venetian shoe cream vs venetian leather balm venetian shoe cream vs venetian leather balm

Bickmore Bick 4 Pros & Cons Pros Doesn't darken Inexpensive Makes leather supple and pliant Wax free (if that matters) Cons Its another one of those conditioners that comes in a range of colors, these ones specifically designed to match John Lobbs leather colors, but the neutral option should work well for most leathers. The company is pretty cagey about the ingredients, but I do know it contains a blend of different waxes and its widely recommended among leather experts, including Nick Horween himself. Hey Nick, What were you using to condition your 1000 miles in those pictures? Order usual size. I was well into my career as a journalist in New York City before I finally realized that grown men dont walk around town in sneakers and, when its a little rainy, rubber galoshes. Famous Venetian Brand Shoe Cream, recommended by Horween Leather Company, museum curators, and antique restorers ; . It won't hurt much and it's a good way to add some mellow shine and a little penetrating wax to your leather products. Ive used a light coating of Venetian Leather Balm on the whole boot, with a couple extra applications and horsehair buffings on the toe cap and heel cap to get a nice shine and to give the boots a layer of wax protection for when I bang into things. Or do you recommend avoiding the stitching? Yeah, I think using a darker polish like the one youve got is a great idea! Hey Daniel, this penetrates more deeply and conditions more thoroughly. Its almost impermeable by oil and water because theres so much in there already, says Kay. Itll produce more of a shine on the Chromexcel, if thats what youre after. I bought some Venetian Shoe Cream that is labeled Medium Brown and also some Saphirs for my boots. Condition your Leather Goods with Venetian Shoe Cream- Renovating Balm & Conditioner.Shop NOW online athttps://www.amazon.com/Venetian-Renovating-Cream-Condi. First, you want a good horsehair brush. This article has been very educational and helpful! Have you done much in the way of shining your Chromexcel-type boots? Applying a small, half-pea size dollop of this conditioner will properly hydrate your boots and leave them with a healthy glow after light buffing. Dont miss a single Heddels post. (c) 49 Oz. We recommend choosing a cream color similar or lighter than the leather itself to avoid excessive darkening. But it didn't darken much and did less to improve the look of scratches than I would have guessed. Along with this, a line of thought has arisen on SF saying that if a product gives a good shine, it can't be a good conditioner. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. EDIT: From what I replied to another comment. I think thats just another word for Saphir renovateur or saphir greasy cream? Founded in 1922, Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation is a U.S. based manufacturer of premium mens footwear and accessories. Would Venetian Shoe Cream hide these scuffs. Lubricates the fibers to prevent brittleness, maintaining . Black, Read more. Sure, Amazon might put something like Leather Honey higher up, but educated gentlemen know that boots are for the finer products. Itll sink into the leather so I dont think youre risking red spots appearing, especially not with regular applications. But that doesnt mean its a poor leather. Its important to remove impurities from the leather before conditioning, plus vigorously brushing with a horsehair brush can help to move the oils and waxes inside the leather around, helping to remove scratches. Zoes in Chicago, IL USA. I was considering a pair of Danner s but stumbled upon Alden s by chance and the shells by choice. Waxed flesh is an unusual leather so Id err on the side of their opinion on that one, Max! Customers rate us 4.9/5 based on 400 reviews. of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend, Formulated to clean, condition, preserve and polish all smooth leather footwear and articles. We use a small amount of this Neutral shoe conditioner on our leather before glazing to nourish the leather and add shine. Appreciate the post, but I find a few things confusing: 1) Before it leaves the factory, CXL is coated in neatsfoot oil, which is made from the rendered shin and feet bones of cattle. Thank you and looking forward to your inputs. To get your own Venetian, follow this link. Would this be a good product to use to restore an old pair of Sorel Kaufman Caribou boots (OG Canada made)? It doesnt crease, some think it looks more plasticky, but man is it tough. You can but itll darken the leather. Leather balm is wax or protection based and although it will add moisturizing oils to feed and soften the leather, the purpose is to protect it from water/environment. Currently I use a leather conditioner