Are you preparing to walk into mountains, trails, or just for the rainy season? Don’t forget to waterproof your boots to keep your feet dry and clean. Besides, even your go-to boots can get damaged if they’re always wet or muddy. Fortunately, when you know how to waterproof your boots properly, you can help prolong their lifespan, and you can still use them for your adventures.
Whether your boots are leather or synthetic, there are many ways to transform them into waterproof ones. And even if your boots are already waterproof, there are cases when they still lose their ability to resist water absorption, so you should replace them.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best waterproofing methods you can use to protect your boots.
But First, Why Does Waterproofing Matter?
Boots are usually expensive, but they’re a great investment. However, if you don’t know how to take care of them properly, you can easily lose them. Some of the most common problems you may encounter with neglected boots include mould buildup, unpleasant odour, cracked leather, and shortened lifespan.
If you want to avoid all of these, ensure to limit the exposure of your boots to moisture. If you want to do it by waterproofing, it can be a great start. Waterproofing is essential because it adds another layer of protection to your precious boots. Additionally, it can help preserve the structure, material, and colour, so you can still wear them as many times as you want.
1. Wax-Based Waterproofing
Do you own a pair of work boots or leather hiking boots? One of the waterproofing options you can use is the wax-based waterproofing treatment. You can look for synthetic boot wax or beeswax to protect your boots.
When applying wax-based waterproofing treatments, you should first clean your boots using a damp cloth and let them dry. Next, apply a generous amount of the wax and evenly coat the whole boot. You can use a dry cloth for applying the treatment. After that, use a dryer to help the boots absorb the treatment. Lastly, let the boots dry overnight before using.
2. Spray-On Waterproofing
For boots made of nubuck, suede, or fabric, the spray-on waterproofing treatment is the best option. At the same time, it’s easy and quick to apply. So, if you own a pair of Mou boots or other fabric boots, this is the best waterproofing option for you!
Just like when applying wax-based treatments, you should start by cleaning your boots with a damp cloth and letting them dry. After that, place the spray at about 6 to 8 inches from the boots, and apply evenly. There’s no need to use a hairdryer, and just let the boots dry overnight.
3. Cream or Oil-Based Treatments
Other waterproofing options for leather boots include oil-based and cream treatments. Usually, mink oil or lanolin-based products are used if your goal is to both condition and waterproof the boots at the same time.
When applying these waterproofing treatments, you should first clean your boots. After that, apply the cream or oil of your choice. Next, buff off excess products, and leave for hours or overnight so that the material can absorb the treatment.
4. Seam Sealing
In some cases, boots can still be exposed to extreme moisture even if the outer layer is waterproof. So, if you want to increase the protection of your boots, regardless of the material, seam sealing is recommended.
Most seam sealers available in the market are made of silicone. If you want to try this method, you should clean the seams and stitch lines before applying the product. After that, let the boots dry for at least 12 hours.
5. DIY Silicone Treatments
If your boots are made of synthetic materials, another method you should try is the DIY silicone treatment. In doing so, you can start by mixing mineral spirits and silicone. Once the consistency reaches something similar to paint, you can then start applying it to the clean surface of your boots. When applying this, you can use a brush to coat the whole area. Keep in mind that this is only used for synthetic materials and can damage natural ones.
Bonus Tips
Here are some of the additional practices you can do when waterproofing your boots:
- Test the treatment in a small area first before applying it to the whole boot
- Always clean the boots before applying the treatments
- Reapply the treatment regularly
- Keep your boots in a cool, dry place
- Stuff newspaper or boot shaper to keep your boots in good shape
Final Thoughts
Ensuring that your boots are waterproof can be a daunting task, but these extra steps can help ensure that they last long. Of course, you should also practise other methods to keep your boots in good condition.
