Why We Still Trust Huberd
People come into the store, see this can of Huberd’s Shoe Grease, and ask, “What’s this stuff?” Some products stick around because of nostalgia. Others stick around because they flat out work. Huberd’s Shoe Grease is both.
Kenco has been selling work boots since 1982 - boots built to hold up to the elements, whether it’s work, hiking, or everyday life. Brands like Red Wing, Chippewa, Hoffman, Carolina, Danner, Lowa, and Zamberlan. Names known for quality leather that, if taken care of, can become your lifelong friend. These are the types of boots and shoes that need a product like Huberd’s.
We learned about Huberd’s from customers who use it, swear by it, and were looking for a place to buy it. We have a rule at Kenco: if three different people ask for a product, and it fits the store, we better think about carrying it.
What It Is
Huberd’s is an old school pine tar and beeswax formula that hasn’t changed much in 100 years - and honestly, it doesn’t need to. For folks who work outside, hike year round, or just want their boots to last longer than the warranty card, Huberd’s is still one of the most reliable treatments you can put on leather.
What Makes Huberd’s Different
Huberd’s is built on a simple idea: protect the leather without smothering it. The formula is beeswax, pine tar, and a few natural oils. No silicone, no animal fats, nothing that breaks leather down over time.
That combination does three things extremely well:
- Waterproofing that actually lasts
- Deep conditioning
- Durability in real world conditions
This is why loggers, hunters, trail crews, and old school bootmakers still swear by it. It’s not fancy, it’s just effective.
How We Tell People To Use It at Kenco
- Start with clean, dry leather.
- Warm the boots (and sometimes the grease).
- Work in a thin coat.
- Let the leather drink.
- Buff the surface.
- Repeat as needed.
About warming the boots:
You want the leather warmed to around body temperature or a little above. It opens up the pores and helps the leather absorb the grease. Put the boots by a sunny window, a heater, or a wood stove, or use a hair dryer on low. If the leather feels hot to the touch, let it cool a bit. When the leather is warm, the grease melts and penetrates deeply.
When Huberd’s Is the Right Choice
- Work boots
- Hiking boots
- Hunting boots
- Heavy outdoor leather
- Older boots that need revival
- Leather that sees water, mud, or snow
If you’re trying to keep a pair of dress boots glossy and pristine, this isn’t the product. Huberd’s will darken lighter leathers and give them a more rugged, lived in look. But for outdoor boots? It’s perfect.
Why We Still Recommend It Today
At Kenco, we listen to our customers. When we hear something works and people want it, it earns its place in the store. Huberd’s is one of those products that consistently earns its spot on the shelf.
It’s not trendy. It’s not high tech. It’s just reliable - and reliability matters when you’re miles from the trailhead or knee deep in mud on a job site.
If you want your boots to last - really last - Huberd’s Shoe Grease is still one of the best tools you can keep in your kit.