like Bicks 4 and follow it up with a pigmented shoe cream and then polish if applicable depending on the type of leather and style. Red Wing Iron Ranger Vs. Wolverine 1000 Mile, Interview With Sagara, Indonesias Best Known Bootmaker, The Ultimate Guide to How Boots Should Fit (5 Areas to Look At), The Complete Guide to Chromexcel | Pros and Cons, How to Clean and Condition, Goodyear Welt Vs. Blake Stitch Vs. Cement, how to take care of Chromexcel leather here, Red Wing Boot Oil vs. Mink Oil Which Is Best for Your Boots, Review: Cockpit USA and their Type 440 USN Carrier Jacket, The 6 Best Athletic Fit Button Up Shirts | Best Value, Widest Variety, and More. I was well into my career as a journalist in New York City before I finally realized that grown men dont walk around town in sneakers and, when its a little rainy, rubber galoshes. I made this site because I love mens boots and want to explore the industry and the fashion with my readers. What gives? Great stocking stuffer for family members! For this piece I interviewed Philip Collias, the CEO of the company that makes Venetian Shoe Cream, to explore its uses, what we know about the formula,and the right way to use it. 2015 N Elston Ave Even if you didnt go as far as using Saddle Soap, oils and waxes are lost simply by using the boots over months and years. Its on everything from $200 boots like Thursday to mid-range boots like the Wolverine 1000 Mile and the Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill to $700 boots like the Viberg Service boot. Look up their prices! It is super stinky, so use it outside.it also worked better when i clamped my item for several hours. Their Special Cuir in Colorless is formulated for cloth application, and though that makes for more effective use on larger pieces, itll work just fine on small leather goods and shoes as well. Cordovan, We pick a specific Unlike other shoe creams, our Venetian cream is filled with natural oils to rejuvenate as well. Made with fine oils, gentle cleaners and imported waxes. See which boots suit your preferences and style. By day: Manhattan-based journalist with reporting experience on four continents, published in Vice, Men's Health, Popular Science, and a bunch of other places.By night: ravenous consumer of anything and everything related to high end men's boots.Stridewise is where I nurture a maniacal obsession with footwear and share my findings. category and dig up five great options along with one thats a little Free shipping and free 365-day returns for J&M Insiders. Small Leather Goods Belts Jewelry Hats View All SPRING/SUMMER 2023; AUTUMN/WINTER 2022 ; SPRING/SUMMER 2022; AUTUMN/WINTER . If you want help deciding exactly which boots are for you, lets talk! Chromexcel scratches pretty easily, but the pull-up nature of the leather means they can be buffed out pretty easily as well. Sign up for our His go-to recommendation is Neatsfoot Oil but one of his favorite products is Greasy Leather Cream, but he tends to lean towards Renovateur/VSC in personal use? We use it in camera harnesses because of its strength and its malleability. If youve read a few of my reviews, you know that I never hesitate to criticize an aspect of a boot that needs criticizing and Id never recommend anything I didnt love. Zoes Venetian Leather Balm in Neutral is one of the most recommended leather products on the market. For the sake of the poor blokes who've stocked up on Reno: Is it that bad that it will eventually dry out and cause leather to crack, as some have suggested? Were told that adulthood starts at 18 or 21, but the older we get the more we realize that isnt true. However, looking at every conditioner product description they all say they impart a brilliant shine. 2011 - 2023 | All Rights Reserved. Put some water in a dish, wet the brush, and rub it around the soap to work up a lather. Description Fine oils, gentle cleaners and imported waxes formulated to clean, condition, preserve and polish all smooth leather footwear and articles Not for use on suede or nubuck leather Available in five colors: Brown, Black, Cordovan (Burgundy), Tan and Neutral. Have you used your Saphir wax polishes on Chromexcel or Thursday Chrome? Saphir or the Greasy Leather Cream. Whether youre talking about boots that are outdoorsy or dressy, practically every company from so-so Thorogoodto top-tier Vibergrecommend you pair your purchase with a bottle of VSC. Note: This product should not be used to treat the Grizzly Wheat, Terracotta, or any "Rugged" leathers (Tobacco, Arizona Adobe, Black Matte, and Burnt Copper). Some people saturate the entire boot, soaked all the way to the flesh side, and it pulls as much of the oil as it can, says Kay. That just means they shaved off that very top layer to give it a more even finish and texture, because full grain can sometimes have