You should use mink oil for your cowboy boots, and the leather will not dry out or crack. In addition, quality mink oil will help ensure that your cowboy boots retain their moisture for an extended period.

3. Mink oil is a good conditioner and moisturizer for cowboy boots

You need to moisturize regularly for your skin to look good, which is the case with your cowboy boots. In addition, they need to retain moisture for them to look good and smooth.

Also, mink oil can serve as your cowboy boots conditioner. So instead of getting a leather conditioner specifically for conditioning, you can get mink oil which will serve as both a moisturizer and conditioner.

That way, your cowboy boots can be flexible, soft, and long-lasting. When you get quality mink oil for your cowboy boots, they look good for a long time.

When you think about moisturizing your skin, try to recall if you have moisturized your cowboy boots for a long time. However, you should note that mink oil is not for everyday use on your cowboy boots.

4. Makes cowboy boots water-resistant

Usually, cowboy boots ought to be waterproof or water-resistant. This is so that users can keep dry feet when they wear their cowboy boots when exposed to moisture.

However, after wearing your cowboy boots for a while, you may begin to realize that water can get through to your socks or feet. When this happens, people try different methods to restore or enhance the waterproofness or make their cowboy boots water-resistant.

You don’t have to think too far; mink oil can do that for you if you have. While it cannot substitute the waterproof membrane in cowboy boots, it can help protect your boots from moisture for a while till you need to enhance the waterproofness again.

Mink oil, instead, blocks open pores on your cowboy boots and prevents water from getting into your boots till the oil dries out.

5. Extends cowboy boots’ lifespan

You don’t have to dump your cowboy boots because they’re faded or old after a few wears. After a while, your cowboy boots may fade, dry out, wear out, and so much more.

However, you can wear your cowboy boots even because mink oil can do that for you. Before your cowboy boots get to this stage, you can ensure that they look good every time.

With adequate and constant care, footwear can last for a while compared to if you don’t care for them at all. However, if you didn’t bother to do that earlier enough, you can revamp and extend the lifespan of your cowboy boots.

Mink oil will help restore your cowboy boots look, deepen the leather color, moisturize it, and look similar to a new one. Then, you can wear them for a little while more.

6. Protects cowboy boots from harsh weather

You expose your cowboy boots to the weather every time you wear them. While the weather can be gentle at times, it can be harsh at other times.

Sometimes, we feel the scorching sun burning into our skin when out in the sun. And the cold isn’t pleasant either. Similar things happen to your cowboy boots.

When you expose your cowboy boots to harsh weather like sun or cold it makes the leather dry out. However, you can prevent that if you adequately moisturize your cowboy boots.

And just like you try to protect yourself with a shield, your cowboy boots need that as well. At first, the moisture and oil in your cowboy boots will protect them.

After a while, they may dry out, and you would need to replenish them. You can restore the moisture in your cowboy boots with mink oil.

At the same time, you can complement the moisture with mink oil, so the harsh weather will not affect your cowboy boots that much. Also, you can always make up for dry leather with mink oil.

7. Secures cowboy boots against mold, mildew, and mud

You expose your cowboy boots to different things every time you wear them. And your boots are more likely to come into contact with mud, mold, and mildew when you expose them to moisture.

Sometimes, you may walk on mud, and if mud dries in your cowboy boots, it can dry out the moisture in your boots and make them prone to cracking. Also, mildews appear on your cowboy boots when they come in contact with wet organic materials like plants.

Mildews look like white coatings filled with fungal hyphae, and they are bad for your boots and your feet. Molds, on the other hand, are fungi and can harm your cowboy boots.

Mink oil, however, helps secure your cowboy boots from them. It serves as some sort of coating that helps prevent those things from getting into your boots.

8. Protects cowboy boots from stain

Stains can get on your cowboy boots every time you wear them or store them in the compartment. In addition, water, salt, or other elements can stain them, and these stains will not look good on your cowboy boots.

Mink oil comes to your rescue for that. It can help prevent stains on your cowboy boots. You can maintain stain-free cowboy boots with mink oil, so ensure you get the best.

9. Mink oil lasts on cowboy boots

Another benefit of mink oil on cowboy boots is that mink oil can last for an extended period, so it can moisturize, condition, and soften your cowboy boots for a while. In addition, mink oil is fat gotten from animals, and this makes it last on leather.

Also, it is rich in oil and, with its thick texture, can sink properly in cowboy boots and stay there for an extended period. After sinking in the leather, it also covers the open pores so that mink oil can remain in your cowboy boots for as long as possible.

