When it comes to waterproofing, every type of footwear has its own requirements, largely depending on the materials used. Here are the best practices for waterproofing your hiking boots.
Dry feet ensure comfort, reduce bacterial growth, and minimise blister risks... plus, dry feet stay warm! Ensuring your hiking boots remain waterproof is therefore essential. Whether on a multi-day alpine trek or a short hike on the plains, you are never immune to a downpour or a stream crossing. Although most hiking footwear comes with a durable water-repellent coating, you still need to re-waterproof it regularly, ideally after a thorough clean. Let's look at the essential habits to keep your hiking footwear waterproof.
If there is one single rule to follow when waterproofing hiking boots, it is ensuring that the product you use is suited to the primary material of the footwear. The treatment differs depending on whether your footwear is made of leather, nubuck, or synthetic fabric. Here is a guide to the right techniques and recommended care for each material.
Please note: before waterproofing your footwear, make sure it is completely clean.
For leather footwear
To waterproof your leather footwear, you will need a cream or wax specifically designed for smooth leather, along with a piece of cloth or a soft brush. Leather is a living material, which is why it must be nourished to prevent cracking and maintain its suppleness. Doing this restores the natural water repellency of the leather without compromising its breathability.
Using a cloth, apply the treatment evenly across the entire surface of the boot, including the tongue. Rub the cloth gently over the shoe to ensure the product penetrates deep into the leather. If the product does not absorb properly, you can use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to aid penetration. Caution: if your boots feature a Gore-Tex® membrane, strictly skip this step.
Finally, let them air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat sources.
Remember that footwear must retain some rigidity to provide adequate foot support and ensure your safety. For this reason, avoid treating them too frequently (one to four times a year is plenty), and avoid using heavy grease or polish, which over-softens the leather and reduces both waterproofing and breathability.
For nubuck footwear
Nubuck is a leather finish that undergoes specific buffing to give it a velvety, peach-skin feel. Nubuck footwear requires specialised care to restore its water repellency. The key difference lies mainly in the application technique. Liquid waxes with active ingredients identical to those used for smooth leather are available in non-aerosol spray form, ensuring even application while preserving the unique texture of nubuck leather.
In detail, what are the steps to waterproof your nubuck footwear?
- Clean your footwear thoroughly
- Apply the spray evenly, about 5 cm away from the shoe
- Allow to dry in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct heat sources
- If desired, a gentle brushing once the shoe is dry and treated will revive the velvety texture
For synthetic fabric footwear
Unlike leather, which is naturally water-repellent, synthetic fabric footwear is not. It is therefore essential to check its water repellency regularly to avoid unpleasant surprises. Once again, keeping your footwear clean is crucial, as dirt and neglect accelerate wear and tear. Dust, mud, and grit cause abrasive damage to the fabric. To restore the water-repellent properties of your synthetic hiking footwear, apply a dedicated waterproofing spray generously in an even coat. Finally, allow it to dry at room temperature in a dry, well-ventilated area.