too many flaws for whatever project or product youre trying to make. What youre trying to do is put a light level on the top to remove dirt.. We recommend this cream for DaLuca products as its made from fine oils, cleaning agents and waxes. I think theyll be fine with creams like this. Timberland Premium Waterproof Boot Review Is the Hype Real? Venetian Shoe Cream is about $11 for 3 ounces, but you can save cash with a 32-ounce tub for roughly $38. Venetian Shoe Cream has been made in Chicago since 1907. "I should clarify what I meant by "what gives". My thoughts on Venetian haven't changed. Although it's not as good as shoe wax for restoring color or covering scuffs. Its a fair bit pricier than most of the competition, but leather conditioners last a long time. This does not cost you any extra money whatsoever, it just means the origin of the sale is tracked back to Stridewise. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Leather is buff / light tan and appears to be drying out. According to Horween, Chromexcel (or CXL) undergoes at least 89 separate processes taking 28 working days and utilizing all five floors of (their) facility. You can read about the lengthy processing from skin to CXL on their site but the long and short of it is that the leather gets imbued with an enormous variety of oils, greases, and waxes, including food-grade beef tallow and cosmetic-grade beeswax. Famous Venetian Brand Shoe Cream, recommended by Horween Leather Company, museum curators, and antique restorers, VSC is described as containing fine oils, gentle cleaners and imported waxes formulated to clean, condition, preserve and polish all smooth leather footwear and articles., Heres the thing: we dont know whats in it. Blackrock Leather n' Rich didn't darken. Cleans, conditions, preserves and polishes all smooth leathers. This conditioner cleans, polishes, conditions, preserves, protects and prolongs leather's life. free newsletter below! Nubuck, I dont think is ideal here. In this article, were joined by leather worker Weston Kay from Rose Anvil to learn all about: Chromexcel is the brainchild of the Horween Leather Company, a beloved American tannery that was founded in Chicago all the way back in 1905. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I received the boot cream in a short period of time and I am very happy with my purchase. I have a pair of Thorogood 1892 Beloit (Genuine Horween Chromexcel Leather) I guess what I am trying to get to is, would 1 of the products above work just fine? The following two tabs change content below. Once its all soaked in, buff it with a horsehair brush one more time to restore some shine. Store Locator. Shop shoes, bags, cosmetics, fragrance, and jewelry for men and women. You can see exactly how much Venetian helped restore the leather, and from there decide whether this is the right product for you. I go to Europe a couple times a year and the boots soles are slippery in the wet and on cobble stones. Please subscribe to be notified when new products become available. Recommended Use (s): Leather watch straps, wallets, shoes, boots, belts, leather bags . Topics include a wide range of brands from Crockett & Jones to Guidi. All superficial scuffs, nothing too deep. Thanks! Frye Jones Lace Up Review Look Great, Fits Weird, https://stridewise.com/red-wing-boot-oil-vs-mink-oil/, https://stridewise.com/why-is-cordovan-leather-so-expensive/, Edward Green Galway Boot Review | The Quintessential English Country Boot, Vagabond Blanca Boot Review | A Fashion Forward Bootie, Irish Setter Wingshooter ST Review | Like Red Wing, But Actually for Work, Gustin Sneaker Review | Amazing Quality, If Youre Patient, Satchel & Pages Montgomery Jacket Review | Worth Every Penny. Works great on chromexcel - moisturizing the leather and leaving a great shine. This product is easy to control and a little goes a long way. That the first item of clothing a date looks at is your shoes. I just find it confusingly written overall (perhaps Im being dense). Shoe Wax Like Venetian, Renovateur contains a small amount of polish, so its important to get the neutral/colorless version if you plan to use it on a range of leather goods, but it will leave your shoes both conditioned and a touch shiny. United States. Saphir Renovateur is another serviceable, all-around conditioner, and many people swear by it. ), how come every conditioner contains waxes and is described as giving shine? 