Nubuck

t33

I've got a pair of nubuck walking boots.  They are in good condition but, originally black, they have seem to have absorbed dust or whatever over time and are now a bit dusty grey/rust and not smart, they also I think could do with some conditioning.  I know there are special sprays etc, quite expensive and probably a one-off use or two, but does anyone have any home-made type suggestions to bring back the original colour and perhaps condition the leather?  I've not found anything persuasive online.

Thanks.

DullGreyGuy

Many sprays are really about protecting rather than cleaning... they can contain pigment to help reinforce colour but are best done after cleaning. 

A suede brush is a good start, I prefer rubber/crepe to the old wire ones. 

Saphir do a detergent called Omnidaim which you add to water and brush into the suede, it does a good job with stains/marks and does help with the colour. They also do a protector called Renovatine which can be coloured and does a better job of restoring the colour - it's based on almond oil but obviously is more than just that.

All in it isn't cheap but sensible use means you get many applications out of each. Did my rough out suede boots the other day and had several comments about my "new boots" even though they're 15 years old... use dubbin on them rather than Renovatine spray but have had similar comments on loafs after a good clean but weather has been more suitable for boots recently.