Your boots shouldn’t have to suffer in wet weather — but neither should your outfit. Whether you’re looking to protect shoes, hiking boots, or leather knee-highs, the best products for waterproofing leather boots ensure that any pair withstands rain, snow, and whatever other elements come your way. That said, without the proper prepping tactics, you risk ruining your boots, so some initial research helps.
The first thing to do is figure out which material your boots are made of. Most have uppers made from suede, leather, canvas, or synthetic fabrics, all of which are porous to varying extents.
Waterproofing products work by filling in tiny holes between fibres, so moisture stays out and stains wipe away instead of settling into the material. Keep in mind that most waterproofing products are extremely flammable and need several hours to set after application. Each material reacts differently to various waterproofing substances so be sure to test on non-visible parts of the boot, especially to check that your boot’s dye is colourfast, which is the ability for materials to keep their colour; but also because, greasy solutions stain suede and canvas, while overly drying formulas zap the sheen from genuine leather.
When shopping for waterproofing products, read labels very carefully to ensure the formula is suitable for your boots’ material. For your convenience, every option on this list works on virtually any material so you’ll be able to waterproof anything in your closet — even clothing.
Here are the some best products for waterproofing leather boots currently available in the market. The list provides a short description of the product, the size, and type of container, plus a few pros and cons for each item.
How to Make your Boots Waterproof
Since every product is different, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for use, but most of the procedure is the same regardless of what type of waterproofing spray or wax you choose. Just follow these steps:
- Remove the laces to keep them clean.
- Clean your boots with a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt. Pay special attention to seams and crevices.
- Prepare a safe work area by laying down newspaper to catch spills.
- To use a spray, work outdoor if suggested. Cover sensitive parts to prevent damage from over spraying. Waxes can be used indoors.
- Apply sprays generously and allow drying between each recommended coat.
- Apply waxes as directed using a circular motion and buff well after drying.
Wet weather is on the way. Protect your investment with a high-quality waterproofing product before you take on the elements. Your feet, your boots and your check book will thank you for it!
Conclusion
These are the 10 best waterproofing products currently available on the market, and that can be used on a variety of materials. If you think there are some more waterproofing products that missed the list, let us hear about those as well.
Just because your favourite pair of boots shows some signs of leaking don’t mean that it is all over. These waterproofing products can do wonders to help return your favourite old pair of leather hunting boots back to normal, or to shore up that new pair that didn’t hold up to the hype. A good leather boot sealant will have your feet warm, dry, and allow you to be a whole lot happier when you’re out hunting, camping, fishing, or exploring your local batch of wetlands.
