Water proofing formerly waterproof boots

[d.kerri]

Does anyone have tricks or ideas on how to waterproof old boots? My boots still fit well and have plenty of tread on them, but they absorb water like a dry sponge dropped in the lake. They were waterproof when I bought them 3 years ago, but this past fall it had obviously worn off. They are Merrel boots.

Appreciate any advice you may have!

Thanks in advance,
DK

 

[ScottR]

How much leather on the boots?

 

[d.kerri]

How much leather on the boots?

quite a bit. they look like these- although these in the link must be a newer model.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13122919

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Try this

http://www.eastmans.com/forum/showthread.php/4178-Boot-Leather-treatment/page2

 

[WapitiBob]

sealskinz dot com

 

[d.kerri]

Here are my boots, in your opinions, am I better off just getting new boots? thanks for the replies, fellas!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Timberstalker]

I have this issue too.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I like SnoSeal and use it every year. I apply it liberally and use a heat gun to make sure it gets into every seam, including the sole welting. Hair dryer will also work. I also spray any of the non leather fabric with silicone waterproofing. If the leather is really dry and soaks it up, reapply again.

 

[alaska2go]

Huberd's shoe oil www.huberds.com Bar none the best waterproofing I have found. I use to wear rubber boots when we would work out in the rain. But since I found this stuff I wear my leather boots even in down pours.

 

[Musket Man]

I use Huberds shoe grease too and it has worked well!

 

[Sawfish]

It helps if you know how the leather was originally waterproofed i.e. silicone, etc., and stay with the original method. Otherwise, I agree with CC that Sno Seal, which is a dissolved wax treatment, is the best choice. I do not like any of the oil or grease treatments (neatsfoot, mink oil, etc.), as they cause the leather to stretch. That has been my experience in 50+ years of using leather boots. I also prefer leather laces, but those are becoming more rare every day. Taslan also works fine, if you can get good quality laces.

 

[6mm Remington]

I've tried several different types of leather protector and the best and longest lasting ones I have used are Obenauf's and Montana Pitch blend. Both are excellent products.

 

[ScottR]

Here are my boots, in your opinions, am I better off just getting new boots? thanks for the replies, fellas!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, soles look pretty worn.

 

[Retterath]

i use the kenetrek wax. I was told that the kenny wax doesn't affect the rubber around the leather i guess some of the wax gets on the rubber and into the glue and causes the glue to come apart thats just what i read and was told maybe just a sales pitch.

 

[squirrelduster]

I use their wax too. Never had any issues when I applied it as frequently as you are supposed to.

 

[squirrelduster]

I use the Kennetrek wax too. Never had any issues when I applied it as frequently as you are supposed to.