4oz Glass Bottle. Color guide: Also, the leather conditioner will usually come with special protective ingredients than the leather cream. Whats the difference of Venetian Shoe Cream vs the shoe balm? By day: Manhattan-based journalist with reporting experience on four continents, published in Vice, Men's Health, Popular Science, and a bunch of other places.By night: ravenous consumer of anything and everything related to high end men's boots.Stridewise is where I nurture a maniacal obsession with footwear and share my findings. This Venetian shoe cream review tests this leather balm on vegetable tanned and Horween Chromexcel leather. Five Plus If youre an American who likes boots theres a very good chance you own some Chromexcel. ?? Say hey: Copyright 2023 Stridewise All Rights Reserved. Horween says thats usually his go to recommendation, which is why one of his favorite products is it seems conflicting. Understand its quite a character of pull up leather. Brushed vigorously and you want to brush it vigorously not only helps to remove dirt but it also heats up the leather, moving around the oils and helping to remedy scratches and scrapes. 10. Charlie is a New Yorker, vegetarian, and tech wear aficionado. Here's a few questions I'd like to pose for discussion. [Learn more: Chrome Tanned vs Vegetable Tanned vs Combination Tanned Leather], Horween themselves consider it top grain, says Kay. , I don't know exactly what that stuff Does I ordered some soul bright and that actually worked I really want to return the deglazer if it's all possible But you guys did not put a return label inside the Box so I Would have to pay for it myself which is not good, Venetian Imperial Leather Balm and Conditioner. Is this stuff better than the Neatsfoot cream that Red Wing makes? New product releases, daily discussion and community building with a common interest in quality footwear. If youve read a few of my reviews, you know that I never hesitate to criticize an aspect of a boot that needs criticizing and Id never recommend anything I didnt love. I have a pair of Allen Edmonds Dalton Boots that are quite scuffed in the toe and around the back. Check out:* The 5 BEST BOOT CONDITIONERS: https://stridewise.com/best-boot-conditioners/* Saphir Renovateur full review: https://stridewise.com/saphir-renovateur-review/* Venetian Shoe Cream full review: https://stridewise.com/venetian-shoe-cream-review/* Everything You Want to Know About Mink Oil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4PvKupo_QY 00:00 The Game Plan00:57 Why Condition Leather?01:33 Venetian Shoe Cream Ingredients03:00 Saphir Renovateur Ingredients04:54 How to use Venetian Shoe Cream07:38 How to use Saphir Renovateur08:29 Saphir vs Venetian Shoe Cream (Day 1)10:03 Saphir vs Venetian Shoe Cream Results#saphirvsvenetianshoecream #bootconditioning #leathercare Men dont have a lot of rites of passage. Its had an interesting history (it was used on engine seals in tanks during World War 2) and its known for its rich depth of color. See it in action in my Venetian Shoe Cream review. Learn how your comment data is processed. Thats all that Ive ever used. *When using colored cream on your Rancourt & Co. footwear please pay attention not to apply cream to light colored stitching thread as it will change the color. Avoid waterproofing sprays or creams if possible, since they can suffocate the leather and trap dirt and dust inside it just clean em with a brush and rub in some cream once or twice a year, remove serious dirt and grime with Saddle Soap when needed, and your Chromexcel boots will age like a fine wine. Our Price: $8.99. Its not chrome-tanned as the name might suggest, its a combination tanned leather that has been processed largely the same way since its 1913 birth. Oh well. leather balm vs leather cream vs leather conditioner, Scan this QR code to download the app now. Remember that most guys restrict using Saddle Soap to the times theyre planning to condition the boots afterward, since Saddle Soap is a little alkaline. Dangling modifier error. I use Venetian on new shoes and every few months to make my shoes have that great luster and new look eliminating scuffs. Hey, interested in learning more about shoe conditioners? Chicago, IL, 60614 Our shoes use only premium leathers and are handcrafted via a 212-step process. I figure if I do use the medium brown Venetian, Id have to be careful to be very consistent. $15.00. Venetian Shoe Cream is about $11 for 3 ounces, but you can save cash with a 32-ounce tub for roughly $38. subscribing to our free daily newsletter. