Dandy & Dapper

Ew. And you didn't think to deal with them until now? Mink oil is kind of old school but it works by creating a barrier against moisture while conditioning the leather. At City'super (IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7128) you'll find a Japanese product called Columbus Mink Oil (HK$40 for 45 grams) that'll do the trick. You can also find Mink Oil Liquid at shoe repair experts The Top (HK$150 for 75ml; 35 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2530 0078). I haven't seen Kiwi's Mink Oil in town, but that might have something to do with the recent scandal. Apparently, it was pulled from shelves this autumn after animal rights activists claimed to have injected it with poisonous cyanic acid. I did, however, find older stock online (HK$54 for 74 grams; www.amazon.com).

Have you ever considered why those activists took such extreme action? I do not condone their behaviour, however, it is rather sobering to consider that mink oil is a by-product of mink farming for pelts. In its pure, unadulterated form, one could argue that mink oil is also natural, chemical-free and biodegradable. However, I would like to point out that there are many alternatives. One of the most popular is Sno-Seal by Tectron (HK$58 for 200 grams; www.rei.com), which is made from natural beeswax. There is also the Nikwax range, which includes waterproofing wax (HK$70 for 100 grams).