Leather boots are a great investment for your wardrobe. They can last forever and give a chic touch to any outfit, whether it's a casual jeans-and-sweater combo or a dress on date night. They do need some special care. Some high-quality leathers are stiff and light in color until they're worn in. Leather may also fade over time. In both cases, olive oil is a simple and inexpensive way to darken leather and condition and soften it, too.
Some leathers react poorly to darkening, and the olive oil may darken the boots more than you'd like. First test an inconspicuous part of the boots, like the inside or the heel. Simply apply a dab of olive oil to the test area and let it dry for 24 hours. If you're happy with the results, you can darken the rest of your boots using olive oil.
Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil on a washcloth and rub into your boots, starting at the toes and working upward. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the washcloth if needed, but be careful—too much can darken the boots too quickly or leave the leather sticky.
Let the olive oil dry for 24 hours. If the result is not dark enough, repeat until you get the desired effect.
Tip
Your boots don't need any additional care to retain the darkened effect, but treating them with a leather conditioner afterwards keeps them in good condition and prevents cracking.
Writer Bio
Brenna Davis is a professional writer who covers parenting, pets, health and legal topics. Her articles have appeared in a variety of newspapers and magazines as well as on websites. She is a court-appointed special advocate and is certified in crisis counseling and child and infant nutrition. She holds degrees in developmental psychology and philosophy from Georgia State University.