Recently picked up a new pair of duty boots for work, Rocky Para boot, 2091. These are the 7 inch side zip model which features unlined full grain leather with goodyear welted lug outsoles. Trying them out at home tonight and they are pretty comfy for brand new boots- definitely still and new but no horrible pressure points either. Couple points of concern though, since they are unlined (and therefore no goretex or the like) and they will see year-round duty use in EMS/Fire.
Firstly, I figure I'll be treating the uppers not including the toe and heel polished leather with some form of conditioner of waterproofing. Actually applied the first round of Obenauf's this afternoon which has been pretty good to me on previous Danner boots and even plain leather work gloves. One thing I noticed is that even with a hair drier these boots did not seem to "soak up" the obenauf's LP like others I've had. They actually remind me of the ICWB boots I tried to do this to, and I think the milspec on those calls for a silicone infused leather. Does anybody know if the Rocky's sport a similar leather? Obenauf's LP has been pretty good for me, but only been using it for a year- is there a better choice for this type of leather in both waterproofing and conditioning?
Second, not sure what to do with the toes and heels. I could hit them with LP or I could polish them. Will probably start with basic kiwi polish and just go from there. I remember that was very effective at weatherproofing my Doc Martin shoes years ago when I did food delivery, though it was susceptible to salt stains... Plus I'm not sure I need the trooper boot look. Policy's at both employers spec clean and polished but the spirit and enforcement is basically clean and presentable. Never had an issue with the matte black from obenauf's LP in the past.
Oh BTW, in case anybody is looking at these for themselves... I ordered the same size I wear in Danner and many other quality brands. They fit ever so slightly looser. Not too big, just on the loose side prior to break in. I'm hoping this means they will fit well with regular socks or winter socks depending on weather.
Firstly, I figure I'll be treating the uppers not including the toe and heel polished leather with some form of conditioner of waterproofing. Actually applied the first round of Obenauf's this afternoon which has been pretty good to me on previous Danner boots and even plain leather work gloves. One thing I noticed is that even with a hair drier these boots did not seem to "soak up" the obenauf's LP like others I've had. They actually remind me of the ICWB boots I tried to do this to, and I think the milspec on those calls for a silicone infused leather. Does anybody know if the Rocky's sport a similar leather? Obenauf's LP has been pretty good for me, but only been using it for a year- is there a better choice for this type of leather in both waterproofing and conditioning?
Second, not sure what to do with the toes and heels. I could hit them with LP or I could polish them. Will probably start with basic kiwi polish and just go from there. I remember that was very effective at weatherproofing my Doc Martin shoes years ago when I did food delivery, though it was susceptible to salt stains... Plus I'm not sure I need the trooper boot look. Policy's at both employers spec clean and polished but the spirit and enforcement is basically clean and presentable. Never had an issue with the matte black from obenauf's LP in the past.
Oh BTW, in case anybody is looking at these for themselves... I ordered the same size I wear in Danner and many other quality brands. They fit ever so slightly looser. Not too big, just on the loose side prior to break in. I'm hoping this means they will fit well with regular socks or winter socks depending on weather.
