Maintenance of Nubuck Boots

[Mini Mac]

I've searched and searched the forum and Google for this question, but haven't managed to find an answer, so apologies if it's hiding here somewhere.

I recently bought a pair of Hanwag boots, which are nubuck. After some research I think I've settled on Grangers Gear Cleaner and Repel for keeping them clean and waterproof. However, I am unsure how to go about conditioning the leather without ruining the appearance of the nubuck, or if it is entirely necessary.

I've seen people choosing to use leather conditioner (and ultimately losing the nubuck appearance) and others choosing to proof the boots with spray only. So, is cleaning and proofing the boots sufficient enough to keep in them in good condition for a substantial period of time, or does one have to bite the bullet and accept that the nubuck appearance will need to be lost? Similarly, are there any recommended products which will condition the nubuck with limited change to the appearance (or would roughing it up with a brush suffice)?

Just trying to ensure I get the most out of these boots, but would like to keep their intended appearance as long as possible, too!

[mrssanta]

any cream/oil/wax will make your nubuck look like normal leather. Spray such as Scotchguard will keep it looking like nubuck but it is not really designed for heavy duty boots, more for "normal" shoes to guard against normal rain and town puddles.

[Sack the Juggler]

https://www.hanwag.com/handcrafted-with-passion/shoe-care/

DRY LEATHER NEEDS MOISTURIZING

Use special wax (no grease or oil). Massage a thin coat of wax into the dry leather.

Please note: Nubuck, suede or other split leather will darken slightly and become smoother every time you apply wax. If you don’t like this effect, you can always roughen up the leather again with a special suede brush. Simply brush off any excess wax.

[iain_atkinson_1986]

The couple of pairs of Meindls I've had using nubuck have just ended up getting waxed. I didn't find it to be a problem seeing as it darkens when it gets wet anyway, which is 100% of the time I wear them.

[Gareth Harper]

I have a pair of Altberg Nordkapp which are made with Nubuk leather.
I just waxed them with Altberg Leder-Gris and they now have a full waxed finish like any other boot.

[hbeevers]

Nikwax do a spong-on re-proofer for nubuck that maintains breathability. Works fine as long as you clean the boot before application.

I've got a pair of nubuck Altbergs which I waxed. More water repellent and still as breathable. The gore-tex liner is going to be the limiting factor anyway...