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. For example, see the descriptions for Bick4 or Collonil (AE). Third, if you ever clean your leather goods with any type of saddle soap, make sure to condition them after they dry, as the leather will be extra dehydrated afterwards. I mention care for Nubuck in these pieces https://stridewise.com/timberland-boots-review/ https://stridewise.com/nubuck-vs-suede/. Mink Oil Alternative 4: Smith's Leather Balm. Allen Edmonds loafers for men and men's slip-on dress shoes are the perfect combination for a dressy style and easy comfort. [Dont miss my full article on The Right Way to Waterproof Nice Boots! I havent worked up the motivation to yet, but should I use the medium brown Venetian on the boots? Boots still look great. I have since tried it on several other materials and found it holds well. Actually made in Chicago, this is one of the most popular creams for conditioning leather and is great for keeping it moist and flexible. Of course, the color is more red than anything (?!?!) I am so happy I found this site. Am I interpreting this correctly? I haven't been able to get any from the stores in my area. Whether you recently picked up a new wallet, belt, or a pair of boots, its important to keep the leather well-conditioned. Much higher wax content than Venetian Shoe Cream. I tried to read up on them but still confused since I find that there's really no difference, or major difference among them. https://stridewise.com/why-is-cordovan-leather-so-expensive/. Works best with darker reddish brown colors Google+. Just needing conformation. Sign up and be the first to hear about news, sales, and giveaways! If you havent yet, check out the video above where I apply the Venetian Shoe Cream to some boots in need of love and youll see how its quite effective at removing scratches and restoring lustre to leather. Is the go-to recommendation Neatsfoot Oil the Saphir Greasy Leather Cream mentioned immediately thereafter. In short: youll get a better result with a few light coats than one heavy coat, so apply a thin layer with a rag or your fingers, let it sit for an hour or two, and see how the boot looks. Works on shoes, boots, bags, briefcases, handbags, furniture, & More. He\\\'s worked in the industry with Truman Boot Co. and his deep knowledge of product and retail are on display in our weekly Five Plus One and Sale Finder Shortlist series. Five Plus Barge Infinity TF All-Purpose Cement Rubber Leather Shoe Glue 1 Qt (946 ml), BARGE All-Purpose TF CEMENT Rubber Leather Shoe Waterproof Glue 1 Qt (0.946 L), Barge All-Purpose Cement Rubber Leather Shoe Waterproofing Glue 1 Quart (946L), Angelus Leather Preparer and Delgazer 5oz, Cleans, Polishes, Conditions, Preserves, Protects, and Prolongs Leather Life, Famous Venetian Brand Imperial Leather Balm, recommended by Horween Leather Company, museum curators, and antique restorers, Use on Fine Leathers and Plastics, Shoes, Handbags, Boots, Luggage, Watchs Straps. I think its worth a try, Im surprised shoe polish didnt help though. Venetian Imperial leather balm Cleans, Polishes, Conditions, Preserves, Protects, and Prolongs Leather Life Famous Venetian Brand Imperial Leather Balm, recommended by Horween Leather Company, museum curators, and antique restorers Use onRead more. * SHOP VENETIAN SHOE CREAM: https://amzn.to/2TiiBaS* SHOP SAPHIR RENOVATEUR: https://amzn.to/2TgI5FF Also, check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! Stay up to date with the latest on new releases, features, and new shop products by Cleans thoroughly, while restoring the natural preservative in leather oils. Some worry that they can draw color out of leather, but by and large this product is seen as the ideal all rounder for taking care of nice leather. Venetian Leather Balm didn't stand out in any way. This is ideal to help the moisture set in to the boots and to keep the petrol smell from funking up your socks. ], 1. I think Venetian Shoe Cream is more polish than actual conditioner. Take advantage of our exclusive offers today. (It is very good indeed). This high quality cream is well suited to a variety of leather types, including Essex, Chromexcel, and Shell Cordovan. Color guide: Men dont have a lot of rites of passage. Theyre not terrible, but I do try to wear a shirt with some red in it with them. I have the Thursday Boots Wingtips in their Brown Thursday Chrome, and like a shinier boot. I definitely think Saphirs polishes are a good bet. We also have some clues as to what it doesnt contain:there are no thickeners or silicone or waterproofers. Apply a dime-sized amount of cream to a rag and work into all the creases, Once theres no more on the rag, add some more. Save on men's loafers now by becoming an Allen Edmonds Collector and receive exclusive personalized promotional offers and rewards. Free shipping on orders over $100. If thats you, something like Venetian Shoe Cream or Saphir Renovateur is a better bet . Second, its important to not over-condition leather; generally, a pair of regularly worn boots will need conditioning about every six weeks. 