To prevent irreparable damage such as flaked, cracked, or excessively dry leather, it is important to condition your boots regularly. If you're in and out of water or mud often, you'll want to condition more frequently (once or twice a month). Do not let your boots sit for periods of time with mud, concrete powder, wood pulp/dust, fuel, or mechanical oils on them. These substances are notorious for their ability to dry, harden, and cause lasting damage to leather.
Conditioning any boot will darken the color of the leather, so first test on a small section hidden away to ensure you're okay with the end result. You can condition nubuck, suede, and rough-out leathers with a standard leather conditioner, but it will discolor the boot even more than full-grain leathers. Additionally, nubuck, suede, and rough-out leathers aren't as susceptible to cracking as smooth, top-side leather is. We recommend using our Suede and Nubuck Waterproofing Conditioner spray, specially formulated for these types of leathers, to minimize a change in look of the leather.
If your boot is lined with a waterproof membrane (has either a GORE-TEX or Danner Dry waterproof liner) we recommend using a conditioner that's water or silicone-based (check the label to ensure it's one of the first ingredients) to maintain the breathability of the boot. Try to avoid animal-based products like beeswax and mink oil. Our Danner Boot Dressing offers three benefits: it conditions, waterproofs, and adds a little shine back into the leather. The dressing is offered in three different colors: black for black boots, brown for dark brown boots, and clear for all other colors. If you're looking for a more natural finish without influencing the color of your boots, it is recommended that you use the clear boot dressing.