Nikwax

[yellowlab03]

Anyone Nikwax their leather boots? I have a pair of Scarpa's that I have been using Nikwax on, but it seems that after every outing I have to re-apply. Is this pretty standard? Is there something better out there? What is everyone else's opinions on leather treatments?

[tvashtarkatena]

I use this Nikwax product on both leather/synthetic boots and it seem to last a good long while, better than anything else I've tried, anyway:

 

link

 

I also clean any abrasions on my Charmoz's fabric with alcohol and tamp it down with super glue. Really extends the life of those light and fast boots...but they do eventually look like Hell in the process.

[rob]

I've always been a big fan of snowseal. That shit never comes off. Ever.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Atsko-1330-Sno-Seal-Wax-7oz/dp/B000E903WC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347056847&sr=8-1&keywords=snowseal

 

 

I also clean any abrasions on my Charmoz's fabric with alcohol and tamp it down with super glue.

 

that's a great idea!

[Le Piston]

I've been using Biwell on my leather boots since I was a teen (hate to admit...over 30 years) and I love it. I'm sure the Nikwax works just fine. I think Marmot still carries it if you want to try it. Tvash brings up a good point, I always wash and dry my leather before aplying. By the way, it will discolor the leather a bit.

[JDCH]

+1 on snowseal-- Never seems to go away...

[yellowlab03]

I have been using the Nikwax in the squeeze tube and it seems like after every time I use my boots I have to reapply. I guess I am using this stuff to keep the leather from drying out and cracking. Is sno seal a permanent treatment like silicon or something?

[tvashtarkatena]

I've had problems with Snoseal solidifying and cracking at low temps. Then when the temps warm up, water gets through.

 

That was years ago. Don't know if the formula's changed or not.

 

Apply your Nikwax, then hit the boot with a blow dryer (without delaminating anything). It should last a long while.

 

Delamination, of the protective outer rubber for example, is a common cause of leaking. You can repair any delaminating of the protective rubber with Shoe Goo by wrapping electricians tape round and round the entire boot in the delamed section as a clamp. Clean first with alcohol and a Q tip.

 

 

[Figger_Eight]

Once the factory treatment wears off I use the Nikwax stuff in the toothpaste tube. Gotta make sure that the boot is clean first before applying.

[Eric K]

I wonder if this stuff would work? The videos of it look pretty cool.

Neverwet

 

Eric

[CaleHoopes]

Looks great, but looks unbreathable? That's the REAL challenge, right?