When you invest in a pair of handcrafted Groundcover boots or a genuine leather rucksack, you aren't just buying an accessory - you are starting a relationship with a product designed to be used for decades.
Like the rugged South African landscapes that inspire our designs, quality full-grain leather look their best with a bit of weathered patina - but they rely entirely on you to keep its strength intact.
Why Leather Needs Care
Many people mistake surface "shining" for proper care. True preservation isn't about hiding scuffs under synthetic polishes; it’s about deep nourishment.
Leather is a natural material made up of thousands of intertwined fibres. Over time, exposure to sunlight, moisture, dirt, and changing temperatures can dry these fibres out. When leather gets dry, its tightly interwoven natural fibres lose their elasticity, become brittle, and can eventually crack.
To ensure your gear remains a lifelong companion for the long walk ahead, here is our definitive guide to the essential products, techniques, and rituals of leather care.
The Groundcover Care Toolkit
Before you begin, it helps to understand what each specialised treatment does for your leather. Using the wrong product at the wrong time can suffocate the hide or fail to give it the deep flexibility it requires.
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Product |
What It Does |
Best Used For |
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A 100% natural blend of beeswax and rich oils designed to sink deep into the pores and keep fibers flexible. |
Full-grain boots, heavy-duty belts, and rugged outdoor gear. |
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A lighter, hydrating formula that restores rich coloration and a soft hand feel without heavy oil buildup. |
Daily bags, smooth leather purses, and fine wallets. |
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A breathable weatherproofer that blocks out external water and mud while letting foot moisture escape. |
Seams, tongues, and any footwear facing winter or wet trails. |
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A gentle treatment designed to lift embedded dust and oils without collapsing the delicate, napped texture. |
Suede veldskoen, nubuck, and delicate textured finishes. |
The Masterclass Routine: A Step-by-Step Ritual
Treating your leather shouldn't feel like a chore. Think of it as a monthly ritual to check in on your gear. For footwear and high-wear bags, follow this precise order to maximize the life of the hide:
Step 1: Prep the Surface.
The Clean Down.
Remove the laces from your boots. Use a dry, stiff brush to flick away dried mud, then use a clean, slightly damp microfibre cloth to wipe down the entire surface. Crucial rule: Allow the leather to dry completely and naturally. Never place them near an artificial heater or direct sunlight, which bakes out the natural moisture and ruins the fit.
Step 2: Deep Conditioning
Warm & Feed.
Take a small amount of Leather Food or Leather Cream. Rub it gently between your bare fingers first—the natural friction and heat liquefy the beeswax and oils, making them easier for the leather to absorb. Massage the product directly into the hide using your hands or a soft cloth in circular motions.
Step 3: Seams & Tongues
Target the Vulnerabilities.
While most people focus heavily on the toe box, water and grit actually target the structural seams and the tongue area. Use a bit extra of The Resistor or Leather Food around the stitching lines. This creates a barrier where water likes to settle and weaken the thread over time.
Step 4: The Final Finish
Rest & Buff.
Let the leather sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes to fully drink in the nutrients. Once rested, take a clean horsehair brush or lint-free cloth and buff the surface briskly. This removes any unabsorbed excess product and coaxes out a rich, healthy, natural low-sheen glow.
The Golden Rule: Too much of a good thing can be bad…
A thin, even application applied once a month is vastly superior to caking on a heavy, thick layer of oil once a year. Over-saturating your leather can make it overly soft, causing it to lose its structural shape. Feed it just enough to stay happy, supple, and resilient.