boot waterproofing
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
boot waterproofing
Does anyone know of a good method/product for waterproofing leather boots. I just got a nice new pair of boots but unfortunately they are not exactly watertight so I was just wondering if anyone knows of a good way to keep the water out.
Thanks
Thanks
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
I worked in the concrete business for 23 years and using water all the time to wash the crap off them.
I used this to protect my boots.
http://www.dellsleatherworks.com/neatsfootoil.htm
I used this to protect my boots.
http://www.dellsleatherworks.com/neatsfootoil.htm
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 197
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when I first started hunting my dad had me use something called snow seal, or sno seall, something like that. If I remember it was kind of a soft past wax sort of texture. Maybe like crisco or butter but it was clear or a cloudy white. Just work it in the leather a little with extra attention to the areahwere the leather meets the sole. I can't remember if you are supposed to warm the boooven (really low heat) before or after you spread the stuff on. It seemed to work. I don't know if there is newer or better stuff out there. I now have a pair of boots with the Thinsulate stuff or something like that amd haven't used the snow seal in a while.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,914
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My work boots get the saddle soap scrubbing first and after they dry, they get a thick coat of bear grease. After the coating is applied they go in the oven at 150F for an hour. No more water in the boots. Bear grease can be had in most boot shops and comes in a can like mink oil. It lasts longer than anything else I have tried which is usually around two years.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 2
From: CA Central Coast
Be careful with Neatsfoot oil, depending on what kind of stitching you have it can rot the threads. I doubt you'll have this problem because you probably have nylon stitching...but I've had two nice old western saddles fall apart after someone used neatsfoot oil on them, and it destroyed the stiching, which I believe was natural fiber, probably cotton.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 774
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From: Plano, Tx.
what kind of boots are they? leather is supposed to breath and help keep your feet dry and more comfortable. Self waterproofing pretty much defeats that.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 23
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Yes Sir!
The various methods from Bear Grease, Neatsfoot --ect will work but I have been 'doing' my leather boots in Mink Oil paste wax for many decades. I use a old tooth brush to do the sewn sole areas and then just rub it elsewhere-let sit overnight(not sure if that plays anything other that a " I think that helps"--part of the process) then buff em'..AND.. I 'think' starting with a excellent 'brand' of boot---I like Red Wing--helps in the desired effect.
shakerag
shakerag
Last edited by shakerag; Oct 31, 2005 at 02:01 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 3
From: China Grove, TX
i've done snow seal, neatsfoots and Mink oil in teh past. along with some other junk called Nu-wic (maybe,i dunno, wasn't very good. came in a liquid bottle with a brush....crapy stuff). so far i like the mink oil. i'm gonna be wearing my new work bots up in Oregon this winter when i visit my gal. seeing as how in texas we don't get much wet stuff to walk through, be it frozen or melted. so i'll find out for sure in a month how the stuff works. i let mine sit in the sun for a while after rubbing it in. besides, the mink oil smells good 
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 220
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From: north central illinois
I have used SNO-SEAL for years and love it. Use a hair dry or heat gun on LOW to warm up the boots then use plenty on it and it will melt and soak into the leather. i usually put on a few applications when i first get my boots and usually never have to do it again. then again i go threw boots every 8 to 12 months. but on my hunting boots i have had them for years and have only done it twice on them and they are still nice and dry.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
I've had very good experiences with Sno-Seal. As others have said, heat the boot up until the Sno-Seal liquifies. Rub it into the leather and let it soak into all the seams. Does a good job of preventing scuffs on a pair of black Asolo boots that I've had for 4 years.
The NikWax Paste Wax is good as well. The NikWax liquid didn't work all that well for me.
The NikWax Paste Wax is good as well. The NikWax liquid didn't work all that well for me.
Last edited by RL_F150; Oct 31, 2005 at 08:43 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
I just used Sno Seal on my boots last week. I've used it for years, great product. It's mostly Beeswax. As already stated, heat the boots first so the products can melt and soak into the pores in the leather. I did it at work and my only heat source was a propane torch, but it worked okay. I guess I could have used the Oxy-Acetyline torch, but I didn't want to roast 'em...