Advice on Maintaining Leather Hunting Boots?

[marc]

Hi,

I recently bought a pair of Irish Setter Elk Tracker 860 hunting boots:
http://www.irishsetterboots.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=860

I was wondering what is recommended for maintining these boots?
How often should they be treated if you use them everyday for several hours
in snowy, salty, slushy conditions?

The store clerk recommended that I use Danner Boot Dressing:
http://www.danner.com/products.asp?catid=6&prodid=2224

The clerk told me they were already treated and didn't need to be treated.
But
I treated the boots with the danner boot dressing before using them anyway.
I can't see it doing any harm.

Anyway, I use them everyday in cold, snowy, icy, salty, and slushy
conditions.
I wanted something comfortable to wear for several hours, that's waterproof
and warm in the winter with temperatures averaging around -15 celsius or 5
fahrenheit and as low as -40c or-40f.

I clean the boots every day after using them with a damp clothes and then
remove the insoles and place them vertically inside the boot to let any
moisture evaporate.

Is there any other advise concerning how I should be caring for these boots?

A Danner representative told me I should be treating them with danner
waterproof gel.
The Irish Setter web site recommends that I care for these boots with Irish
Setter Silicon.

I love these boots. They are the best boots I've ever had. I've only had
them for a couple of days. But so far I'm suprised how warm and dry they
are.
They are very warm and keep my feet dry in temperatures as low as -20c
or -4f, and all have on is one pair of cotton socks.
The 1000 gram thinsulate insulation really works keeping these boots warm.
I'm intending on getting some merino wool socks. I can't see myself having
any cold feet with this combination in temperatures as low as -40c.

I was thinking that I should have bought them larger so that I could fit
extra pairs of socks on.
But I read that a proper fitting boot should be one where you put your foot
in the boot without tying the shoelace
and slide your foot forward until it hits the front of the boot and if you
have one finger's thickness of space at your heel,
the boot fits properly. If you have more room, the boot is too big, less
room and the boot is too small.
If the boot is too big this might have the advantage of allowing you too put
on more socks for extra warmth, but the
drawback is that it gives you less ankle support.

With only one pair of cotton socks these 1000 gram thinsulate insulated
boots were the warmest boots
I've owned. Warmer than the Kamik pac boots (with a removable zylex) I've
owned. Those Kamik boots broke after a month of use - the thread between the
rubber bottom and leather upper nylon mesh
split apart after a month. I returned them, got my money back, and bought
the Elk Trackers instead.
They are double the price, but they are more comfortable, lighter, warmer,
drier, and durable.

The only disadvantage I can think of is that you need to maintain them if
you want them to last.
If anyone can give some advice on how to care for these boots, I'd be most
appreciative.

Thanks,
Marc

[Bruce W.1]

