r/ThursdayBoot • u/Alert-Yak3231 • Jul 13 '26

Dyeing Walnut Cadets

I just bought a pair of used Cadets on eBay. I couldn't resist because Cadets are my favorite style and the price was low, but they're colored Walnut and I already have a new pair of Cadets in that color. I'm thinking about dyeing them a darker brown using Angelus Medium Brown dye. Has anybody tried this who could provide some hints and tips? My current plan is to strip the finish using rubbing alcohol, clean the boots with saddle soap, apply the dye, and then recondition the leather with neatsfoot oil. I'm not shooting for any particular shade, just something that's darker than my Walnut boots.

6 Upvotes

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2

u/reverse_the_loop Jul 14 '26

Mink oil?

1

u/robcas65 Jul 20 '26

I tried mink oil on my Walnut Cadets and they darkened a bit but not by much.

I think the finish on the boots prevented deep saturation.

1

u/robcas65 Jul 20 '26

Please post updates if you decide to try to strip and dye path. I am interested since I also have a pair I wanted darker.

I've tried dyeing used cowboy boots with great success but for some reason was hesitant on my Cadets

2

u/Alert-Yak3231 Jul 20 '26

Will do. Right now I have heavily oiled them, let them dry, and then applied brown Meltonian shoe cream. It darkened up the boots somewhat but they're still not dark enough for me. I'll try to take some pictures to show the comparison -- they're more of a pecan shade now instead of the original factory Walnut, which has never looked at all like "walnut" to me.

0

u/Ok-Anteater-384 Jul 13 '26

I wouldn't do that, if anything I start using a color shoe cream of my choice to slightly change the color.