Can you use olive oil to polish boots?

While olive oil can condition and preserve leather, it may not effectively polish boots. Here's why:

1. Drying Time: Olive oil takes a long time to dry and absorb into the leather. This means that the boots may remain oily and sticky for an extended period.

2. Unsuitable for Polishing: While olive oil can soften leather, it doesn't provide a shiny or glossy finish like conventional boot polishes. Boot polishes are specially designed to impart shine and protection to leather footwear.

3. Darkening Effect: Olive oil can darken leather over time. This may be undesirable if you want to maintain the original color of your boots.

4. Not Water-Resistant: Unlike boot polishes, olive oil does not offer water resistance. This means that your boots may not be protected against water damage if you use olive oil as a polish.

5. Residue Build-Up: Repeated application of olive oil without proper cleaning can lead to a build-up of oil and dirt on the leather, which can affect the overall appearance and breathability of the boots.

Instead of using olive oil, consider using commercial leather conditioners and polishes specifically formulated for boots. These products are designed to nourish, protect, and enhance the appearance of leather footwear while addressing the specific needs of boots.