On 27/08/2014 09:30, nemo wrote:
I'm looking for a way to treat cracked leather.

The leather uppers of my Scarpa hiking boots are starting to develop
cracks at the sides, where the toes hinge. This is despite regular
treatment with Nikwax-type products.

Googling returns leather repair products, such as this:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/k7t3npv
Most products seem to be aimed at upholstery repairs and user feedback
is mainly about cosmetic aspects rather than durability.

The boots have completed around 1400 miles over rough terrain in nearly
3 years and the soles are fairly worn. I think they're usable for a
while longer, so I'm looking to eke out a few more miles, but expensive
repairs would be uneconomic.

Any thoughts/experiences/recommendations for a repair e.g. filler or
coating product, whether specifically designed for leather or other? Car
body filler probably wouldn't flex enough :-)

I have it happen on my Zamberlans (and other makes as well). I
understand it may be to do with the volume of your feet (don't laugh).
They make boots a certain size/shape, and if you have skinny feet, the
foot does not fill the boot and the leather folds (on the toe flexion
point, as it should) but the wrong way, and cracks. Possible ideas:
* make sure the leather is very supple (lots of wax, cream etc) so that
when it does flex, it flexes the right way (never really worked for me:
it may put off the evil day of cracking a bit longer, but it usually cracks)
* find a pair of boots that match your feet
* fill out the boot e.g. with an extra pair of socks (but this may
affect the dynamic of the boot & foot in other ways and make it
uncomfortable)

HTH

Allan