How Do You Waterproof Hiking Boots?

Because almost all best hiking boots are factory treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, new boots rarely require out-of-box treatment. But that finish will eventually wear out and should be replaced. You will know that it is time for you to see that water no longer sprouts and leaves the surface of the boot and that water is constantly absorbed in the outer layer of your boots.

The main steps to waterproof your hiking boots are:

• Choose the appropriate waterproofing treatment
• Cleaning your boots
• Applying the waterproofing treatment
• Drying your boots

Choose a waterproofing treatment

• In general, waterproofing treatments are designed for full grain leather or “rough” leather like suede or nubuck. Be sure to read the product descriptions and product application instructions carefully before buying and using a waterproofing treatment.
• Wax-based leather waterproofing treatments, which were once the norm, are now less common. And if you want the option of resolving your boots later, avoid them because wax residues impair the ability of a new adhesive to bond with a new sole.
• If your hiking boots have a Gore-Tex® membrane or other type of waterproof / breathable membrane, no treatment is necessary in those areas. Simply clean the fabric in those areas.

Prepare your boots to waterproof

Waterproofing products work best in clean, wet boots. You do not want dirt or sand to compromise coverage and penetration, and you need water inside the outer layer of the boots to help completely attract the waterproofing treatment.

To clean your hiking boots:

• Remove the laces before cleaning.
• For a deeper cleaning, add running water and any boot cleaner you have chosen.

Applying the Waterproofing Treatment

• Start by making sure that the water is completely soaked in the thickness of the leather of your hiking boot. If you have just finished cleaning them, the timing is ideal.
• Running water on your boots is not enough; It takes a long time to soak water in the leather.
• If your boots are dry or not wet enough after cleaning, wrap them with a very damp towel and let them rest in a sink for a couple of hours.
• Once the water is completely soaked in your boots, apply the waterproofing treatment. The steps vary, so read and carefully follow the application instructions for your product.

Drying and storage tips after application

• Dry the boots at normal temperature in a place with low humidity.
• Do not use a heat source.
• For faster drying, use a fan.
• You can also put newspaper in the boots to accelerate drying; change the paper frequently (whenever it is wet).
• Store boots where temperatures are stable and normal. Do not store boots in attics, garages, car trunks or any humid, hot or unventilated place.

Conclusion

Just like cleaning your hiking boots regularly is a super important job (if not annoying), so is treating them with good waterproofing. Once you know how to waterproof your hiking boots, you will wonder why you resisted the simple task for so long. Then, read our guide, prepare yourself with the appropriate treatments for your boots, and your boots (and feet!) Will surely thank you.