Hell Bent for Leather (Waterproofing Your Boots)

[chasea]

My turn to axe a question.

I've got some Redwing 1907s I want to winterize. I had an old italian tube of somethin'-or-other that I got with my Scarpas, but its run off somewhere. What are you woodsmen (urban or authentic) using on your boots? Nikwax? Something else?

I wouldn't mind the color getting a little richer, but don't want to go too dark. Whatever I try will be tested on the inside ankle of the boot first.

Thanks in advance,

C

[Too Tall]

My turn to axe a question.

I've got some Redwing 1907s I want to winterize. I had an old italian tube of somethin'-or-other that I got with my Scarpas, but its run off somewhere. What are you woodsmen (urban or authentic) using on your boots? Nikwax? Something else?

I wouldn't mind the color getting a little richer, but don't want to go too dark. Whatever I try will be tested on the inside ankle of the boot first.

Thanks in advance,

C

I've used the nikwax sprays and they work pretty good but seems to go away. Honestly, I'm back to old school. Mink oil, melt in wax on the welt seams etc.

[Peter Polack]

I was told by a chemical engineer that mink oil is not good for leather; it actually breaks down the leather. The way he explained it was, in some cases soft leather is not a good thing, such as when you need support. It's just that soft leather impresses people.

I use Sno-Seal in a jar. Apply it by hand. Contains beeswax.

[TACSTS]

+1 for Sno-Seal. Get the jar, apply a good coat and use a hot hairdryer or heat gun to get it to soak in. A autumn tradition passed down from my dad.

[maunahaole]

Ray of Handlebra fame turned me on to Obenauf's. Smells like beeswax. https://www.obenaufs.com/index.php?r...&product_id=30

An old trick I used to get treatment into leather was to put the item into a warm (NOT HOT) oven for a bit and then apply the stuff. It melts right in. Start on the seams, you want the most penetration there.

[Too Tall]

I was told by a chemical engineer that mink oil is not good for leather; it actually breaks down the leather. The way he explained it was, in some cases soft leather is not a good thing, such as when you need support. It's just that soft leather impresses people.

I use Sno-Seal in a jar. Apply it by hand. Contains beeswax.

Tell that to my 20+ yr. old Merrill boots ;) Snow seal, thanks thats the wax I could not remember. Great stuff.

[Chance Legstrong]

Mink oil is the only thing i have ever used

[Chad]

Local shoe/boot repair lady told me the same thing about Mink Oil.

I use Danner boot creme or Saddle Butter (my first choice, couldn't find, now using a similar saddle/leather conditioner works very well). Saddle Butter works wonders on your ball glove as well.

[sonny]

I've used the nikwax sprays and they work pretty good but seems to go away.

Sno-Seal or Obenauf's are both good choices

I've used the nikwax products extensively, but especially on well-worn leather it just doesn't cut it--you'll have to reapply it more than often.
Wax products are the only way to go for broken in boots; not particularly breathable, but how much can leather "breathe" anyways..?


ditch the oil atmo

[chasea]

...not particularly breathable, but how much can leather "breathe" anyways..?

Let's hope that its somewhat breathable.


Thanks for the suggestions. I've got a project for this week.