Post by marc
Hi,
http://www.irishsetterboots.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=860
I was wondering what is recommended for maintining these boots?
How often should they be treated if you use them everyday for several hours
in snowy, salty, slushy conditions?
http://www.danner.com/products.asp?catid=6&prodid=2224
The clerk told me they were already treated and didn't need to be treated.
But
I treated the boots with the danner boot dressing before using them anyway.
I can't see it doing any harm.
Anyway, I use them everyday in cold, snowy, icy, salty, and slushy
conditions.
I wanted something comfortable to wear for several hours, that's waterproof
and warm in the winter with temperatures averaging around -15 celsius or 5
fahrenheit and as low as -40c or-40f.
I clean the boots every day after using them with a damp clothes and then
remove the insoles and place them vertically inside the boot to let any
moisture evaporate.
Is there any other advise concerning how I should be caring for these boots?
A Danner representative told me I should be treating them with danner
waterproof gel.
The Irish Setter web site recommends that I care for these boots with Irish
Setter Silicon.
I love these boots. They are the best boots I've ever had. I've only had
them for a couple of days. But so far I'm suprised how warm and dry they
are.
They are very warm and keep my feet dry in temperatures as low as -20c
or -4f, and all have on is one pair of cotton socks.
The 1000 gram thinsulate insulation really works keeping these boots warm.
I'm intending on getting some merino wool socks. I can't see myself having
any cold feet with this combination in temperatures as low as -40c.
I was thinking that I should have bought them larger so that I could fit
extra pairs of socks on.
But I read that a proper fitting boot should be one where you put your foot
in the boot without tying the shoelace
and slide your foot forward until it hits the front of the boot and if you
have one finger's thickness of space at your heel,
the boot fits properly. If you have more room, the boot is too big, less
room and the boot is too small.
If the boot is too big this might have the advantage of allowing you too put
on more socks for extra warmth, but the
drawback is that it gives you less ankle support.
With only one pair of cotton socks these 1000 gram thinsulate insulated
boots were the warmest boots
I've owned. Warmer than the Kamik pac boots (with a removable zylex) I've
owned. Those Kamik boots broke after a month of use - the thread between the
rubber bottom and leather upper nylon mesh
split apart after a month. I returned them, got my money back, and bought
the Elk Trackers instead.
They are double the price, but they are more comfortable, lighter, warmer,
drier, and durable.
The only disadvantage I can think of is that you need to maintain them if
you want them to last.
If anyone can give some advice on how to care for these boots, I'd be most
appreciative.
Thanks,
Marc

==============================================

I own Danner boots. Danner recommends only leather conditioner.
Leather conditioner can be hard to find. The best source I've found is
shops that sell leather biker jackets, Harley-Davidson stuff and all
that. Or you can order it from Danner.

Many of the waterproofing compounds can dry out the leather and it
cracks. I have an old cracked pair of Danner boots to prove it.

[marc]

I own Danner boots. Danner recommends only leather conditioner. Leather
conditioner can be hard to find. The best source I've found is shops that
sell leather biker jackets, Harley-Davidson stuff and all that. Or you
can order it from Danner.

Hi Bruce,

What kind of leather conditioner do you use from Danner?
Do you recommend Danner Boot Dressing?

Many of the waterproofing compounds can dry out the leather and it cracks.
I have an old cracked pair of Danner boots to prove it.

I don't see anything wrong with using silicon waterproofing compounds once a
year I assume.
The boots are supposed to be waterproof treated with silicon when you buy
them.
But the silicon wears off over time and you need to replace it to keep water
from damaging the leather.

I've heard of people using Danner boot dressing to condition the boot on a
weekly basis
to keep the leather from drying and cracking.
Which Danner conditioner product are you refering to? Danner Boot Dressing?
So the boots have to appear and feel like they are always subtly oily and
moist with this conditioner?
Did your boots crack because you didn't use the danner boot dressing on a
weekly basis and perhaps other reasons like
drying the leather boots next to heating vents.

[Bruce W.1]

Post by marc
Hi Bruce,
What kind of leather conditioner do you use from Danner?
Do you recommend Danner Boot Dressing?
I don't see anything wrong with using silicon waterproofing

compounds once a

Post by marc
year I assume.
The boots are supposed to be waterproof treated with silicon when you buy
them.
But the silicon wears off over time and you need to replace it to keep water
from damaging the leather.
I've heard of people using Danner boot dressing to condition the boot on a
weekly basis
to keep the leather from drying and cracking.
Which Danner conditioner product are you refering to? Danner Boot Dressing?
So the boots have to appear and feel like they are always subtly oily and
moist with this conditioner?
Did your boots crack because you didn't use the danner boot dressing on a
weekly basis and perhaps other reasons like
drying the leather boots next to heating vents.

==============================================

On my boots that cracked I used everything BUT leather conditioner,
stuff like Sno-Seal, Bear Grease, Silicon, etc..

One day it occurred to me that putting waterproofing on the leather was
silly, because the boots are waterproof anyway with the Gore-Tex liner.
To my knowledge water does not damage leather.

