Beeswax desert boots are constructed from leather and coated with beeswax as a waterproofing agent. The boots are designed for heavy use by hikers and hunters, but the coating eventually wears off the leather. The leather may become damaged without the coating and restoration becomes a necessary task. Restoration requires a special leather treatment followed by a new layer of protective coating. Restoring the boots to a useful form requires intensive cleaning and scrubbing to repair the leather if necessary and prepare the boots for exposure to the elements.
Scrub the exterior of the boot with a stiff bristle brush. Scrub hard to break and remove debris from the surface.
Wipe the leather exterior with a damp cloth to continue the cleaning process. Use the cloth to remove difficult dirt spots and to lift dirt from cracks in the leather. Set the boots aside until the moisture from the rag dries.
Apply a leather conditioner to the boot exterior. Leather-treatment products are common for furniture, boots, belts or any other leather product. Rub the conditioner on the boots with a rag until the material softens. Use a clean cloth to remove the excess lather from the boots. The hydrated leather will now show fewer cracks and the leather's condition should be much improved.
Leave the boots in a dry area for one day. Apply a second layer of conditioner if the cracks reappear and the leather looks dry and worn. Two applications of conditioner are common on abused boots.
Apply a new layer of beeswax leather waterproofing to the boots. Place the beeswax product directly on a rag and rub vigorously to work the beeswax into the leather. The boots will have a slight shine after beeswax is applied.