Red Wing Heritage Horsehair Brush
Taking care of leather boots isn’t just about polish and oil — the right brush makes a big difference. The Red Wing Heritage Horsehair Brush (Size: 20 M US) is designed for Red Wing’s smooth leather boots, but it also works well on other leather footwear. Made in the USA with 100% horsehair, this brush has earned praise for its quality and effectiveness, though it isn’t perfect.
First Look & Quality
At first glance, the brush feels sturdy and looks premium. The horsehair bristles are soft, evenly packed, and give off a rich shine. Many buyers like the build quality, with one reviewer calling it “thick and beautiful… worth it.” Being American-made also adds to its appeal.
How It Performs
The brush was tested on a well-worn pair of Red Wing boots:
- Before brushing: The leather looked dull with visible dust and scuff marks.
- After brushing: Most of the dust went off, and the boots regained some natural shine. While the brush didn’t remove deep scratches or stubborn dirt, the overall look improved a lot.
This shows that the brush is best for light cleaning and buffing, not heavy-duty cleaning.
What Customers Are Saying
- Effectiveness: Great for removing dust and for a quick shine, especially after using conditioners like Red Wing Boot Oil.
- Gentle on Leather: Bristles are soft but firm enough to clean without scratching.
- Durability Issues: Some people noticed hair shedding during the first few uses, though it usually stops once the loose bristles fall out.
- Size Opinions: The 20 M US size works fine for boots, but a few users wish it were bigger to cover more surface area quickly.
- Fun Feedback: One customer joked that using the brush felt like giving their boots a massage from “tongue to heel.”
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- 100% horsehair, made in the USA
- Gentle yet effective on smooth leathers
- Brings back natural shine quickly
- Works well with Red Wing oils and conditioners
- Solid, high-quality feel
👎 Cons
- Not good for deep cleaning or mud removal
- Some initial shedding of bristles
- May feel small for larger boots
- Only for light cleaning and buffing
Final Verdict
The Red Wing Heritage Horsehair Brush is a great tool for everyday boot care. It won’t handle heavy dirt or deep scratches, but for removing dust and bringing back shine, it does the job beautifully. If you want your boots to always look neat and polished, this brush is worth adding to your care kit.
In short: Think of it as a finishing tool to keep boots looking fresh — not a heavy-duty cleaner.
Product Specifications
- Brand: Red Wing Heritage
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
- ASIN: B00BB3PLHM
- UPC: 000333252503
- EAN: 0000333252503
- MPN: Brush-U
- Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (384 reviews)