Sofar as I know all leather conditioner is the same stuff. It looks and
smells the same anyway, sort of a milky beige color. I try to apply it
once a year, but I probably should do it more often. It does not make
the leather oily, but it does darken its color.

[Wolfgang]

...To my knowledge water does not damage leather...

There may yet be things left for you to learn.

Wolfgang
who supposes they don't call it the universal solvent for nothing.

[Bruce W.1]

This is exactly what I have now:
http://www.lowpriceskates.com/browseproducts/Lexol-Leather-Conditioner.html

It comes in much bigger bottles too:
http://www.countrysupply.com/products/sku-BPL05.html
http://www.lexol.com/

I think Danner sells the same stuff and just puts their label on it.

[marc]

Post by Bruce W.1
http://www.lowpriceskates.com/browseproducts/Lexol-Leather-Conditioner.html
http://www.countrysupply.com/products/sku-BPL05.html
http://www.lexol.com/
I think Danner sells the same stuff and just puts their label on it.

I went to the store where I bought them and I asked them if I should use
silicon, grease, kiwi wax.
He told me I should only use conditioner and the one they recommend is
Danner Boot Dressing.
But it's expensive. He told me that the leather should be allowed to breath
to let the moisture out of the boot.
There is no need to waterproof the boot because the gore tex lining inside
the boot waterproofs it yet allows moisture to escape
outside through the leather. So he recommends that I only use conditioner to
keep it from cracking.
I guess you were right to only use conditioner.

[Cyli]

On Sat, 12 Mar 2005 00:57:49 GMT, "Bruce W.1" <***@email.com> wrote:

(snipped)

Post by Bruce W.1
One day it occurred to me that putting waterproofing on the leather was
silly, because the boots are waterproof anyway with the Gore-Tex liner.

Sounds sensible.

Post by Bruce W.1
To my knowledge water does not damage leather.

Your knowledge and my knowledge differ a lot.

The conditioner / oils you put on leather are to help prevent water
damage and to re-establish oils in the boots that have been leached
out by water. If you don't apply that stuff every so often (how
often depends some on use and some on age of boots), you'll have some
stiff and ugly boots within a year of use. Or two or three years or
so of just sitting in the closet.

Cyli
r.bc: vixen. Minnow goddess. Speaker to squirrels.
Often taunted by trout. Almost entirely harmless.

http://www.visi.com/~cyli
email: ***@gmail.com.invalid (strip the .invalid to email)

[marc]

Post by Cyli
(snipped)

Post by Bruce W.1
One day it occurred to me that putting waterproofing on the leather was
silly, because the boots are waterproof anyway with the Gore-Tex liner.
To my knowledge water does not damage leather.

Your knowledge and my knowledge differ a lot.
The conditioner / oils you put on leather are to help prevent water
damage and to re-establish oils in the boots that have been leached
out by water. If you don't apply that stuff every so often (how
often depends some on use and some on age of boots), you'll have some
stiff and ugly boots within a year of use. Or two or three years or
so of just sitting in the closet.
Cyli
r.bc: vixen. Minnow goddess. Speaker to squirrels.
Often taunted by trout. Almost entirely harmless.
http://www.visi.com/~cyli

Hi,

Thanks Cyli and to everyone for your helpful advice.

So far this is what I've learnt about maintaining leather boots from you
guys and other sources:

Leather boots should be stored in room temperature and in a dry, dark, and
well ventilated place. Wear the boots periodically to keep them stretched.
They should not be stored in a cold attic or a hot basement

The store clerk that sold me these boots told me that they know from
experience what is best for treating the boots they sell and they recommend
a conditioner.
Specifically, they recommend Danner Boot Dressing which is a conditioner. He
claims the army uses it to treat their leather boots.

