Caring for Kangaroo Leather

[DeathLeprechaun]

I'm planning on buying a pair of Nike Air Legends. I want these boots to look nice and last quite a bit, but the problem is, I have no idea how to care for leather, let alone kangaroo leather, products.

I've read around and hear stuff like leather food, oil, drying techniques, etc... but I still am confused. Could someone give me a basic overview of what to do? Such as cleaning, keeping softness, drying, oil or whatever, and stuff. I really want to care for these boots and keep them in the best condition possible. Thanks =)

[WingMan]

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364896

I've suggest reading this or ask more detail question here. Dr. Leather should be back to forum very soon.

[Dr Leather]

Hello DeathLeprechaun,

WingMan has pointed you in the right direction. As stated before, leatherfoods, in my opinion, do nothing for the leather. The key is to keep the leather clean, by using warm water (around 35-40 degrees centigrade) and a neutral pH mild soap solution (such as Johnson and Johnson baby bath) and gently clean the surface. Wipe the leather dry with a clean cloth, and then allow to dry naturally, out of direct sunlight, not in front of the fire, etc, in a well ventilated room. This should care for your boots properly without the need to spend a lot of money on aftercare treatments.

Hope this is of use. Regards,

Dr Leather

[crazyManUfan19]

hey Dr. Leather, idk if u would know about synthetics, but I have AZT90III's and i was wondering if you had any suggestions on any good ways to clean them, thanks.

[Dr Leather]

Hello crazyManUfan19,

I know a fair bit about the synthetics from competitor analysis. Honestly I would probably clean them in the same way as the leather. I have never seen any special way to clean smooth synthetics in my experience.

Best wishes:) ,

Dr Leather

[ADIKeeper]

Use nail polish remover for scuffs, ManUfan.

[crazyManUfan19]

Hello crazyManUfan19,

I know a fair bit about the synthetics from competitor analysis. Honestly I would probably clean them in the same way as the leather. I have never seen any special way to clean smooth synthetics in my experience.

Best wishes:) ,

Dr Leather

thanks Dr Leather

Use nail polish remover for scuffs, ManUfan.

yea, ADIKeeper i actually have already done this because someone has told me this works

[DeathLeprechaun]

Thanks for the tip Dr Leather. Do you have a suggestion on how often I should clean them? Such as, only if they get dirty, once a week, whenever I feel like it...

[Dr Leather]

Hi DeathLeprechaun,

I would definitely be cleaning them after each match.......it really is a very quick procedure, and it will reward you in the long run with your boots staying in the best condition possible.

Best of luck guys. All the best,

Dr Leather

[DeathLeprechaun]

Sorry to bring up a dead thread, but I didn't feel like starting a new one.

For users of K-leather, is it okay to spray it with stuff? I have this Waterproof spray thing, and I've used it on some other stuff and it works pretty well. But, if I use it, will it harden up or ruin the K-leather? It hasn't affected the other things I sprayed it on, but I was wondering if K-leather was any different.

[pingorenj]

^ dude i think before Dr Leather can elaborate u hafta at least mention the name of the thing ur talking about. ur post is kinda vague mate.

[DeathLeprechaun]

Well, it's just any Waterproofing product in general. I just want to know if products such as that would hurt the leather, or if it would stay the same. This is K-leather on the Legends.

[rkuchinsky]

Well, it's just any Waterproofing product in general. I just want to know if products such as that would hurt the leather, or if it would stay the same. This is K-leather on the Legends.

Most waterproof sprays designed for shoes shouldnt hurt the leather, but wouldn't likely help to much either. The spray is such a thin coating, that in the wear involved in football boots, it will likely be all gone in minutes.

In general, I would suggest looking at leather boots that have a permanent water resistant application, such as the Pittards WR Premiership Goat Skin Leather we (hummel) use.

I can't comment on the leather specifically used in other boots, as I havent seen the spec, but I can provide some info our our materials-

This WR100X water resistant application is a bonded application of high performance silicones, waxes and polymers permanently put into the fibre of the leather.

The WR100X tanning process has been specially engineered to offer improved water resistance properties, which keep your hummel footwear protected at all times. Although water uptake is limited, WR100X leather is still breathable and will allow perspiration and air to pass through the fiber structure, keeping the foot cool and comfortable.

Ordinary leathers take over 24 hours to dry and are usually hard and prone to cracking. WR100 leather dries in around 6 hours, and is as soft and supple as on the first wearing.


Hope this helps,

R.

[Dr Leather]

Richard,

WR100 technology is old.....period. Pretty much 20 years to be exact now, actually maybe longer. All good tanneries only use fibre reactive products, and in truth there is nothing special about the WR100X process.... and in truth I definitely do know that. Our K-Leather has more advanced technology in the tanning process than that.........trust me!!!!!

I'll tell you something to watch with your new leather. Check out how much water it absorbs after a few games when sweat gets into the leather and you can't wash it out. I think you'll be noticing that the leather definitely does get a lot heavier through water absorption throughout the season. I guess Pittards have completed the Tap-test on the water resistance testing as this is definitely a requirement of military spec leathers, but I don't think it was designed to represent kicking balls in wet conditions.

