Leather boots are great to wear in the cold and protect feet in fall. But are they waterproof? I will teach you how to waterproof leather boots step by step, along with some tips on protecting them and extending their lifespan.
How to waterproof leather boots is the process of making leather boots resistant to moisture with waterproofing spray, beeswax or carnauba wax, or leather conditioner. Even high-quality leather boots including full grain and top grain, benefit from regular waterproofing to prolong their lifespan.
Do you wear leather boots in wet conditions and find your feet still get cold and wet? Are you looking for a way to better protect your boots and your feet from cold, wet conditions? Let’s explore how to waterproof leather boots to keep both them and your feet clean and dry.
What Is Waterproofing Leather Boots?
Waterproofing leather boots is the process of applying a waterproofing agent to prevent water from penetrating the surface of the leather. This helps keep feet comfortable and dry when conditions are wet while protecting the leather material. Leather boots can be waterproofed with waterproofing spray, beeswax, carnauba wax, or leather conditioner.
What We’ll Explore
- Clearing up Myths & Misconceptions
- Are Leather Boots Waterproof?
- Reasons You Might Choose To Waterproof Leather Boots
- Variations or Styles of How To Waterproof Leather Boots
- How To Waterproof Leather Boots Overview Table
- Skill Level of Waterproofing Leather Boots
- Tools and Supplies Needed To Waterproof Leather Boots
- How To Waterproof Leather Boots Step by Step
- How to Get Better Waterproofing Leather Boots
- My Personal Research on How To Waterproof Leather Boots
- Helpful Insights on How To Waterproof Leather Boots
- Key Takeaways
Clearing Up Myths & Misconceptions
Many people think leather boots are inherently waterproof, especially those made with high-quality leather. However, this is untrue because leather is only water resistant, and some are more water resistant than others.
No leather is completely waterproof, even faux leather made with plastics. It has also been said that waterproofing boots only needs to be done once. Instead, waterproofing agents need to be reapplied regularly to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment.
Are Leather Boots Waterproof?
No matter the make or quality, no leather is entirely waterproof. Some leather types, including full grain and top grain leathers, are naturally more water resistant than others. Over time and with repeated exposure to moisture, even the highest quality leather will show signs of breakdown. Using a waterproofing material prevents this erosion from occurring and extends the lifespan of leather boots.
Waterproofing methods should be reapplied to leather boots at least monthly to maintain protection from moisture.
Reasons You Might Choose To Waterproof Leather Boots
Why would I need to waterproof my leather boots if the leather is water-resistant? Whether one lives in the mountains or by the sea, leather boots should keep feet comfortable and protected. And to maintain leather’s durability, waterproofing is in order. Here are some good reasons to waterproof leather boots:
- To keep feet warm and dry
- To protect the leather from water damage, stains, and mold
- Frequent rain and humid conditions
- Snow and ice
- To extend the boots’ lifespan
Variations or Styles of How To Waterproof Leather Boots
For those living in wet or humid conditions, waterproofing leather boots is a good choice for protecting feet and extending the life of the boots. Here are the most common variations:
- Waterproofing spray
- Beeswax or carnauba wax
- Leather conditioner
How To Waterproof Leather Boots Overview Table
| Area of Preparation | Details |
| Technique | How To Waterproof Leather Boots |
| Overall Level of Skill (1–5) | 2 |
| Time to Complete (minutes/hours) | 15–30 minutes |
| Workspace Needed | Sturdy surface |
| Skills Needed | Basic leather care |
| Tools and Supplies Needed | Waterproofing spray, beeswax or carnauba wax, leather conditioner, soft cloths, soft brush |
| Key Helpful Tip | Allow each layer to dry completely, reapply every month in wet climates, remove laces, and protect zippers. |
Skill Level Waterproofing Leather Boots
Caring for leather boots does not require a great deal of skill, and neither does waterproofing them. However, some basic leather care knowledge helps keep the leather in good shape.
A couple of things to remember are that each layer should be allowed to dry completely before applying another layer, and always remove laces and cover zippers with tape so they don’t get gummed up with waterproofing materials.