Like you said the purpose of using a conditioner is to keep the leather
supple and to keep it from drying and cracking.
Frequent conditioning helps replenish the natural lubricants lost when
exposed to the elements (sunlight, water). A conditioner will stop water
from getting into the leather.
Too much moisture can cause the leather to swell up, mildew, and eventually
stiffen as it dries out.

Silicon prevents the leather from breathing and letting moisture out of the
boot. I heard that silicon may dry leather and lead to the leather cracking.
I heard that petroleum products can harm stitching. Products like silicon,
wax will prevent the leather's ability to "breathe".

If the boots are dirty you can clean them with a damp linen free cloth.
They say not to use harsh cleaners and alcohol to clean leather. If the boot
is really dirty they recommend cleaning it with, for example, ivory soap or
saddle soap in warm water applied with a clean cloth.
The soap solution should be washed off with a damp clean cloth. The leather
should not be drenched in water. Let it dry and apply a thin coat of
conditioner.

If you get leather really wet, then you should blot off the water with a dry
cloth - don't rub it off. Wet boots must be dried slowly and carefully or
else the leather might crack.
Open the boot fully, remove the insole and laces and let it air dry
naturally at room temperature.
Never speed up drying by placing them near a heater, a fire, or a hair
dryer. It can damage the material and effect how the boot fits.

Don't walk around with the boots unlaced because it causes unnecessary wear
on the inner linings and will shred your laces.

I was wondering how often should you apply conditioner to the boot? Only
when the leather appears dry or every time your use them ?

Mark

By the way, here's the reply I got from the maker of Irish Setter boots Red
Wing Shoe
as to how I should maintain the boots:
Dear Mark,

Thank you for purchasing Irish Setter Footwear.

Please be advised that you can use any "lanolin and silicone" based formula.
This is known for its softening and conditioning qualities which also helps
waterproof. We do have a product that we use which is style 95114 "Irish
Setter Mink Oil with lanolin and silicone". If the dealer that you went to
has this product, it would work great for your needs. If you can't get this
from the dealer, Kiwi makes a product that would work good to that has the
lanolin and silicone.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you and very best regards,
From: Mark
Message:
Hi,
I just bought a pair of Irish Setter Elk Tracker 860 boots.
I was wondering how do you recommend maintaining them.
I'll be using them everyday in the my town in snowy, icy, salty and slushy
conditions.
The store clerk recommends that I clean the boot everyday and apply danner's
Clear Boot Dressing: http://www.danner.com/products.asp?catid=6&prodid=1919
Would you have any detailed information how maintain these boots?
Thanks for your help,
Mark

[Bob Burns]

I've been using Sno-Seal on leather boots for many years. Always wear out
the bottoms before the tops!
--
Bob Burns
Mill Hall PA

