How to waterproof your hiking boots

Due to the fact that almost all trekking boots are factory treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, new boots rarely require treatment right away, but that finish will eventually wear off and need to be replaced, so know how to waterproof your hiking boots will help water to run off the surface of the boot and be constantly absorbed into the outer layer.

Main steps for waterproofing your hiking boots

Like any quality assurance process, waterproofing hiking boots requires a few steps:

• Choosing the appropriate waterproofing treatment
• Cleaning your boots
• Apply waterproofing treatment
• Drying the boots

Choosing a waterproofing treatment

Apply a waterproof treatment for hiking boots is necessary. Generally, waterproofing treatments are designed to protect the for tanned leather or "rough" leathers such as suede or nobuck. Be sure to read product descriptions and application instructions carefully before purchasing and using a waterproofing treatment.

The leather waterproofing treatments based on wax are less common. Avoid them, unless the leather is badly deteriorated, as they will negate the breathability of the boot. If your hiking boots have a Gore-Tex® membrane or other waterproof/breathable membrane, do not use wax - unless it no longer fulfils its function - the Gore-Tex will no longer fulfil its function.

Prepare your boots for waterproofing

Waterproofing products work best with clean, damp boots. Know more at how to waterproof your hiking boots is to keep in mind that you don't want dirt or sand to compromise coverage and penetration, and you need water inside the outer layer of the boots to help fully attract the waterproofing treatment.

Cleaning your hiking boots

• Remove the laces before cleaning.
• Use a soft brush to gently remove dust and dirt.
• For a more thorough clean, add plain water and any boot cleaner of your choice.

Applying the waterproofing treatment

Before you can waterproof your hiking boots you must clean them thoroughly with warm water and a brush. Then you should dry them before applying the waterproofing product, but you should leave the leather a little bit dry before applying the waterproofing product, but you should leave the leather a little bit dry before applying the waterproofing product. wet to maximise product penetration.

• Start by making sure the water is completely soaked into the entire area of your leather boot. If you have just finished cleaning them, the timing is ideal.
• Washing your boots with water is not enough, it takes a long time to soak the leather in water.
• If the boots are dry or not damp enough after cleaning, wrap them in a very damp towel and leave them in a sink for a couple of hours.
• Once the water is completely soaked into your boots, apply the waterproofing treatment. The steps vary, so carefully read and follow the application instructions for your product.

Tips on drying and storage 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 newspapers in the boots to speed up drying, change the paper frequently (as long as it is damp).
• Store boots where temperatures are stable and normal; do not store boots in attics, garages, boots or anywhere damp, hot or unventilated.

Wax or spray

The next thing to do to make your hiking boots waterproof is to buy a product designed to repel moisture, full grain leather boots are best waterproofed with wax or grease. For suede boots, a spray sealant is best, just make sure you use the right type of waterproofing product for your type of boot.

Dry hiking boots completely dry after waterproofing

Before wearing your boots on a hike, you should allow them to dry completely after you waterproof them. Never use a hairdryer for this process to avoid cracking the leather, let them air dry which is best, but you can use a fan if you want to speed up the process. Repeat the process regularly and make your hiking boots waterproof.

High quality leather boots will last for years if you look after them properly, one of the most important things you should do to look after them is to make your hiking boots waterproof. Every few months, you should give your boots another waterproofing treatment, not only will it help protect them from water damage and keep your feet dry, but the process also helps to conditioning the leather and keeping it suppleyour boots will always be in perfect condition when you give them regular waterproofing treatments.