How To Waterproof Boots

Posted by Huntingbootsbrand on April 6th, 2021

How to waterproof boots? That’s the question you have been desperately searching for to protect your favorite boots and to prevent your socks and feet from getting soaked.

If you own Gore-Tex boots, you don’t have to worry about waterproofing them, because the advanced technology allows your boots to always be in ultra-dry condition. 

If not, with this article that I and Alex D. Bowen - CEO & Founder of https://huntingbootsbrand.com, we hope to wash away all your worries about your boots, whether they are hiking boots, hunting boots, steel toes, or work boots. 

Waterproof Boots with Waterproofing Creams, Pastes, and Waxes

These types of treatment are suitable for leather boots. However, they are applied in different ways. 

Creams

To waterproof your boots with cream, use an applicator equipped with the cream or a clean cloth to apply and rub it across the whole boot. If your boot has a difficult-to-reach corner, use a clean cloth to apply the cream on that crevice. 

Pastes

The application of pastes is similar to creams. Use an applicator or a clean cloth to freely apply the paste, especially around seams and stitching. Wait a few minutes for paste absorption, then wipe away the excess amount of paste. 

Caution: Some of the cream/paste products cannot be used on certain boot materials such as suede or Nu-buck, so you should read their product description carefully before buying them. 

Additionally, others may cause your leather boots’ tone to be slightly lighter or darker. You should test the purchased product on a small area before applying it to the entire boot. 

Waxes

Waxes work best on boots made from leather and suede. To waterproof your boots using wax, you need to use a hairdryer to warm the product slightly before applying it with a clean cloth. 

Then, remove excess wax and polish your boots to shine. The use of wax can be manual work, however, you can take care of boot creases more thoroughly.

Waterproof Boots with Waterproofing Sprays

There are various types of waterproofing sprays specially made for different materials such as leather, suede, and synthetic ones. 

To use a waterproofing spray, keep the can around 6 inches away from the boot and spray a thin, even coat on it. You should check the product instructions to see if you need to apply a second coat.

Waterproof Boots with Household Items

Besides the aforementioned waterproof treatment, you can also take advantage of items available in your house for the same purpose. Below are some items we recommend for you.

• Transmission oil: Use some and rub it over your entire boots. This is effective at repelling water, but it may cause your boots to turn red.

• Clear coat enamel spray: If you have this type of spray, apply a few coats to your boots; however, it’s easy to crack and flake, so it won’t last long.

• Vaseline cream: Use this cream as a last resort. The application process is similar to a waterproofing cream, but it won’t last long either.

FAQs:

1. What is the best way to waterproof boots?

Waxes, such as beeswax, are believed to be the best method to waterproof boots because wax itself is good for the entire boot except for new or recently resoled boots. 

A good wax will condition, nourish, and protect your boots, especially those made from leather. 

2. Will WD 40 waterproof boots?

Yes, it will. A coat of the WD-40 will act as a barrier, preventing water from penetrating the boot material.

3. Can you use Vaseline to waterproof boots?

Yes. After cleaning your boots, you just need to coat them with Vaseline, then they will be waterproofed temporarily. 

4. Should you OIL new boots?

No, you shouldn’t, especially leather boots. Your feet act as a mold and you would want the leather boots to break in around them naturally without the use of oil or grease.

Too much oiling during the break-in period can lead to a pair of ill-fitting boots. If you still want to use oil, you can apply it after 80-100 hours of break-in to preserve your leather boots. 

5. Is Vaseline good for leather?

It depends. Vaseline, a type of petroleum jelly, softens leather and prevents it from cracking. 

Vaseline can waterproof leather. This method can be applied to leather and patent leather, but shouldn’t be used on rawhide leather.  

6. Is coconut oil good for leather?

Yes, it’s a great conditioner for leather and faux leather, as it protects these materials from cracking and restores their shine. 

However, in terms of waterproofing capability, coconut oil can only last a day or two. Moreover, this natural oil will darken leather, so don’t use it if you don’t want this effect on your boots. 

Bottom line

There are various options for waterproof boots, either store-bought products (creams, pastes, waxes) or DIY household items. However, our article suggests you use the former to guarantee more long-lasting waterproofing effects.

If you’re still confused about any methods regarding how to waterproof boots, don’t hesitate to contact us in the comment section.