Brinkers recommends Skidmore's waterproofing beeswax for "weatherproofing the crap out of those Blundstones" or other leather work boots. Mink oil, like beeswax, is a heavy-duty protectant that should only be used on shoes that you don't mind somewhat changing the appearance of. It's best applied in small amounts so as not to mask any other scent your shoe may have. If you want to protect a new pair of shoes, then we recommend Brinkers' new Clear Waterproofer. This product can be worn away from shoes (or any other surface for that matter) to create a protective film that prevents moisture and debris from sticking to your shoe material. Clear Waterproofer is a wax-based product that is easy to apply; just rub it into your shoe with a soft cloth. The more you use it, the longer the protection will last. When washing your shoes, use a gentle cleaner rather than a soap solution or you'll wash away the protection layer. You can also protect leather items such as bags and jackets by spraying them with a waterproofing agent such as Brinkers' Clear Waterproofer. Just make sure that you choose a spray version rather than a paste because you want the product to disperse evenly across the item. Once your item has been protected, try not to wear it around water unless otherwise stated. This will help the protection remain effective over time.