waterproof boot issues...

[mountainsandsound]

I have a 2 year old pair of boots (Lowa Timoks) that are mostly leather uppers but with some synthetic fabric on the tongue area and between the laces. They have gore-tex in them, but the membrane is definitely failing me. The leather parts are fine with defunct gore-tex, I can wax them and keep water out, but the synthetic fabric part lets in water very quickly. It's a shame, because they are nicely made boots that would otherwise have lots of life left in them, but even hiking through a short section of dew soaked brush will get my feet very wet.

 

My question is: Is there any product I can apply on the synthetic fabric on the outside of the boot to keep water out? At this point I don't care about trying to keep breathability, the gore-tex is toast. I just wondered if there was any way I could keep those small synthetic sections waterproof, even if it is something I have to keep reapplying.

 

Thanks.

[murraysovereign]

I would think a thin coating of urethane such as Seamsure, ShoeGoo, any of those ought to work. Zero breathability, but pretty good waterproofing. It may crack along the seams over time and need to be touched up, but it should do an OK job.

[Jason4]

There's a new product out called NeverWet from Rustoleum that just came out. It sounds promising but I don't know that the durability will be there. I'm going to pick some up to try out on my approach shoes.

[JDCH]

I've been eyeing the neverwet too. Let me know how that works for you!

 

[mountainsandsound]

I just looked at the neverwet- pretty intriguing. Gore-tex has offered to have me send my boots their way for "inspection". Not sure if that route will be worth my time and energy though.

[layton]

neverwet comes off extremely easily, totally useless. I haven't bought any, just watched a couple reviews on youtube

[ryanb]

SnoSeal wax actually works okay on fabric if reapplied before each trip ... my wife uses it on some beat, mostly fabric scarpa mountaineering boots.

 

For a more permanent solution I'd look at urethane based stuff ... aquaseal or tent sure from mcnett's depending on how thick you want it. Aquaseal is often used for raft repair and is great stuff, tent sure is a thinner water based version.