Waterproofing leather boots

[tattoogunman]

Going out on a limb here - I need to waterproof some boots. There seem to be any number of products on the market that all seem to do the same thing (more or less). They range from rub in pastes/waxes/oils to straight beeswax to aerosol sprays that you simply spray on (seems to be the easiest), etc.

Anyone have any real world experience with any of these? There is Nikwax, Aquaseal, Snoseal, All Dri, Kiwi products, Chelsea, etc. and I really can't find anything that indicates one is any better than the other.

This would be in conjunction with rain covers, I'm just looking for something that will add a layer of protection in light to moderate rain until I can get covers on.

Thanks!

[duck]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Skidmores-Bi...item1c2d33a025


Not affiliated with eBaY, Skidmore or the seller. Just think it's a good product.

[ak bike]

Been using snow seal for about 50 some years with pretty good results . Generally use a hair drier to warm up the boots and let the Sno seal soak in. I m sure there's lots of stuff that works. I've just had good luck with what I'm using.

[k-ris]

Mink oil does a good job on my workboots. Just have to re-apply every couple of weeks, real easy to do though. Haven't done long rides in heavy downpours in them, but my 1/2hr commute I stay dry!

[The Dirty One]

Beeswax.rub on and around seams liberally.use sunshine or other heat to let it melt in.waterproofs,conditions,adds years to the item being treated.

[roostar]

Originally Posted by ak bike

Been using snow seal for about 50 some years with pretty good results . Generally use a hair drier to warm up the boots and let the Sno seal soak in. I m sure there's lots of stuff that works. I've just had good luck with what I'm using.

As a former Northern Michigan country boy I can attest to the waterproofing properties of Snow Seal. Nothing better. Just make sure you use heat to allow it to sink into the leather.

[Walterxr650l]

Backpacker magazine did a test a number of years back. They tested most of the popular water proofing treatments on the market. I think it was the Military's standard they tested to. Anyway the leather had to not leak through 15,000 flexes to be considered waterproof. The only two treatments that passed were a spray from Tectron, and aqueous wax from Nikwax. I have used the Aqueous wax with good results. But anymore I don't try to waterproof my boots. I try to keep them oiled to keep the leather in good shape, and rely on a pair of sealskinz to keep my feet dry.

Walter

[StuartV]

I got my Combat Touring Boots 14 1/2 years ago. I put on 3 coats of Aquaseal immediately and then a new coat every year or two. 100K+ miles later, my feet have never gotten wet in them and they are still in great shape. And I have never worn any kind of cover over them.

[squish]

The nikwax stuff mentioned earlier was what I had the best luck with.
I had little luck with either of the two sno seal snow seal products blue and whit can and plastic tub with orange lid.
Today I don't seal my boots and the last longer. I use liner socks to keep my feet dry.

[568V8]

SnoSeal is a great product. Be sure your boots are bone dry and use a hairdryer to get as much wax soaked in as possible.
Avoid mink oil because it will rot some stitching; it does softens leather well but isn't for expensive boots.

[Motomantra]

I have had good luck with KIWI brand black shoe polish (which is mostly wax). Warm the boots, rub it in good, buff excess off. Shiny.

I agree with Walter, though. Waterproof leather/Government intelligence.

[acejones]

Originally Posted by Motomantra

I have had good luck with KIWI brand black shoe polish (which is mostly wax). Warm the boots, rub it in good, buff excess off. Shiny.

I agree with Walter, though. Waterproof leather/Government intelligence.

This is the way I do it.

[tattoogunman]

Thanks all, I've had more than one person recommend the Nikwax.

[StuartV]

Originally Posted by squish

Today I don't seal my boots and the last longer.

How long do they last?!?

I've been treating my boots with Aquaseal for over 14 years. I just got them resoled and shined up and when my g/f saw them she exclaimed "wow! They look like new!"

[BigEasy]

Originally Posted by 568V8

SnoSeal is a great product. Be sure your boots are bone dry and use a hairdryer to get as much wax soaked in as possible.
Avoid mink oil because it will rot some stitching; it does softens leather well but isn't for expensive boots.

Another vote with 40+ years of being a happy camper. I don't know that it's the best, but I know it works well enough that I've never had to try anything else.

And FWIW, I work outside as well as play outside so I'm outdoors 300+ days a year regardless of the weather.