Post by marc
Hi,
http://www.irishsetterboots.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=860
I was wondering what is recommended for maintining these boots?
How often should they be treated if you use them everyday for several
hours in snowy, salty, slushy conditions?
http://www.danner.com/products.asp?catid=6&prodid=2224
The clerk told me they were already treated and didn't need to be treated.
But
I treated the boots with the danner boot dressing before using them anyway.
I can't see it doing any harm.
Anyway, I use them everyday in cold, snowy, icy, salty, and slushy
conditions.
I wanted something comfortable to wear for several hours, that's
waterproof and warm in the winter with temperatures averaging around -15
celsius or 5 fahrenheit and as low as -40c or-40f.
I clean the boots every day after using them with a damp clothes and then
remove the insoles and place them vertically inside the boot to let any
moisture evaporate.
Is there any other advise concerning how I should be caring for these boots?
A Danner representative told me I should be treating them with danner
waterproof gel.
The Irish Setter web site recommends that I care for these boots with
Irish Setter Silicon.
I love these boots. They are the best boots I've ever had. I've only had
them for a couple of days. But so far I'm suprised how warm and dry they
are.
They are very warm and keep my feet dry in temperatures as low as -20c
or -4f, and all have on is one pair of cotton socks.
The 1000 gram thinsulate insulation really works keeping these boots warm.
I'm intending on getting some merino wool socks. I can't see myself having
any cold feet with this combination in temperatures as low as -40c.
I was thinking that I should have bought them larger so that I could fit
extra pairs of socks on.
But I read that a proper fitting boot should be one where you put your
foot in the boot without tying the shoelace
and slide your foot forward until it hits the front of the boot and if you
have one finger's thickness of space at your heel,
the boot fits properly. If you have more room, the boot is too big, less
room and the boot is too small.
If the boot is too big this might have the advantage of allowing you too
put on more socks for extra warmth, but the
drawback is that it gives you less ankle support.
With only one pair of cotton socks these 1000 gram thinsulate insulated
boots were the warmest boots
I've owned. Warmer than the Kamik pac boots (with a removable zylex) I've
owned. Those Kamik boots broke after a month of use - the thread between
the rubber bottom and leather upper nylon mesh
split apart after a month. I returned them, got my money back, and bought
the Elk Trackers instead.
They are double the price, but they are more comfortable, lighter, warmer,
drier, and durable.
The only disadvantage I can think of is that you need to maintain them if
you want them to last.
If anyone can give some advice on how to care for these boots, I'd be most
appreciative.
Thanks,
Marc

[doc]

Post by Bob Burns
I've been using Sno-Seal on leather boots for many years. Always wear out
the bottoms before the tops!

I second that. Sno-Seal is the only treatment for my boots and they are
more than a dozen years old and get used in snow, slush, and other forms of
water.

doc

[Donald Newcomb]

Post by marc
I was wondering what is recommended for maintining these boots?
How often should they be treated if you use them everyday for several hours
in snowy, salty, slushy conditions?

There is a very good product called "Lexol" which works well for most
leather products. In any event do not use Neet's Foot Oil. it acutally
causes leather to rot.

[Wolfgang]

Post by Donald Newcomb

Post by marc
I was wondering what is recommended for maintining these boots?
How often should they be treated if you use them everyday for several

hours

Post by marc
in snowy, salty, slushy conditions?

There is a very good product called "Lexol" which works well for most
leather products. In any event do not use Neet's Foot Oil. it acutally
causes leather to rot.

Various concoctions going by the name of neatsfoot oil have been used for
centuries by millions of people whose livelihood has depended to one degree
or another on the use (and thus also the careful maintenance) of a wide
array of leather products. Neatsfoot oil does not cause leather to rot.
What it DOES do is penetrate and saturate leather fibers, keeping them
supple. It also slows down the penetration of water, though not nearly as
well as many other products available today. More importantly, since water
leaches out the oils that keep leather relatively soft and workable,
repeated applications of neatsfoot oil keep it from drying out to the point
of uselessness.

Rotting is the result of the actions of sundry bacteria and fungi.
Neatsfoot oil (or any other nontoxic liquid) can be said to promote rotting
insofar as the decomposers do better in a moist environment, but without
that moisture leather dries to the point of being useless for many
applications. Numerous additives have been used to fight rot (with varying
degrees of success) but the real solution to the problem is proper storage
and care for leather products. Fungi (molds and mildews) are the most
serious threats to leather. Water is their best promoter. Treating leather
with oils not only displaces water already there but, as previously
mentioned, also helps slow down absorption of more water, whether liquid or
atmospheric. Manual drying with cloth, paper towels, or any other absorbent
material also helps. Storage in a dry place is also important. Simply
handling leather products is also effective in that it breaks up the mold
and mildew filaments.

All that said, neatsfoot oil is not a good product for use on hiking shoes
or boots. It is far from being a good waterproofing agent and by thoroughly
saturating the fibers it softens leather to the point that it deforms
easily. Shoes treated with it will stretch, losing their shape and
rigidity. They also have a slimy feel and will badly stain anything they
come into contact with.

