The best leather protectors you can buy

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• Nothing can completely prevent scuffs, scratches, and damage on leather goods, but a good leather protector can help.
• Our top pick is the highly-rated Guardsman Protect & Preserve For Leather, which works on everything from ankle boots to car seats.

For Christmas I received a pair of Everlane Day Boots in a limited-edition metallic color. I love these shoes, but I'm kind of afraid to wear them too often. They're super comfortable, but the leather is delicate — and did I mention limited edition???

If you, too, have some precious leather goods you'd like to shield from the elements, it's might be a good idea to invest in a leather protector. Most protectors come in spray or balm form and guard delicate leathers from rain, snow, liquid, and wine you spilled on your desk chair while working late into the night.

They won't protect your items from all signs of wear-and-tear — abrasions, creases, and scuff marks are somewhat unavoidable — but it's an extra step you can take to ensure your leather items age gracefully.

While leather protectors are especially useful for pieces you plan to take outside like jackets, shoes, and bags, it can't hurt to apply them to furnishings you want to keep in tip-top shape, either. And the kind of leather protector you should buy depends on the type of leather you're planning to use it on.

Here are the best leather protectors you can buy:

• Best leather protector overall: Guardsman Protect & Preserve For Leather
• Best suede protector: Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector
• Best leather protector for boots: Kiwi Boot Protector
• Best leather protector cream: Aquaseal Leather Waterproof Cream
• Best leather protector kit: Apple Brand Leather Care Kit

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best leather protector overall

Why you'll love it: The gentle Guardsman Protect & Preserve for Leather liquid keeps your leather goods looking brand-new and won't change the color or finish.

Most leather protectors are basically waterproofing sprays, but Guardsman Protect & Preserve for Leather goes above and beyond the call of duty. Massage the product onto your leather goods to protect them from the elements or to minimize signs of wear-and-tear on items you've had for a while.

Per the brand's claim, the product creates an "invisible barrier that protects against premature aging and irreversible damage from penetrating stains." You can use it on anything from clothing, shoes, cars, and furniture. The formula is ph-balanced and doesn't have a strong scent like many similar products.

Perhaps the best part is that it won't impact the color or finish of your leather items, which is a major drawback with some protectants.

One downside of this product is that it can't be used on suede or buffed leather. But Guardsman Protect & Preserve does what it claims to do, and it does it remarkably well. The reviews prove that. It's an Amazon's Choice pick with a 4.3-star rating at the retailer.

"This stuff is awesome. I used it on my leather travel bag and it protects it in rugged environments and the airport," writes one shopper.

Pros: Works on everything from furniture to shoes, protects and conditions, no strong smell, doesn't change finish or color of leather

Cons: Not for use on suede, nubuck, or brushed leather

Buy the Guardsman Protect & Preserve for Leather on Amazon for $7.99

The best suede protector

Why you'll love it: Scotchguard Suede & Nubuck Protector preserves your delicate suede clothing and accessories with a quick spritz.

Suede is even more sensitive than other kinds of leather and is definitely worth protecting if you ever plan on taking it outside or wearing it around spillable liquids. Scotchguard Suede & Nubuck Protector is a great option for suede.

As many reviewers note, this is an excellent pick for treating soft winter boots so they don't get those dreaded salt rings around the toes from walking on snow-treated sidewalks. It will also protect from liquids like water and oil without damaging the surface of the leather or suede. The spray nozzle makes for simple application — no rags or cloths required!

Scotchguard Suede & Nubuck Protector has been featured by Insider Picks in the past, as well as WhoWhatWear, Bustle, and The Strategist. The product has a 3.6-rating on Amazon, based on 1,200+ reviews.

"After two months, I noticed that my daughters' boots have no salt stains on them, while my girlfriend's boots that weren't treated did have stains (see photo). Any marks also very easily come off just by dabbing with damp paper towels. I am very satisfied with the protection that this spray offers," writes one customer.

The most helpful review notes that, though the product works as advertises, the nozzle can be tricky to get right: "Tough review because it works great, so long as you remove the plastic tip and run hot water to clean in out before using."

Pros: works on suede and nubuck, spray-on

Cons: Nozzle can be tough to use

Buy the Scotchguard Suede & Nubuck Protector on Amazon for $9.99

The best leather protector for boots

Why you'll love it: The Kiwi Boot Protector is heavy-duty enough for use on hiking and work boots that get pushed to their absolute limits.

Some leather boots are already designed for serious wear-and-tear. To add an extra layer of protection to these, consider the Kiwi Boot Protector. It's specially formulated for boots, especially outdoors and work boots that will be pushed to their absolute limits.

Per the product description, it contains silicone and "bonds to leather and fabrics to create an extremely tough barrier" without drying out the materials. You can use them for other leather shoes besides hiking boots and the like, as long as you don't mind the possibility that the color or finish might change slightly.

"I've now used this on two pairs of shoes and am happy to report that they are still looking great and wicking away water! I feel like the boot protector does more than just waterproof them and actually makes them far easier to clean as well," writes one Amazon shopper.

Overall, the spray has a 4.3 rating based on 450+ reviews and has been recommended by WhoWhatWear and The Strategist.

Pros: Tough silicone-based formula, works for outdoor boots & on suede

Cons: Might change color or finish of leather slightly

Buy a 2-pack of Kiwi Boot Protector on Amazon for $19.18