Huberd’s Shoe Grease - a hundred years of proven care

Huberd’s Shoe Grease - a hundred years of proven care

rituals

The story of Huberd’s Shoe Grease begins in 1921 in the American Northwest. In a land of wet forests, logging camps, and long winters. Among people who relied on their shoes, equipment, and their own hands every day. The original formula was created by J.W. Huberd, who made work boots for lumberjacks and craftsmen in the American Northwest. He was seeking protection that would withstand rain, mud, and cold. Thus, Huberd’s Shoe Grease was born - a balm made from natural ingredients, still produced today in small batches on the original machines.

Article contents

How Huberd’s Shoe Grease was created

Care ritual: how to use Huberd’s

Using the balm on wooden products

Using the balm on leather products

Aging with character

FAQ: use and care

Care ritual: first application

Using Huberd’s Shoe Grease is simple. All you need is a small amount of balm, a cotton cloth, and a moment of focus. Thanks to its natural composition, it can be applied with bare hands, allowing you to better sense how the material gradually softens, darkens, and regains its flexibility. Every type of leather and wood reacts a bit differently. Therefore, we recommend testing the balm on a less visible area first to see how the material changes. 

How to use Huberd’s correctly

The procedure is the same whether you are caring for leather or wood. First, clean the surface and let it dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. Then, take a small amount of balm and work it into the material with gentle circular motions. There's no need to rush or apply a heavy layer. The material will only absorb what it needs. After application, allow the balm to absorb. If there is excess on the surface, simply wipe it off with a clean cloth. The result is not a shiny coating or a new layer on the surface. Just well-treated material ready for many more years of use.

Using the balm on wooden products

Huberd’s Shoe Grease can also be used on wood. It is suitable for a work desk, wooden boxes, furniture, and tool handles. It restores nutrition to weathered and dried-out wood, highlights its grain, and gives it a richer hue. The balm soaks into the material and creates a light protection against drying and moisture. It is not a varnish or a permanent surface treatment. It is ongoing nourishment that helps the wood retain its character and functionality longer. It's a simple way to occasionally return what use takes away from the wood.

Using the balm on leather products

Huberd’s Shoe Grease can be used on most smooth leather products. It works well on boots, belts, bags, jackets, cases, saddles, sports equipment, and leather furniture. It nourishes the leather, softens it, and helps it better withstand daily use. It's good to know that the leather may darken after application. Some leathers will darken only slightly, while others more significantly. Therefore, we recommend testing the balm on a less visible area first to see how the material reacts. The balm is not meant for nubuck or suede. These materials have an open structure and characteristic surface that an oily product could permanently change. We also don't recommend it for very light or delicate leathers, which could experience a significant change in shade. If you're unsure, it's always better to start with a small test.

Aging with character

Some things deserve care. Not to remain flawless, but to continue serving. Scratches, patina, or worn edges are not imperfections. They are marks of use and time. Regular care gives the material the opportunity to age slowly, naturally, and with character.

FAQ

Lucie, Tokyo Tools ©, 

photo: Huberd Shoe Grease Co., Tokyo Tools