4.5 out of 5 stars. I grilled Collias and couldnt get much out of him, but what we do know is that it contains a blend of six or seven different waxes, each with their own purpose: one moisturizes, one shines, one preserves, and so on. Horween does a great job of sanding away just enough that its a really clean and evenly colored and textured leather, but still leaving enough grain in the leather to keep it strong and durable., [Learn more: Horween Discusses Top Grain vs Full Grain Leathers]. One of the best leather balms on the market today! I use boot cream on my boots and my families boots to keep the leather in good shape. Not sure how to wear your perfect loafers to a dressy occasion, pair our Grayson Dress Loafer or our Nashua Tassel loafers with dress socks for the most sophisticated style. Tan - Amber Calf, Tan Mimosa Calf, all lighter brown / tan leather Red Wing Iron Ranger Vs. Wolverine 1000 Mile, Interview With Sagara, Indonesias Best Known Bootmaker, The Ultimate Guide to How Boots Should Fit (5 Areas to Look At), The Complete Guide to Chromexcel | Pros and Cons, How to Clean and Condition, Goodyear Welt Vs. Blake Stitch Vs. Cement, Chrome Tanned vs Vegetable Tanned vs Combination Tanned Leather, Horween Discusses Top Grain vs Full Grain Leathers, Saphir Renovateur vs Venetian Shoe Cream on Chromexcel], Review: Cockpit USA and their Type 440 USN Carrier Jacket, The 6 Best Athletic Fit Button Up Shirts | Best Value, Widest Variety, and More. 5.0 out of 5 stars 4 ratings. Available for 16 from Die Schuhanzieher. Saphir Renovateur is a close second, but it's more expensive that Venetian and it performs the same in my opinion. Paste/gel /shoe polish consistency. Is it one of those? Learn how your comment data is processed. Brushing vigorously and you want to brush it vigorously not only helps to remove dirt but it also heats up the leather, moving around the oils and helping to remedy scratches and scrapes. We use this cream in our own manufacturing/building process to do the final touch up before shipping products out. $44.95 $ 44. Do you have any insight on the difference between Venetian Shoe Cream and Venetian Leather Balm? I think either are fine on Chromexcel, Louis. The cheapest youll find are brands like Lexol and Bick, which wind up at about $1 per ounce. Thank you for a great review! Trying to do more in-depth stuff on shoe care and trying to find cheaper alternatives a lot of people think Lexol is perfectly fine on boots and its cheap as chips. The following two tabs change content below. After that there are fancier products like Cobblers Choice and Otter Wax, which retail for between $4 and $7 an ounce, and their biggest competitorSaphirs Renovateurcosts a whopping $9 an ounce. Venetian Shoe Cream has been made in Chicago since 1907. Ste 3 Oswego, IL, 60543. One, Blluemade Rendered its Noguchi Shirt in Japanese Seersucker, Suave Motorcyclists: Workwear That May Revitalize a Subculture Part 2, John Lofgren Made its Combat Boots in Natural Horween Chromexcel Roughout, 3sixteen Applies Charming Contrasting Border Stripes to Its Leisure Shirt. Description: The ever rare and hard to find Venetian Cream is here! To get your own Venetian, follow this link https://amzn.to/3B4Fc3iIf you're on the fence about which leather product to buy first, make sure you watch this entire review. Long/short, I have a briefcase in #8 that I would like to have a more polished/shiny finish so I was leaning towards using Renovateur, but I dont want to ruin the depth of color in the #8. Our Price: $5.99. And fourth, when you do condition them, consider using the products available below. https:/. It seems a little strange to use this product just for the shine and protection of the wax, and I am concerned that I may be over-conditioning. Only the 3oz. https://stridewise.com/timberland-boots-review/, https://stridewise.com/whites-service-boot-review/, Edward Green Galway Boot Review | The Quintessential English Country Boot, Vagabond Blanca Boot Review | A Fashion Forward Bootie, Irish Setter Wingshooter ST Review | Like Red Wing, But Actually for Work, Gustin Sneaker Review | Amazing Quality, If Youre Patient, Satchel & Pages Montgomery Jacket Review | Worth Every Penny, Doesnt change color much, especially relative to mink oil, No pigment, so its a bit harder to hide scuffs. Maturity comes slower than that and while this may sound silly, I think one of the marks of manhood is the first time you pay top dollar for a pair of quality, durable, head-turning boots. One way to apply this product is to spread a very small amount through the bristles of a horsehair brush and then buff it into the leather, although applying with a rag or your fingers will work just fine as well. Wipe clean with a rag or a horsehair brush. Whats the best conditioner for Chromexcel? Is the VSC comparable to the Bicks 4 leather conditioner and the VLB is more like the pigmented shoe cream or are both products more or less the same. Manufactured by C.A. 2) Regardless of the above, it goes on to say Nick Horween leans towards the Renovateur or the Venetian Shoe Cream. Hey Thats a nice review! So why is it such a big deal? Its skin, it gets dry, it needs moisturizing.