Wolfgang

[marc]

Post by Wolfgang

Post by Donald Newcomb

Post by marc
I was wondering what is recommended for maintining these boots?
How often should they be treated if you use them everyday for several

hours

Post by marc
in snowy, salty, slushy conditions?

There is a very good product called "Lexol" which works well for most
leather products. In any event do not use Neet's Foot Oil. it acutally
causes leather to rot.

Various concoctions going by the name of neatsfoot oil have been used for
centuries by millions of people whose livelihood has depended to one
degree or another on the use (and thus also the careful maintenance) of a
wide array of leather products. Neatsfoot oil does not cause leather to
rot. What it DOES do is penetrate and saturate leather fibers, keeping
them supple. It also slows down the penetration of water, though not
nearly as well as many other products available today. More importantly,
since water leaches out the oils that keep leather relatively soft and
workable, repeated applications of neatsfoot oil keep it from drying out
to the point of uselessness.
Rotting is the result of the actions of sundry bacteria and fungi.
Neatsfoot oil (or any other nontoxic liquid) can be said to promote
rotting insofar as the decomposers do better in a moist environment, but
without that moisture leather dries to the point of being useless for many
applications. Numerous additives have been used to fight rot (with
varying degrees of success) but the real solution to the problem is proper
storage and care for leather products. Fungi (molds and mildews) are the
most serious threats to leather. Water is their best promoter. Treating
leather with oils not only displaces water already there but, as
previously mentioned, also helps slow down absorption of more water,
whether liquid or atmospheric. Manual drying with cloth, paper towels, or
any other absorbent material also helps. Storage in a dry place is also
important. Simply handling leather products is also effective in that it
breaks up the mold and mildew filaments.
All that said, neatsfoot oil is not a good product for use on hiking shoes
or boots. It is far from being a good waterproofing agent and by
thoroughly saturating the fibers it softens leather to the point that it
deforms easily. Shoes treated with it will stretch, losing their shape
and rigidity. They also have a slimy feel and will badly stain anything
they come into contact with.
Wolfgang

So what do you use to treat your leather boots?

This is what I read about maintaining leather boots:
Leather boots should be stored in room temperature and in a dry, dark, and
well ventilated place. Wear the boots periodically to keep them stretched.
They should not be stored in a cold attic or a hot basement

The store clerk that sold me these boots told me that they know from
experience what is best for treating the boots they sell and they recommend
a conditioner.
Specifically, they recommend Danner Boot Dressing which is a conditioner. He
claims the army uses it to treat their leather boots.

Like you said the purpose of using a conditioner is to keep the leather
supple and to keep it from drying and cracking.
Frequent conditioning helps replenish the natural lubricants lost when
exposed to the elements (sunlight, water). A conditioner will stop water
from getting into the leather.
Too much moisture can cause the leather to swell up, mildew, and eventually
stiffen as it dries out.

Silicon prevents the leather from breathing and letting moisture out of the
boot. I heard that silicon may dry leather and lead to the leather cracking.
I heard that petroleum products can harm stitching. Products like silicon,
wax will prevent the leather's ability to "breathe".

If the boots are dirty you can clean them with a damp linen free cloth.
They say not to use harsh cleaners and alcohol to clean leather. If the boot
is really dirty they recommend cleaning it with, for example, ivory soap or
saddle soap in warm water applied with a clean cloth.
The soap solution should be washed off with a damp clean cloth. The leather
should not be drenched in water. Let it dry and apply a thin coat of
conditioner.
I was wondering how often should you apply conditioner to the boot? Only
when the leather appears dry or every time your use them ?

If you get leather really wet, then you should blot off the water with a dry
cloth - don't rub it off. Wet boots must be dried slowly and carefully or
else the leather might crack.
Open the boot fully, remove the insole and laces and let it air dry
naturally at room temperature.
Never speed up drying by placing them near a heater, a fire, or a hair
dryer. It can damage the material and effect how the boot fits.

