Bootblacking Eel

Eel is very thin but very durable material. Eel is proven to be 1.5 times stronger than cowhide of the same thickness. Even so, most eel skin boots are made with a layer of eel laminated over cow skin. The cow leather will become dry over time. To rejuvenate the cow leather use a quality leather conditioner on the inside of the boot and let sit for a few days.

Aftercare is similar to that of cow leather boots. Using a soft barely damp cotton cloth, wipe topical dirt and dust. Pay special attention to alcohol spills on the boot as this will dry out the leather quickly and could destroy the finish.

Eel skin boots are usually made with sections of eel skin sewn together. General cleaning of eel skin footwear is best done with a cotton cloth slightly dampened with plain water so that cleaning products do not seep through the joins of the skins.

Use a reptile conditioner for eel skin. These conditioners are lighter in composition than most general leather conditioners. This does not refer to the viscosity but to the product ingredients. (Imagine the difference between vegetable oil and Crisco. Both are the same ingredients but Crisco is hydrogenated giving it a different viscosity. Therefore, just because a leather conditioner is more liquid or in spray formula does not mean it contains lighter conditioner ingredients. Using products for smooth leather may leave a heavy residue on this thin leather and will settle under the stitched seams of the skin, causing thread deterioration.

Eel skin can be shined although multiple coats of hard wax will leave the thin skin less flexible. A cream polish is a better choice. Use a neutral tint as eel skin has subtle but lovely color variations.

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