Need to reapply waterproofing to my hiking boots. They are fabric and suede. What do y’all use?

Kiwi quick dry is what I use for a general boot waterproofer

I use Grangers Performance Repel Plus Spray.

Even the best waterproof boots or the best waterproofing added to a boot doesn't stay waterproof for long. The best tactic is to carry several pairs of socks and change them every few hours and leave the ones that you took off clipped to the outside of your pack to dry.

There is a big difference between a DWR and Waterproof breathable laminate, you can have either or but for best results you need intact integrity of both

As of today the new DWR aren’t very durable, so reapplication is needed more often but if you can find some of the old DWR with PFCs, the water resistance is very durable, all things considering

I goop up my leather work boots with Sno-Seal or Mink Oil. Was gonna do that today, but realized the sole was cracked. Boot shopping today.

This is what you want. It’s specific to synthetic and leather boots. If your boots have gortex or similar waterproof liners this will still allow them to breathe properly. Wax and other waterproof treatments are for full grain leather boots.

After paying a near fortune for a new pair of work boots a couple of days ago, the process of taking care of your boots has become a bit more important to me.

leather boots, warm them, heat oven, foil on rack, boots on foil, I heat it to 150 or so then shut off.

just takes 3-4 mins. then pull one and wipe mink oil on it, it will dissolve and saturate the leather.

fabric/gor tex, go buy some silicone spray, saturate the cloth well and let dry overnight, will help the leather too but not like mink oil will.

Don't throw your old boots out yet. Take them to a shoe repair place. My $250 snake boots have lost their soles. Upper is fine. $65 re-sole and hopefully they will last a few more years.

Thanks everyone. I got some of the Nikwax and will let you know how it goes.

Mink oil and set them outside in the sun.

this is what I do..

got introduced to mink oil in the late 80's.. .it worked.. so Ive never looked for another solution..

Where can I find mink oil? Thanks

With part of the boots being fabric, I would use one of the water-proofing sprays but it doesn't last forever. Suede can get knapped with oils and oils aren't the best for fabric unless you don't care about it staying "fabric-like".



I have a side gig repairing and re-lacing baseball mitts and swapping shafts and grips on golf clubs and this is what I do after cleaning but before a re-lace as well as after a re-lace on a mitt. The moderate heat helps draw in the mink oil. I use Vaseline and Nokona glove juice on leather also depending on what I am trying to accomplish.

Mink oil never worked well for me, it always soaked through it you were in heavy dew all morning.

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/131/1/mink-oil

99% of the”mink oil” products in US are just compounds with mink oil name

The real Mink oil from track of the wolf is fine, I have used it for years on my moccasins. But you need several coats, and set them out in the sun to be warm before
you apply it so that is soaks in. Sno seal works great on modern boots, again several coats in warm weather males it melt in much easier. I have also had good luck with pure sheep's tallow.

What I use on saddle, tack and boots.

But yes best to let leather get warm pre and post applying or you can get the white build up

Will the mink oil affect the Vortex lining?

It will not affect the Goretex lining unless you apply it to the lining, which by design you wouldn’t.

Goretex in a boot is basically a bootie/sock in the boot.

Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof is a solid choice because it works well for both materials and is easy to apply. Grangers G-Wax is another good option; it’s great for keeping water out while still letting your boots breathe. Sno-Seal is good if you don’t mind a bit thicker application, and it’s great for leather and suede. Kiwi Camp Dry is also worth considering for fabric boots; it creates a strong waterproof layer but still lets your boots breathe.Just be sure to clean your boots well before applying anything, and follow the instructions on the product for the best results. I hope this helps, good luck my friend Maybe this will help you too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNhGTMXL4-8

Do ya know anyone who bear hunts? I use bear grease on my boots. saddles, and gunleather.

I have used petroleum jelly in a pinch apply it heavy then blow dry them it not the best for long term but it does work

I render down two quarts last year, I used a bunch on my saddle and chinks. It works good, I rate it above pure mink oil.

I used the nikwax. I can't really comment on how well it worked as conditions were very dry. Successful outcome though.

Well done. You're too skinny. Everything okay?

Thanks Creek. Everything’s fine. Thought I should lose some weight and get in shape for these hunts. You should have seen me about 15 pounds lighter than this last winter. Didn’t like how I looked so put some weight back on.