Don't walk around with the boots unlaced because it causes unnecessary wear
on the inner linings and will shred your laces.

Marc

[Wolfgang]

Post by marc
So what do you use to treat your leather boots?

For the past ten years or so.....as long as I've had my Danner
boots.....I've used NaturSeal. I believe this is a Vasque product, It
comes in both paste and liquid forms. I use the paste.

Like most products of it's kind, I think this is a blend of waxes and oils,
but I have no idea what the specific ingredients are. Anyone familiar with
the much more popular SnoSeal product would recognize this as being similar.
Personally, I never liked the SnoSeal. Too much wax. I always had to heat
it to well above ambient temperature to get it to liquefy and penetrate the
leather. Naturally, when the leather returns to ambient temperature the wax
resolidifies within the leather. The result is that it cracks as soon as
the leather is flexed, immediately opening up all sorts of little channels
for water to leak through and get wicked in. I don't think I ever did a
backpacking trip with dry feet throughout while using this stuff.

The NaturSeal is another matter entirely. While SnoSeal users would
recognize it, it is a much thinner product.....more the texture of cold
cream, I'd say. It liquefies at skin temperature. Rubbing it onto the
leather by hand, it quickly penetrates, leaving the surface free of any but
the thinnest microfilm of waxy solids. It should probably be reapplied
after every trip or about once a week if used on shoes that are worn daily.
Despite carrying it on numerous trips for the first couple of years, I've
never had to reapply on an outing and, more importantly, never had boots
that soaked through.

Wolfgang

[BE]

"marc" <***@nospam.net> wrote in message news:7G8Yd.45455$***@weber.videotron.net...

I never had a problem using Sno-Seal on my Asolo full grain leather
(non-gortex) boots. 1st pair lasted 12 years, Treat em several times a
year...

[marc]

Hi,

Thanks to everyone for your helpful advice.

So far this is what I've learnt about maintaining leather boots from you
guys and other sources:

Leather boots should be stored in room temperature and in a dry, dark, and
well ventilated place. Wear the boots periodically to keep them stretched.
They should not be stored in a cold attic or a hot basement

The store clerk that sold me these boots told me that they know from
experience what is best for treating the boots they sell and they recommend
a conditioner.
Specifically, they recommend Danner Boot Dressing which is a conditioner. He
claims the army uses it to treat their leather boots.

Like you said the purpose of using a conditioner is to keep the leather
supple and to keep it from drying and cracking.
Frequent conditioning helps replenish the natural lubricants lost when
exposed to the elements (sunlight, water). A conditioner will stop water
from getting into the leather.
Too much moisture can cause the leather to swell up, mildew, and eventually
stiffen as it dries out.

Silicon prevents the leather from breathing and letting moisture out of the
boot. I heard that silicon may dry leather and lead to the leather cracking.
I heard that petroleum products can harm stitching. Products like silicon,
wax will prevent the leather's ability to "breathe".

If the boots are dirty you can clean them with a damp linen free cloth.
They say not to use harsh cleaners and alcohol to clean leather. If the boot
is really dirty they recommend cleaning it with, for example, ivory soap or
saddle soap in warm water applied with a clean cloth.
The soap solution should be washed off with a damp clean cloth. The leather
should not be drenched in water. Let it dry and apply a thin coat of
conditioner.
I was wondering how often should you apply conditioner to the boot? Only
when the leather appears dry or every time your use them ?

If you get leather really wet, then you should blot off the water with a dry
cloth - don't rub it off. Wet boots must be dried slowly and carefully or
else the leather might crack.
Open the boot fully, remove the insole and laces and let it air dry
naturally at room temperature.
Never speed up drying by placing them near a heater, a fire, or a hair
dryer. It can damage the material and effect how the boot fits.

Don't walk around with the boots unlaced because it causes unnecessary wear
on the inner linings and will shred your laces.

Marc