Tools and Supplies Needed To Waterproof Leather Boots
Waterproofing leather can help extend the life of boots in wet conditions, but only a few tools and supplies are needed. Gather the following:
- Waterproofing spray
- Beeswax or carnauba wax
- Leather conditioner
- Soft cloths
- Soft brush
How To Waterproof Leather Boots Step by Step
Waterproofing leather boots is a straightforward process and can be done using products such as wax, oil, spray, or creams. Here’s a general step-by-step guide on how to waterproof your leather boots:
- Remove any laces and cover the zippers with tape.
- Clean the leather boots thoroughly with leather cleaner or pH-neutral soap and water.
- Allow the leather to air dry completely.
- Apply a waterproofing agent following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow the waterproofing agent to dry and set.
- Reapply as needed or monthly.
To learn more about waterproofing leather boots, check out this helpful video from OldSoulMillennial.
How To Get Better at Waterproofing Leather Boots
Waterproofing leather boots is not difficult, so getting better at it only takes a little practice. Researchers Su et al. of the Hebei Key Laboratory of Functional Polymers explain that leather manufacturers utilize some waterproofing coatings to protect products.
However, it is not enough if there will be long-term exposure to wet and humid environments. Always clean leather boots first, remove laces if present, and try different waterproofing methods to see which works best for the environmental conditions.
My Personal Research on How To Waterproof Leather Boots
Which waterproofing methods work for which types of leather, and how long do they last? Find the answers in the table below.
| Waterproofing Method | Leather Types | Reapplication |
| Waterproofing spray | All but suede and nubuck | Every 3 weeks |
| Beeswax | All but suede and nubuck | Every 3–6 months |
| Carnauba wax | All but suede and nubuck | Every 3–6 weeks |
| Leather conditioner | All but suede and nubuck | Every 2–3 weeks |
| Wax soap | Suede and nubuck | Every 3–4 months |
Helpful Insights On How To Waterproof Leather Boots
How do you waterproof real leather boots?
Real leather boots can be waterproofed with spray, beeswax or carnauba wax, or leather conditioner. Clean the boots first, remove the laces, and place tape over the zippers. Then apply the waterproofing material in an even layer. Let each layer dry completely before applying another, and reapply monthly to protect leather boots from repeated exposure to moisture.
Do leather boots need to be waterproofed?
Leather boots need to be waterproofed because even full grain and top grain leather are water resistant, not waterproof. Leather boots are often worn in wet conditions to protect the feet from cold and wet, but repeated exposure can damage leather. Apply waterproofing spray, beeswax or carnauba wax, or leather conditioner monthly to waterproof leather boots.
What is the best way to waterproof leather?
The best way to waterproof leather is with waterproofing spray, beeswax or carnauba wax, or leather conditioner. Clean the boots thoroughly first and allow them to dry, then apply the waterproofing substance. Reapply monthly in wet environments or as needed.
Can I put waterproof spray on leather boots?
Waterproof spray is an effective way to preserve leather boots to protect them from moisture. This is the easiest and most popular way to waterproof leather boots, gloves, bags, and more. Remove laces and protect zippers with tape when putting waterproof spray on leather boots.
Does Vaseline waterproof leather boots?
While Vaseline can and is often recommended for waterproofing leather, it can clog the pores of the leather, stain the material, and prolonged use of Vaseline on leather can lead to a weakening of the fibers, causing the material to become brittle and prone to cracking or tearing.
If you want to protect and condition your leather boots, it’s best to use products specifically designed for leather care, such as leather conditioners, creams, or oils. These products are formulated to nourish and protect the leather without causing any damage or unwanted effects.
What home remedy can I use to waterproof leather boots?
Beeswax and carnauba wax are effective home remedies that can be used to waterproof leather boots. Beeswax lasts the longest at up to six months, while carnauba wax should be reapplied at least monthly. These methods are effective at protecting leather boots from moisture and damage.
Key Takeaways
- Leather boots can be waterproofed with spray, beeswax or carnauba wax, or leather conditioner.
- Leather boots should be cleaned thoroughly before applying waterproofing materials.
- Waterproofing materials should be reapplied to leather boots at least monthly to maintain protection from moisture.
In Closing
Waterproofing leather boots is important and necessary to protect them from water damage and extend their lifespan. By following the steps and using the right products, those leather boots can look great and keep feet warm and dry for many years.