Whether your boots are for walking, working, or just battling the elements, chances are they’ve already received an initial waterproofing. in order for your feet to stay dry in the long term, you need to treat them regularly.
One way to waterproof your boots is to use beeswax. First, heat up the beeswax so that it’s melted, then brush it onto your boots. Once the beeswax has cooled and hardened, your boots should be waterproof!
However, if you’re going to be hiking through water or Mud, you might want to add another layer of protection by spraying them with a waterproofing spray.
But if you waterproof your shoes properly, damp feet should be a thing of the past.
How often you need to waterproof your boots depends on how often you wear them. A good rule of thumb is to waterproof your boots whenever they get too dirty or when water is no longer beading on the surface. This can correspond to an impregnation every two months.
How to Waterproof Your Boots
It is important to know what boots are made of before treating them. Each type of material requires a different product to be waterproof. Full-grain leather, probably the most common material used for boots, may need to be treated differently than suede or nubuck leather.
Make Sure Your Boots Are Clean
Before you start waterproofing, clean your boots thoroughly. Dirt and grime can affect the waterproofing product and result in the treatment not fully covering the boots.
Start by removing the laces and using a brush to brush away any dirt or grime. If the soles of your boots are covered in dirt, soak them in about an inch of water for a few hours to loosen the dirt. The remaining dirt can be removed by hosing it down.
Waterproof Your Boots
If your new boots aren’t waterproof yet, there are plenty of products online to help waterproof them, but you’d better use a thick leather conditioner than something thin and watery. This creates a barrier against water and prevents things like mold and rot.
Make Waterproof
Simply spread the conditioner over the leather parts and give it some time to harden.
As the conditioner heats up, it penetrates the leather.
Use a towel or rag to remove excess conditioner and wipe clean.
Clean The Boots
Waterproof boots are important in many situations, but there are other things you can do to extend the life of your work boots. One of them is as simple as daily cleansing after losing weight.
- Allow the mud to dry before attempting to remove it. This way you can easily remove much of the accumulated mud instead of grinding it into the leather.
- Brush dust and dirt off your boots with a soft brush like a real horsehair brush.
- If necessary, apply boot polish to the leather areas.
- Like military desert boots, tan suede boots are a bit more difficult to clean. Since suede is soft, you need different techniques.
- Then run them under warm water, but don’t soak them completely.
- Using mild soap, lather the fingers of one hand and use that hand to gently massage any other dirt into the suede.
- Rinse again and air dry.
Waterproofing Process
Spray:
There are sprays specifically for leather, suede, and synthetic materials. To apply, hold the can about 15cm from the boot and spray in a thin, even layer. Check product directions to determine if a second coat is required.
Wax:
Wax works best on leather and suede boots. If you use wax to waterproof your boots, heat it slightly with a hairdryer and apply it with a clean cloth. Remove excess wax and buff it to shine. Waxing can be more of a manual process, but it’s great for getting into more nooks and crannies.
Cream:
This is a great option if you have a pair of leather boots. To use a cream to waterproof your boots, apply with the applicator provided or a clean cloth and rub the product all over the boot. If you have a boot with a hard-to-reach spot, go into the gap with a clean cloth.
Dry Boots
After applying the treatment, your boots will need time to dry completely. PlaceGrow them in an area with average temperatures, low humidity, and good ventilation.
Never use direct heat such as B. a hair dryer to speed up the drying process as this can cause the glue on the boots to come loose or the leather to rip and tear. You should also avoid drying your boots in direct sunlight.
However, you can use a fan to speed up the drying process. Putting newspaper inside your boots is a great way to absorb moisture and is particularly effective at helping the insole dry.
Once you’ve cleaned, treated, and dried your boots, you’re ready to slip on and splash around.
Conclusion
if you want to waterproof your own boots, you can do so by using a waterproofing spray or cream. You can also buy waterproofing treatments that will last longer. Waterproofing your boots is a simple process that can help to extend the life of your footwear.