waterproofing leather boots ?

450 DUDE · 02-17-08, 10:27 PM

Whatcha guys using for waterproofing goop now a days?

I have never been happy with "Snow Seal" and those Nicwax products always seemed too expensive...

Thanks in advance,

ken

cartercd · 02-17-08, 11:11 PM

I use NikWax. That seems to be highly recommended by retailers and boot manufacturers. In the grand scheme of things it's not that expensive, and it's better than having wet feet.

gavman · 02-18-08, 07:23 AM

I have ben using silicon spray on some older work boots and even a pair of old trainers for awhile now and am amazed at the results.
I will find the brand name later....works good but i have no idea if i am doing long term harm to them.

bigndn · 02-18-08, 09:44 AM

Obenauf's is great stuff! I never liked mink oil/snowseal. This stuff is da bomb.
Obenauf's Leather Care Products

Bogo · 02-18-08, 12:24 PM

I just use neetsfoot oil. Re apply it every year and after every time I clean my boots and leather gloves.

Bighead · 02-18-08, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartercd

I use NikWax.

x 2.

webelk6 · 02-18-08, 06:38 PM

red wing makes some nice boot oil along with spray. Altho I would just buy waterproof boots

rusty_tlc · 02-18-08, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450 DUDE

Whatcha guys using for waterproofing goop now a days?

I have never been happy with "Snow Seal" and those Nicwax products always seemed too expensive...

Thanks in advance,

ken

I'm one of those guys that believes animal fat kept the cow weather proof before it died so I use animal fat to keep it weather proof after. I use mink oil, but it does require frequent application to work well.

AJP · 02-18-08, 10:03 PM

I used to use silicon liquid from the can .. was issued... and caused the boots to rot/crack as well as the eyelets to pull out. I avoid it now. Mink oil seems to soften the leather too much causes it to stretch so I avoid it as well. Have been using the Danner labeled stuff in small jars and it seems to work ok. Have read in other places that the Obenauf's is good but haven't found any locally...when I do I will try it.
NikWax gets a lot of recommendations as well.

bigndn · 02-20-08, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJP

I used to use silicon liquid from the can .. was issued... and caused the boots to rot/crack as well as the eyelets to pull out. I avoid it now. Mink oil seems to soften the leather too much causes it to stretch so I avoid it as well. Have been using the Danner labeled stuff in small jars and it seems to work ok. Have read in other places that the Obenauf's is good but haven't found any locally...when I do I will try it.
NikWax gets a lot of recommendations as well.

Where are you located? They'll ship it to you, too.

I think it's time I ordered the "institutional package"......
Obenauf's Leather Care Products

That should last me the next 15 years or so.....

JJS · 02-20-08, 01:54 PM

I've had no problems with mink oil.

reffug · 02-29-08, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigndn

Obenauf's is great stuff! I never liked mink oil/snowseal. This stuff is da bomb.
Obenauf's Leather Care Products

Hope its good stuff.

I just ordered some to put on my 10 year old Vasque.

Never been to partial to the snowseal either.

Guess I'll give it a try.

AJP · 02-29-08, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Where are you located? They'll ship it to you, too.

I think it's time I ordered the "institutional package"......
Obenauf's Leather Care Products

That should last me the next 15 years or so.....

I see that now (I am in Canada) I will give it a try. It looks like they have both Silicon (which I don't want) and their proprietary "LP" which contains "no harmful silicons" ... I think I will order some of that...btw .. how is it on the leather seats? Has anyone tried that application I wonder?

thanks!!

Atoyot1031 · 02-29-08, 11:22 AM

I've always used the Snowseal once a year before hunting starts. It is messy, but it works IMHO!

MOfj40 · 03-09-08, 07:17 AM

I just buy Gore-tex lined boots and then it's not an issue. I've stood in icy water to the top of the boot in my gore-tex wolverines and my feet never got wet. They breath well enough to be comfortable for every day wear as well.

I just use whatever leather conditioner is readily available to keep the leather from cracking when it dries out.

reffug · 03-10-08, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigndn

Obenauf's is great stuff! I never liked mink oil/snowseal. This stuff is da bomb.
Obenauf's Leather Care Products

I put 2 coats on my Vasque this weekend. Sure darkened up the leather. We'll see how it helps the dry / cracking condition is some spots and its supposed to rain today.

bigndn · 03-10-08, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reffug

I put 2 coats on my Vasque this weekend. Sure darkened up the leather. We'll see how it helps the dry / cracking condition is some spots and its supposed to rain today.

Can't wait to read your review.....

C6H12O6 · 03-11-08, 12:34 AM

I used to use Montana Pitch Blend from Schnee's shoe store in Bozeman. That stuff was awesome and smelled nice. Their boots are hand-made there in town and are super fabulous. I know guys with many, many years on a pair of their boots, treating the leather with Pitch Blend a couple times a year.

