I had my new Scarpa SLs out last week end for their first long walk. Conditions were very wet. The boots have now dried out but the colour has faded very badly. I just read the little booklet that was in the box and Scarpa recommend "the use of Scarpas HS12 Cream prior to use". I assume this is not essential !? Should I apply it now or just give them a dose of Nixwax/G wax?
I have to say they are an excellent boot. Very comfy and feet as dry as a bone despite very boggy conditions.

I've always used Nikwax Aqueous Wax. Mine are scuffed etc but I didn't buy them for aesthetic reasons.

Same as Jennie.

You can make life interesting by cleaning them with Nikwax leather cleaner and watch all the colour come off onto the rag.

Thanks. Jeannie,was there a particular reason that prompted you to add the second unnecessary sentence to your reply?

It looks to me like a very valid and reasonable way of pointing out that Aqueous Wax does a great job of treating the leather but not so good a job of hiding the scuffs...

Was there a particular reason that prompted you to add the unecessarily inflamatory sounding question to your message?

Mark
I don't really care much what it looks like to you. After all, I didn't ask the question of you and with the exception of this reply I really have no wish to enter into any sort of exchange with you.

OOoooooooo!!!

Good skills, like your style...

do yourself a favour and remove your nuts from the meat grinder, you'll smile more and live longer...

Either Harry is a 'troll' or just one hell of a rude person. If you're not a 'troll' then I think you owe Jeannie and Mark an apology :(
You asked for some advice and got a very valid answer no need for the personal attack(s) really is there?

Oi Hudson, there was no need for the second sentence in your posting. What prompted you to make it?

Sorry!!!
I'm not worthy St.John
Pleaseeeeee forgive me :(

"Ding ding!"

Seconds out, Round 2!

And whatprompted you to include that highly offensive "Seconds out, Round 2!"

I'd have thought better of you Simon...

Oh and Dave you are forgiven.

Don't worry about it, some people come over all funny when communicating over these new fangled means...
Harry might be having a bad day, he might have been neglected as a kid, we just don't know.
I am sure he would be willing to kiss and make up at the next OM meet.

back on subject, I personally find the best way to care for boots is to not clean them but to buy a new pair every time that when I go away this keeps me looking good out on the hills.
Oh and by the way soft shell is so last season.
Anyways gotta go getting my hair done :)

Oi! Behave, all of ya. I'm sure it's all a misunderstanding and if anyone else steps out of line it'll be red cards all round and an early bath.

Fwiw I'd not personally treat new boots before using them, most are treated or tannned to be water repellant these days, however if you feel like following Scarpa's instructions, it won't do any harm.

Maybe we need a comprehensive boot care article as winter approaches?

And for those of you that dont know - Dave was serious. He really DOES buy a new pair of boots every time!

Or, at least it seems like that....

Si

Harry - as Mark said so succinctly, Aqueous Wax does a great job of treating the leather but not so good a job of hiding the scuffs.

I was trying to present a balanced view - pros and cons. Hope that's not a problem.