The Chippewa Super Dna 9" Logger surrounded by shoe brushes, a cleaning cloth, Leather cleaner, leather conditioner and water repellent.

Boot Care for Chippewa Work Boots

Leather care isn’t about keeping your Chippewa boots pretty—it’s about keeping them tough. Conditioned leather stays strong, flexible, and ready for whatever the job throws at it. Neglect it, and it’ll dry out, crack, and give out before its time. Keep your boots clean, oiled, and shielded from the elements, and they’ll hold their ground and perform day after day—on the clock and off.

We recommend weather-proofing your boots right after purchase to add an extra layer of defense against the elements (even if they’re already waterproof). A little time spent on upkeep will go a long way in keeping your Chippewas working as hard as you do.

A shoe cleaning brush, a cloth, a bottle of leather cleaner and a bottle of water repellent.

Gear Up: Tools to Keep Your Boots Ready for the Grind

  1. Soft cotton cloth
  2. Soft bristle boot brush
  3. Leather cleaner and conditioner
  4. Waterproofing treatment (spray, cream, or beeswax)

For storage, an electric boot dryer is worth its weight in steel toes—keeping your boots in shape while driving out the sweat and moisture that builds up after a hard day’s work.

The Chippewa Super Dna 9" Logger and a shoe cleaning brush.

Cleaning Your Boots

Choose a well-ventilated workspace before you start, as some cleaners and treatments can produce strong fumes. Always test any product on a small, hidden spot first—different leathers can react differently, and you want to avoid any unwanted color changes.

  1. Remove dirt and dust with a soft bristle brush, paying attention to creases and seams.
  2. Using a slightly damp cloth, apply saddle soap or leather cleaner and work it into the surface to remove grime.
  3. Wipe off any remaining soap or cleaner with a damp cloth—never let cleaner dry on the leather.
  4. Allow boots to air dry completely before conditioning or polishing.
The Chippewa Super Dna 9" Logger, a cleaning cloth and a bottle of leather cleaner.

Conditioning and Polishing

Once your boots are dry, rub a small amount of conditioner into the leather until the entire surface is covered. (A little goes a long way, over-polishing your boots can cause the leather to crack.) Let it soak in for about 15 minutes, then wipe away any excess.

For polishing, you can choose between paste polish (longer lasting but messier) and cream polish (easier to apply, available in more colors). Our team recommends cream polish for its smooth application. Always test the color in an inconspicuous spot first. After applying, allow it to dry, then buff with a soft bristle brush and finish with a quick rub using a clean cotton cloth. Boots with regular use should be polished every 4-6 weeks.

The Chippewa Super Dna 9" Logger and a bottle of water repellent.

Weather Protection

To keep your Chippewas ready for rain, snow, mud, and everything in between, finish with a waterproofing treatment, even if your boots are waterproof. A protective spray works well for smooth leathers, while beeswax offers heavy-duty protection for work boots that see tough, wet conditions.