Have fun with your new product Richard!!!!!!!

Cheers,

Dr Leather

[Dr Leather]

Sorry to bring up a dead thread, but I didn't feel like starting a new one.

For users of K-leather, is it okay to spray it with stuff? I have this Waterproof spray thing, and I've used it on some other stuff and it works pretty well. But, if I use it, will it harden up or ruin the K-leather? It hasn't affected the other things I sprayed it on, but I was wondering if K-leather was any different.

Richard is at least right about one thing....... the fluorocarbon type water repellent sprays (which are the most common) will only leave a very thin coating that is not properly bound to the surface. Thus it will wear off pretty quickly in boot-ball contact areas. For Hummels analine leather it will no doubt help more I would think though as the season goes on.

It'll be safe to spray the stuff on, but how much advantage it gives in such a contact sport I'm not sure. It shouldn't hurt the leather though.

Rgds,

Dr Leather

[DeathLeprechaun]

Ok, thanks guys. :)

[rkuchinsky]

Our K-Leather has more advanced technology in the tanning process than that.........trust me!!!!!

I'll tell you something to watch with your new leather. Check out how much water it absorbs after a few games when sweat gets into the leather and you can't wash it out. I think you'll be noticing that the leather definitely does get a lot heavier through water absorption throughout the season. I guess Pittards have completed the Tap-test on the water resistance testing as this is definitely a requirement of military spec leathers, but I don't think it was designed to represent kicking balls in wet conditions.

Have fun with your new product Richard!!!!!!!

Cheers,

Dr Leather

I wouldnt be so sure your technology is more advanced ;) After all, its been a while since you have been at Pittards, and there is lots you dont know about....

As you havent even seen our new leather/boots I would be careful about your false speculations. Could land you in some trouble again.

Our new Goat Skin Leathers are ultimately very sweat and water resistant while still breathable.

In fact, normal leathers take up to 24 hours to dry where our WR Premiership leather dries in about 6 hours while staying as soft and supple as it was fresh out of the box. No extra conditioning needed.

This is both a result of the natural fibre structure of goat skin and the added special polymers and waxes in production. This is where I do think you will admit that Goat Skin has some advantages over K.

Can you explain why so many people complain of having their K-leather boots turn hard and crack after wearing? Why do you think it is that there is so much need for conditioning sprays/waxes/etc., yet you usually recommend against it?

I can tell you for a fact, we have never had one single complaint of hard Goat Skin Leather boots.

It would be nice to just admit to the fact that perhaps K-leather isnt all its cracked (no pun intended) up to be and stop bashing other products out there.

R

[óleóle12]

In the blue corner, we have, with a reach of 22 inches and a pair of horns...The Goat.

In the red corner, we have, with a reach of 45 inches and extreme hopping action...The Kangaroo.

Maybe that's what we need to settle this.
-On a serious note, Dr. Leather: Do you not reccomend foods, or conditioners because they are just unnecessary, or because they are not good for the leather?

[diablo_nyc]

just my got first ever k-roo boots, pume king exec tt. i dunno about everyone else, but i wasnt blown away with k-leather. i was expecting something supersoft and pliable, but these were kinda stiff....not that much different than the regular leather used on adidas boots. was wondering if it just takes time to break in.

also, is chelsea hide food (or whatever its called) recommended for k-leather?

thks

[Dr Leather]

Well Richard I'm not sure the technolgy has moved that far as I think Pittards has enough on their plate with their struggle to survive as a business (please note all forum members this is in the public domain)...... remember we do a lot of competitor analysis:cool: Do you actually have any qualifications in leather Richard???? I think the short answer is NO......and your replies are just marketing based my friend. I don't see you having a masters in the subject. So what the hell do you know about differences in fibre structure between a goat and a kangaroo......absolutely nothing I would guess on a triple-helical protein based level. The only thing about goat is its thick hard grain layer which you have to chemically soften like hell to get it soft enough, but then you damage that natural abrasion resistance. K-Leather is just the better fibre structure due to its flat fibre weave. But this topic of debate is wasted on you.

And by the way I don't like to be threatened Richard:mad: ...... but in truth it is you that needs to be careful with your marketing claims. But do keep going my friend.......it is both amusing and just identifiable information that you have placed in the public domain for later use.

K-Leather is available from other suppliers than Packer Leather. Puma currently does not use our leather for the record. Thus diablo_nyc you are not witnessing our K-Leather product.

I do not recommend the leather foods as I do not think they are necessary.

We have virtually no complaints of hard cracking leather and that is a fact. And generally if there is the odd case of this it is down to the player having mistreated the leather (e.g. wet boots drying with a hairdryer, etc). I suspect you have had no complaints due to the small volume you make :rolleyes:

One day we'll meet Richard......what an exciting time that will be:D

Rgds,

Dr Leather