Update: I had searched local shops unsuccessfully for the waxy oil suggested by the Count, and instead purchased the cobblers cream. Just to see what they said I emailed Loake, as it was a pair of their boots I had bought. The very nice lady at Loake is now sending me a tin of oily wax for gratis!
The boots are Loake Blenheims and they are great. Now Loake have done something nice to help me.
So I say "Buy some Loake shoes!"