Scottsire · 03-11-08, 08:20 PM

It is my job to walk around the woods. I have many pairs of leather boots. Lowa, Whites, La Sportiva Glacier Evo, Lowa again, and plenty of various military issue. I will tell you this. If you plan to stand in water, do so with an unsealed pair of leathers. Wear them dry to shrink to your foot. If it is gore tex, I assume you will be wearing it in the winter, therefore you want to use a seal that will not over saturate your boot and inhibit breathability. I recommend natural i.e. Nikiwax. The type you would be looking for will follow water into the leather. If you are wearing insulated leathers, I like to use a wax or oil. In either case, the important step lies in getting your leather to accept and retain the sealant, by way of heat or air, and applying it to the areas that will either come in contact with water more frequently, or will retain water (e.g. crevaces, eyelets, sole stitching). If you do your best to keep your boots dry, your feet will stay dry with them...

Bogo · 03-11-08, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottsire

If you do your best to keep your boots dry, your feet will stay dry with them...

Have you ever tried boots with the new insulations that keep insulating when damp or wet? I have a pair of North Face Baltoro HV 400s that I find to be excellent for all day wearing in the winter. My feet sweat like crazy even in extreme cold. Until the Baltoros I would have to switch boots and socks every 3 to 4 hours even when wearing unsealed leather boots. Anyways, I can now wear the Baltoro HVs 16+ hours and my feet are still warm at the end of the day. My socks are soaked and I have to use a fan to blow drying air into the boots so they are dry for the next day.

lowenbrau · 03-11-08, 10:50 PM

I don't think you really can waterproof leather. All you can hope for is for something to protect the leather while the Goretex liner or socks keep you dry. I've always liked SnoSeal. You have to get the boots up to 200 degrees before you apply it though and then give it multiple applications. I use the oven but a hair dryer works ok too.

NorCalDoug · 03-13-08, 02:41 AM

I've always used SnoSeal and have had good luck with it. As lowenbrau says, you need to get the boots hot. I usually put them in front of the fireplace for a few minutes to heat them and work on sections at a time.

It will turn the leather several shades darker, but I've never had a problem with that, personally.

multiple applications is the key.

Cuerno Largo · 03-20-08, 08:38 PM

Anyone tried that Jig-a-loo stuff? I bought a can for the door hinges in my house since it said it does not stink. Also because the name seems to be a bit odd. The can said it will waterproof shoes and boots.

bigndn · 03-21-08, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuerno Largo

Anyone tried that Jig-a-loo stuff? I bought a can for the door hinges in my house since it said it does not stink. Also because the name seems to be a bit odd. The can said it will waterproof shoes and boots.

So will motor oil and/or axle grease, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should use them. Just sayin.

Cuerno Largo · 03-21-08, 01:08 PM

02-17-08, 10:27 PM	#1
450 DUDE IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ione CA Posts: 1,071	waterproofing leather boots ? Whatcha guys using for waterproofing goop now a days? I have never been happy with "Snow Seal" and those Nicwax products always seemed too expensive... Thanks in advance, ken __________________ 97 with thingy's and dodads Now with added geek KI6JEO

02-17-08, 11:11 PM	#2
cartercd Step 6 Connoisseur Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 153	I use NikWax. That seems to be highly recommended by retailers and boot manufacturers. In the grand scheme of things it's not that expensive, and it's better than having wet feet. __________________ Carter D. 97 FZJ80, 112,000 miles, 285 Revos, OME 861/862, HIR, tire carrier mod, driver seat extension, aux fan, Air Lift bags, Scion T1808 Chandler, AZ

02-18-08, 06:38 PM	#7
webelk6 Brewers in '08! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: God's Country Posts: 659	red wing makes some nice boot oil along with spray. Altho I would just buy waterproof boots __________________ 04/75 fj40 slowly under resto...... build thread http://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/99015-04-75-frame-off.html '94 FZJ80 (DJ81) with 14k gold emblems(wifes) '06 Tundra/Work Truck Model Iforce V-8 ( paint/estimating rig)

02-20-08, 01:54 PM	#11
JJS IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,849	I've had no problems with mink oil. __________________ '75 FJ40. V8. SOA. Cage. Lockers. Not done... "The FJ is Toyota's answer to the Jeep CJ, and flame wars between fanboys of the two vehicles will continue long after the apocalypse begins. The consensus is the Toyota will take more abuse -- a big plus when roaming the desolation -- but it's harder to fix when something goes sideways. Fortunately, it's a Toyota, so you'll break before it will."

03-09-08, 07:17 AM	#15
MOfj40 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: KC TLCA# 17453 Posts: 397	I just buy Gore-tex lined boots and then it's not an issue. I've stood in icy water to the top of the boot in my gore-tex wolverines and my feet never got wet. They breath well enough to be comfortable for every day wear as well. I just use whatever leather conditioner is readily available to keep the leather from cracking when it dries out. __________________ 1968 FJ40 00 Tundra 4x4

02-18-08, 07:23 AM	#3
gavman IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 124	I have ben using silicon spray on some older work boots and even a pair of old trainers for awhile now and am amazed at the results. I will find the brand name later....works good but i have no idea if i am doing long term harm to them.

