Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam is great but if you can’t find it on the market, you can try its alternatives including Obenauf’s Heavy-Duty LP Leather Conditioner, Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner, Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, Saphir Medaille d’Or Renovateur or Dubbin. Wonder Balsam is a popular choice among Dr. Marten’s enthusiasts alike and more.
There are several other products on the market that can provide similar benefits. In fact, there are alternatives that are better than Wonder Balsam on the market.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top Wonder Balsam alternatives and compare their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re new to leather conditioning or just looking for a change, this guide will help you make an informed decision and keep your footwear looking great for years to come.
Benefits Of Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam
Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam is a high-quality leather conditioning product that is specially designed for use with Dr. Martens boots and shoes. Here are some of the specific benefits of Wonder Balsam:
- Protection against water damage: Wonder Balsam is formulated with a blend of natural waxes and oils that help to repel water and prevent damage caused by moisture. This can help keep your Dr. Martens boots or shoes looking and feeling their best, even in wet or damp conditions.
- Prevention of cracking: Leather can become dry and prone to cracking over time, especially if it’s exposed to heat or sunlight. Wonder Balsam helps to moisturize and condition the leather, preventing cracking and helping to maintain the leather’s suppleness and flexibility.
- Restoration of natural shine: Wonder Balsam helps to restore the natural shine of the leather on Dr. Martens boots and shoes, making them look newer and more polished.
- Protection against scuffs and scratches: Wonder Balsam helps to protect the leather from scuffs, scratches, and other types of wear and tear. This can help extend the life of your Dr. Martens boots or shoes and keep them looking great for years to come.
- Makes leather supple: The leather conditioner is excellent at making leather supple, making it a good conditioner to break into your shoes easily.
Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam Alternative
While Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam is an excellent choice for conditioning and protecting the leather on your Dr. Martens boots or shoes, there are other products available that can provide similar benefits. Here are a few alternative products you may want to consider:
1. Obenauf’s Heavy-Duty LP Leather Conditioner
This wax-based conditioner is formulated with natural oils and beeswax to protect and condition leather. It helps to repel water, prevent drying and cracking, and restore the leather’s natural shine. It has no harmful chemicals as it is made from all natural ingredients.
Strengths
Provides excellent protection against water and helps prevent drying and cracking. Can be used on a wide range of leather products, including boots, shoes, jackets, and saddles.
Weaknesses
Can leave a slightly sticky residue if not applied sparingly. May darken lighter colored leather.
2. Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner
This leather conditioner is made with a blend of natural moisturizers, conditioners, emulsifiers and oils to condition, clean, and protect leather. It helps to prevent drying and cracking, repel water, and restore the leather’s natural shine.
Strengths
Conditions, cleans, and protects leather in one step. Leaves no residue and doesn’t darken leather. Safe for use on exotic leathers.
Weaknesses
May not be as effective as other products at repelling water or protecting against extreme conditions. May also not penetrate deeply and does not add much shine.
3. Leather Honey Leather Conditioner
This non-toxic leather conditioner is made with a blend of natural oils and beeswax to condition, protect, and restore leather. It helps to prevent drying and cracking, repel water, and restore the leather’s natural shine.
Strengths
Non-toxic, odorless, and safe for use on all leather types. Penetrates deep into the leather to condition and protect from the inside out. Doesn’t leave any greasy or oily residue.
Weaknesses
May require more attention to achieve desired results. Does not work on all kinds of leather such as suede, faux and vinyl.
4. Saphir Medaille d’Or Renovateur
This high-end leather conditioner is made with natural waxes, mink oil, and lanolin to condition, clean, and protect leather. It helps to prevent drying and cracking, restore the leather’s natural shine, and protect against scuffs and scratches.
Strengths
Made with high-quality ingredients and provides superior conditioning and protection for leather. Can be used on a wide range of leather products, including shoes, boots, belts, and bags.
Weaknesses
More expensive than other products on this list. May not be as effective at repelling water as other products.
All of these products are excellent choices for conditioning and protecting the leather on your Dr. Martens boots or shoes. They offer similar benefits to Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam, such as water resistance, protection against drying and cracking, and restoration of the leather’s natural shine. Ultimately, the best product for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your footwear.
5. Dubbin Shoe Conditioner
Dubbin shoe conditioner is another product that is commonly used to condition and protect leather footwear, including Dr. Martens boots and shoes. Dubbin is a wax-based conditioner that is applied to the leather to help keep it supple and prevent cracking.
Strengths
Dubbin is water resistant, long lasting and provides heavy duty protection for different kinds of leather materials.
Weakness
Dubbin can darken your leather and it is not suitable for all kinds of leather.
How To Use Leather Conditioner Effectively
When it comes to using leather conditioner effectively, here are a few tips:
- Clean the leather first: Before applying any conditioner, be sure to clean the leather thoroughly. This will help ensure that the conditioner can penetrate the leather effectively and provide the best possible protection.
- Apply the conditioner sparingly: A little goes a long way with most leather conditioners. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and rub it into the leather in a circular motion. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the leather, but don’t over-apply.
- Allow the conditioner to soak in: After applying the conditioner, allow it to soak into the leather for a few minutes before wiping off any excess. This will help ensure that the leather is properly conditioned and protected.
Does Wonder Balsam Waterproof?
Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam is designed to help protect leather from water damage and improve its water resistance.
While it can help to repel water and prevent damage from moisture to some extent, it is still important to avoid submerging your boots or shoes in water or exposing them to heavy rainfall or other sources of excessive moisture.
Conclusion
Whether you choose Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam or one of its alternatives, regular leather conditioning is key to keeping your boots and shoes looking and feeling their best. By taking the time to invest in quality leather care products, you can extend the life of your footwear and enjoy them for years to come.