The longer it is in your cowboy boots, the more you enjoy its moisturizing, conditioning, and water-resistance benefits.

Drawbacks

If you are looking for ways to shine and brighten a pair of costly cowboy boots, then mink oil isn’t your ideal solution.

1. Can ruin cowboy stitches

Mink oil in cowboy boots is all good until you notice some fault in your boots’ stitches. Yeah, mink oil can ruin the stitches holding your cowboy boots together.

This does not mean the stitches will come off, and your cowboy boots will fall apart, but you would notice a difference. This is often common with stitches made from natural fibers, like cotton.

Usually, this is common with older cowboy boots, but newer cowboy boots have synthetic stitches. Therefore, mink oil can stain the stitches in your cowboy boots, especially if the color is not black. Also, it can rot the stitches if excess mink oil stays in the stitches for too long.

2. Doesn’t make cowboy boots shine

While moisturizing and conditioning may be all that good, mink oil does not add shine to cowboy boots. Of course, it would make your boots look good and better than before, but it does not add a glossy shine to your cowboy boots.

This can be a turnoff for you if you need your cowboy boots to shine after applying mink oil. It may look like your boots will shine when applied, but the shine disappears almost immediately as the mink oil sinks into the leather.

If you want some shine, you can use other leather care products, like polish, for your cowboy boots.

3. Too much mink oil can harden cowboy boots

As we did say mink oil helps to relax stiff cowboy boots; however, it can also harden the leather. This is why we mentioned earlier that you should not apply too much mink oil to your cowboy boots.

Of course, mink oil works well for many things, including conditioning and softening your boots. However, do not be tempted to apply it too often, like every day.

We recommend that you don’t use mink oil on your cowboy boots more than once in less than two weeks. More can be a bit much. Also, you should not use mink oil on your new cowboy boots. As long as you stick to that, you are good to go.

4. Darkens cowboy boots

Another drawback of using mink oil on cowboy boots is that it can darken the boots. However, this could be a benefit, depending on the angle you view it from.

It may be beneficial if you are trying to improve the color or look of your cowboy boots. However, if your cowboy boots are somehow new and their color still looks good, you would not want to have them darkened.

Therefore, when using mink oil on your cowboy boots, you have to be careful. For instance, you can test the mink oil on the spare leather you have and see if you would be comfortable with the improvement before applying it to your cowboy boots.

5. Can make your cowboy boots smell

Using mink oil on your cowboy boots can make them smell; although it isn’t a common occurrence with everyone. This is most likely to happen when you leave excess mink oil on your cowboy boots for too long, maybe over 12 hours.

If this happens, the oil can humidify your cowboy boots and make them smell. So, when using mink oil, ensure you wipe off the excess from your cowboy boots when you finish before you leave them to dry.

6. Only a few color options

Cowboy boots come in a limited color selection of mink oil. They are usually in neutral, black, or brown color. You could also see neutral as something that you can use on most colors.

The most it would do is darken the leather’s color. However, you may not fancy that, so in the end, you may have to go for other leather care options that leave you with numerous color choices.

7. Can make cowboy boots less breathable

Another major drawback of using mink oil on cowboy boots is that it can make boots less breathable. When you apply it to your boots it can cover the open pores on them, reducing the airflow your feet ought to enjoy in the boots.

8. Mink oil is from mink

Mink oil may not sit well with some people who love animals and preach about preserving their lives. People get mink oil from mink body fat, and in the past, they usually killed these animals to get fat.

However, things have changed these days, and with technology, they can get mink oil from minks without killing or harming them.

Conclusion

Honestly, you need to care for your cowboy boots from time to time to prolong their lifespan. And one way to care for them is by using mink oil on them, appropriately.

As earlier stated, it helps to moisturize, soften, condition, and preserve cowboy boots. More than that, it helps waterproof and protect cowboy boots. However, while there are juicy benefits to using mink oil on cowboy boots, there are drawbacks.

If you are interested in using mink oil on your cowboy boots, we suggest you use any of our top picks. Nevertheless, ensure you read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying, and refrain from using excessive mink oil on your cowboy boots.

Jay Gatz

Howdy y’all, and welcome to From The Guest Room, your ultimate guide to all things Western! I’m Jay Gatz, a lifelong cowboy boot enthusiast with over 5 years of experience in the Western style world. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and help you discover the perfect cowboy boots and western gear to elevate your style. Let’s explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!