I've gone through several pairs of three different styles of chota boots. I forget the first of which were a little tight so actually still ok if my feet ever shrink a tad. But the trekkers and Caney Forks I've out and out ruined them. Not sure of the quality of the boot and/or the thread which holds them together (for a little while anyways). I try to keep them clean after trips and such. I hear Ken keeping his boots going for years, and I know he's more than a weekend a year paddler also. I've a couple times been fooled by my boots only to get out there and have them literally fall apart on day four or five of a twenty six day trip one time. We... I should say my friend Jerry from Cook mn sewed them on that particular trip with dental floss. Not only did they hold up the rest of the trip, they never got one cavity! Just wondering if there is a better oil or something I could rub on or whatever to keep both the material and thread to last a bit longer.

I'm 10 years into my Caneyforks - probably 20 weeks of trekking - never do any maintenance other than letting them dry - and no problems. Knock on wood.

What part or parts of the boots are failing. If it is the material part or the stitching of the boot then first off cleaning them well after use and before storing them is important. As dirt/mud, etc can cause the fabric or leather to break down after a while. I have seen a number of people ruin hiking boots by drying them improperly too. Do not put them by a fire to dry.
As for sprays or oils to put on them Chota recommends using either Sno Seal or Nikwax leather treatments.

Clean them inside and out with soap, get rid of the salts and oils that build up. Dry them slowly, stuff them full of paper.
I know it's mentioned but stay away from SnoSeal. It builds up and is hard to remove, yet collects dirt and abrasive duff that will cut into leather and stitching.

The Chota line uses a lot of what looks like sueded leather, Nikwax Nubuck Suede Proof would work better.

butthead

I usually rince them with water and dry them slow. The stitching where the boots flex near the ball of my feet fail. And when they do its right in the midle of a good trip it seems. Ken, what soap do you recommend or is that nixwax stuff sort of a soap.

quote billconner: "I'm 10 years into my Caneyforks - probably 20 weeks of trekking - never do any maintenance other than letting them dry - and no problems. Knock on wood."

I didn't know Caney Forks have been around that long.

quote nctry: "I usually rince them with water and dry them slow. The stitching where the boots flex near the ball of my feet fail. And when they do its right in the midle of a good trip it seems. Ken, what soap do you recommend or is that nixwax stuff sort of a soap."

Ben, I have long used Fiebings Glycerine Soap, it softens and conditions on its own.

After they dry, just a good brushing with a horsehair boot brush will often be all I do. I am not sure how well the glycerin soap will work on suede, it sure works with nylon and canvas fabric parts as well as smooth tanned leather. That's how I treated my old Altma Jungle Boots.

butthead

quote nctry: "

quote billconner: "I'm 10 years into my Caneyforks - probably 20 weeks of trekking - never do any maintenance other than letting them dry - and no problems. Knock on wood."

I didn't know Caney Forks have been around that long."

Maybe not that long then. I asked Chota. I got theme I think the year they were introduced at Canoecopia. We'll see if they respond. In any case, still in good shape after a lot of trips.

I guess all I can say is find a different brand. I have never been able to find a pair of Chota's that fit; do not like that they only come in full sizes. And if they keep breaking down, well, you know what Einstein said about insanity!!!