How to Waterproof Hiking Boots

Waterproofing boots and shoes is a simple yet rewarding task.  Waterproofing your boots will allow you to comfortably enjoy more time outdoors.  It will also keep your boots serviceable longer, saving you money that can be used to fund what really matters, your adventures.

You have several options for waterproofing your gear.  For leather items, I prefer a wax based product called Sno-Seal.

To Waterproof Your Hiking Boots You Will Need:

• Hair dryer or heat gun
• Sno-Seal or similar wax based product
• Shoes or boots
• A washcloth or brush
• Gloves (Optional)

Follow These Steps to Waterproof Your Leather Hiking Boots

1. Remove the shoelaces.
2. Clean the dirt from your boots using a brush and damp cloth.
3. Allow boots to dry completely. You may use the hairdryer or heat gun to accelerate this process.
4. Heat the boot leather up using the hairdryer.  The boots should be warm, but not so hot that it is painful to handle.
5. Apply a generous amount of Sno-Seal and begin working it into the leather using a rag or brush.
6. Apply heat to areas where the waterproofing product has not melted and saturated the leather.
7. Allow a few minutes for the product to cool and dry.
8. Remove excess wax using a fresh cloth.

Boots Before and After Waterproofing

To give you an idea of what your shoes will look like after waterproofing, I waterproofed hiking boots, hunting boots, dress shoes and an old pair of canvas tennis shoes. In the photos you will see that some of the items appear shiny. Those were taken before removing the excess wax.

 

Be aware that, depending on the type of leather you are waterproofing, there may be a darkening in color.  This was most apparent after waterproofing leather dress shoes.

 

The wax actually helped to hide scuff marks and scratches on the dress shoes I wear to work.  I like how they look, and I no longer have to worry about puddles when walking around town.

 

Using a small jar of wax, I was able to waterproof several pairs of hiking boots and shoes.  I even had enough left over to waterproof belts, my wallet and a leather watch band.  The wax conditions and protects leather without softening it.

 

I tried the waterproofing some well worn gore-tex hiking boots, and this was the end result. The shine went away after I wiped off the excess wax.  The boots look similar to waxed canvas items after waterproofing.  The gore-tex hiking boots were the one item I think should have been waterproofed using a silicone based waterproofing spray like Kiwi Camp Dry.  I use it on all my tents.  It works very well, however the silicone based spray products have a very strong smell that takes time to dissipate.  If you choose to use the spray, make sure you do it outside and allow ample time before your trip for the boots to dry and air out.

 

Finally, I waterproofed an old pair of canvas tennis shoes. The ended up looking a little fresher, but the change was not dramatic.

Other Options For Waterproofing Boots, Shoes and Gear

I prefer a wax based product like Sno-Seal for waterproofing leather items.  It is easy to apply, leaves no significant odor and your boots can be used in minutes instead of days.

While more involved and time consuming, I do prefer a silicone based spray for waterproofing tents and backpacks.  My favorite product for this application is KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent.  As I mentioned above, this is probably the best choice for gore-tex items like my winter hiking boots. It does have an overwhelming odor until the item you are waterproofing has completely dried.  You should allow days for your boots, tent or bag to air out and dry completely before packing it up again.

How Much Wax is Needed to Waterproof Your Hiking Boots

With one 8 oz jar of Sno-Seal, I was able to waterproof.

• 2 pairs of hiking boots
• 1 pair of hunting boots
• 2 pairs of dress shoes
• 1 pair of tennis shoes
• 3 leather belts
• 1 leather watchband
• 1 wallet

Waxing was one of the earliest methods for waterproofing boots and outdoor gear. It remains the favored method for many hikers and hunters to this day.  It is simple, affordable and effective.