02-18-08, 12:24 PM	#5
Bogo IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Village Posts: 157	I just use neetsfoot oil. Re apply it every year and after every time I clean my boots and leather gloves.

02-18-08, 10:03 PM	#9
AJP IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 246	I used to use silicon liquid from the can .. was issued... and caused the boots to rot/crack as well as the eyelets to pull out. I avoid it now. Mink oil seems to soften the leather too much causes it to stretch so I avoid it as well. Have been using the Danner labeled stuff in small jars and it seems to work ok. Have read in other places that the Obenauf's is good but haven't found any locally...when I do I will try it. NikWax gets a lot of recommendations as well.

02-29-08, 11:22 AM	#14
Atoyot1031 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aspen, CO TLCA# 18402 Posts: 950	I've always used the Snowseal once a year before hunting starts. It is messy, but it works IMHO!

03-11-08, 12:34 AM	#18
C6H12O6 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Beaverton, Oregon TLCA# 16307 Posts: 764	I used to use Montana Pitch Blend from Schnee's shoe store in Bozeman. That stuff was awesome and smelled nice. Their boots are hand-made there in town and are super fabulous. I know guys with many, many years on a pair of their boots, treating the leather with Pitch Blend a couple times a year. __________________ If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly. Steve the Fly Fishing Science Teacher 1995 FZJ80 ~ Lockers, winchless ARB, 2.5" OME, bent-up, rattling, leaky Borla exhaust, MetalTech Sliders, multiple oil leaks, 285 Revos. http://web.mac.com/stevenlent/cruiser/cruiser.html

03-11-08, 08:20 PM	#19
Scottsire IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 38	It is my job to walk around the woods. I have many pairs of leather boots. Lowa, Whites, La Sportiva Glacier Evo, Lowa again, and plenty of various military issue. I will tell you this. If you plan to stand in water, do so with an unsealed pair of leathers. Wear them dry to shrink to your foot. If it is gore tex, I assume you will be wearing it in the winter, therefore you want to use a seal that will not over saturate your boot and inhibit breathability. I recommend natural i.e. Nikiwax. The type you would be looking for will follow water into the leather. If you are wearing insulated leathers, I like to use a wax or oil. In either case, the important step lies in getting your leather to accept and retain the sealant, by way of heat or air, and applying it to the areas that will either come in contact with water more frequently, or will retain water (e.g. crevaces, eyelets, sole stitching). If you do your best to keep your boots dry, your feet will stay dry with them... __________________ What happen? Somebody set us up the bomb. I got this one... Let me get the toolbox aka wallet. 1969 Cruiser. 350 on 350.

03-11-08, 10:50 PM	#21
lowenbrau IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Calgary AB TLCA# 5513 Posts: 2,419	I don't think you really can waterproof leather. All you can hope for is for something to protect the leather while the Goretex liner or socks keep you dry. I've always liked SnoSeal. You have to get the boots up to 200 degrees before you apply it though and then give it multiple applications. I use the oven but a hair dryer works ok too. __________________ Rocky Mountain Land Cruiser Association TLCA # 5513 '87BJ74, '86BJ70, '78FJ45, '53M100, '90M101cdn I support our Troopies

03-13-08, 02:41 AM	#22
NorCalDoug I Solve Problems... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: uhhhh...duh...Northern CA TLCA# yes, I have one Posts: 7,027	I've always used SnoSeal and have had good luck with it. As lowenbrau says, you need to get the boots hot. I usually put them in front of the fireplace for a few minutes to heat them and work on sections at a time. It will turn the leather several shades darker, but I've never had a problem with that, personally. multiple applications is the key. __________________ a couple pairs of pink panties... Another convert to the Church of Latter Day Swank, a sub-cult of Shahrislam "...Opportunity doesn't knock, you have to kick the fuckin door in and drag the bitch out screamin." -- IanB "I have more respect for people who change their views after acquiring new information than for those who cling to views they held thirty years ago. The world changes. Ideologues and zealots don't." - Michael Crichton Buy TEQ Bottle Openers

03-20-08, 08:38 PM	#23
Cuerno Largo IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Republic of Texas TLCA# 16073 Posts: 434	Anyone tried that Jig-a-loo stuff? I bought a can for the door hinges in my house since it said it does not stink. Also because the name seems to be a bit odd. The can said it will waterproof shoes and boots. __________________ '75 FJ-40-In pieces on my garage floor. -Buildup thread here '07 Titanium FJC- wife's ride My statement to my wife: "All of the accumulated crap in my shop will be really useful if I find a use for it." "You may all go to Hell and I will go to Texas"- Davy Crockett

03-21-08, 01:08 PM	#25
Cuerno Largo IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Republic of Texas TLCA# 16073 Posts: 434