What makes leather waterproof

The combination of all these parts is what makes a leather boot waterproof. Please understand that not all waterproof leather boots will use every method listed above. Some boots will not use a waterproof liner, and just instead treat the leather with a waterproof spray and use a seam-sealed construction. Some leather boots will combine a leather upper with a rubber vamp bottom to create a boot that is both waterproof and comfortable.

These boots are often called duck boots or pac boots. If you like this sort of lace-up style, then visit our article about the best lace up rain boots for more options. Choosing to waterproof your leather boots is a great decision all around. It not only protects your feet, but it also protects the leather itself and helps it last longer. Most leather boots have been treated with some level of coating, but you can choose to take the extra step and waterproof them further yourself.

The two most common options for waterproofing boots are waterproofing wax or a water-resistant spray finish. Both of the below methods can be done at home within minutes and will help protect your boots for years to come. Probably one of the easiest methods, the finishing spray uses an aerosol application method that helps maximize the coverage with less work. However, before applying it, you need to do some prep work.

Now that your leather boots are clean, you can move on to the next step of the process, waterproofing. Even though it may seem counterintuitive to soak the boots when you are about to waterproof them, it has its benefits. The coatings can dry out the boot which will speed up its deterioration. Before the boots are entirely dry, apply the spray to the entirety of the boot.

Once your boot is dry, it is ready to be put back in action. When using wax or balm-like water-proofing mixtures, the same steps apply for the prep, but the application differs.

Similar to the spray, the wax is best applied on a freshly cleaned and prepped boot. Following the same prep steps from before, wash your boots and set them out to dry. Once they are nearly dry, set up a little working station and get to it. Carefully remove the hot jar from the pan.

Get comfortable; this will take anywhere from minutes. After the mixture has cooled and stiffened, spot test the cream on an inconspicuous area of the leather. Then, be sure to begin with clean leather, apply the cream, gently buffing the leather surface.

Repeat to build up the waterproof protective coating—this is key to leather waterproofing. Discover our full suite of leather care products for all-natural cleaner and conditioner. Then, refresh your piece with our leather conditioner, a semi-thick wax that offers maximum protection and restoration. CART 0. Your Cart is Empty Continue Shopping. Continue Shopping. You can also get the larger ounce version of the solution directly from Reshoevn8r.

Cope also uses the solution to scrub stains out and advises using just a small amount to do so. Stone says that whenever she gets a new pair of shoes, she immediately sprays them with this. Less precious shoes can handle a more heavy-duty spray, like this one from Spanish leather-care company Tarrago that incorporates nanotechnology — tiny particles that fill tiny openings in the leather to block water from getting in.

It keeps water from penetrating. Brinkers likes Apple Brand Garde as a great budget-friendly option that works for all types of leathers. Silicone bonds to leather, creating a barrier that keeps moisture out, but you do need to occasionally reinforce that barrier.

If you are wearing your shoes often, you could spray them every few weeks if you needed to. I use it on my leather jacket. I use it on my couch. She uses a small amount and rubs it into her shoes with a soft rag, drying it overnight.

The end result is a shiny finish and an extra layer of moisture protection, she adds. Soft suede footwear requires special treatment. A material-specific spray — Valiente likes this one from Scotchgard — makes suede less absorptive without damaging the shoe.

Isobel Schofield , founder of Bryr Clogs , confirms that this product works really well, protecting against water- and oil-based stains.