No one wants to hike with wet feet. But with downpours and streams to cross it is impossible to stay away from water. What’s more? Hiking boots lose their water repellent properties with time. So, how to waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet dry and happy for the time of a hike?
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Attempting the ascension of Scafell Pike with my summer hiking shoes not even made for mountain terrain under heavy rain was not the most pleasant experience. Not only I was soaked all the way to my underwear, but I was carrying two mini lakes with me, one in each shoe. I could hear the “flop, flop” coming from my shoes at every step I was taking.
Morality: my shoes were not waterproof!
So how to waterproof hiking boots or reproof them to ensure you don’t end up with puddles in your shoes?
But before, let’s look at why it is important to waterproof your shoes.
Why and When do You Need Waterproofing?
Why?
To prevent Blisters
Blisters are caused by the friction of your socks and the shoes on your skin. It results in the thick skin layer and the thin layer underneath it splitting. The void in between the two layers get filled with a liquid called serum which protects the thin skin layers during the healing process.
“But friction and dampness are two different thing?”
Yes, you are correct. However, blisters are more likely to occur in wet and humid conditions. This is because when wet, our skin gets softer and wrinkles which makes it the perfect condition for the two layers of skin to part and make a place for a blister to appear.
This is why it is important to have waterproof hiking boots.
Related content: Hiking With Blisters
Extend your boots life span
It’s common sense. Whether it is a car, a house or a nice dress, the more you take care of an item the longer it will last. The same applies to your pair of hiking boots.
Taking the dirt off your shoes on a regular basis increases their life span but waterproofing them also forms part of the process.
So let’s get this clean and shiny pair for hiking boots on the trails!
When
First: when they are dirty. You first clean them and finish by waterproofing them, so that you have a clean and protected pair of shoes ready to get back on the road.
Second: when you cannot see droplets anymore. This is a sign that the water has been absorbed by the fabric the boot is made of and therefore it has lost its water repellent property. So keep an eye out when you are hiking in wet condition!
Third: before an important trip. Whether you are a long-distance hiker and you have a hike marathon coming up or you are going on a multi-day hike, this is the perfect opportunity to give your boots a spring cleaning. Remove the dirt and apply a layer (or two) of waterproofing and you are ready for the adventure!
How to Waterproof Hiking Boots: The Steps
The Steps
- Find out the material
- Clean your boots
- Chose the appropriate waterproofing product
- Open the windows (because it smells)
- Apply the product
- Wipe off the excess
- Let it dry
Find out the material: Hiking boots being made of different materials means that they will require different waterproofing products. Check the material either with the retailer or on the inside label to make sure you get the correct product.
Clean your boots: To ensure the waterproofing product creates a protective layer on your boots, all dust and dirt must be removed. The product won’t fix on dirt leaving your boots unprotected.
Chose the appropriate waterproofing product: Once you know the material, it will be easier to choose the correct product for the job. To know which product to pick based on the material, keep reading.
Open the Windows: And the doors too! Especially if you are using a spray. This is because waterproofing products have a strong smell. Avoid applying them in an enclosed place or you might find yourself coughing your lungs out.
Apply the product: Rub the product on the boot according to the instructions.
Wipe off the excess: Give it some time and use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess.
Let it dry: To let the boots dry, find a place that is not humid and the nearest to room temperature. Resist the temptation to use a hairdryer to speed up the process as it will cause the waterproofing layer to crack. Notwithstanding, you can use a fan and stuff newspaper inside the boots to absorb the humidity.
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The Material
Leather
It is the most widely recognised texture for hiking boots as it is a resistant material. Made of animal skin, leather is a natural fabric and is waterproof. However, it is not breathable leaving your feet damp as the sweat cannot evaporate.
Some designs now come with a breathable membrane to offer you both resistance and breathability.
Suede and Nubuck
Same as its cousin the leather, Suede and Nubuck are natural fabrics made from animal skin and they are not breathable. They are less resistant than leather and they are not waterproof.
This means they need extra care if you want to wear them on the trails and remain protected.
Nylon and Synthetic Fabrics
Lightweight, breathable and soft, hiking boots made of nylon or synthetic fabrics are the best for hiking. However, they are less durable than leather boots as residue can get stuck in the fabric and are harder to remove.
Manufacturers add a layer of Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to waterproof them without losing their breathability. The perfect duo for the perfect day out!
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a breathable waterproof fabric that repels water and let vapour out. Its technology was developed in 1969 and can be used in all kinds of weather.
It is not unusual then to find hiking boots with a Gore-Tex layer to prevent the water from getting in but let the sweat evaporate so that your feet stay dry.
While Gore-Tex is waterproof, it can lose its property with time, this is why it is important not to forget to reproof it from time to time. You can only use a waterproofing spray on Gore-Tex as cream and wax would clog the breathable membrane.
Related content: Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners
Cleaning Process
To clean your boots, start by removing the laces. This way it will be easier for you to clean the tongue. Use a soft brush to remove dust and dirt. It is recommended to do this step outside as it can get a bit messy. But, if like me you leave in a flat, my recommendation would be to take a plastic bucket and place yourself above it. This will avoid you clogging either your think or your bathtub when removing big pieces of dry mud.
Then, place your boot under running water to make it wet and apply your preferred boots cleaning product. If you do not know which product to choose, I recommend the Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Scrub to remove the rest of the dust and rinse the boot in clean water.
Warning: Please note that you should not damp Nubuck or Suede hiking boots. Only use a brush to remove the dirt off the boot and apply an appropriate cleaning product.
Waterproofing Solutions
Wax
Wax is perfect to reproof leather boots. Heat it using a hairdryer so it becomes soft enough and can be spread on the boots. Use a clean cloth to apply the wax. Let it dry and remove the excess using a cloth. Wax is a strong waterproofing solution as it creates an extra layer on the leather.
Warning: Don’t try to dry it faster using a hairdryer as this will cause the wax to crack leaving space for the water to get in the shoe.
Cream
The cream is ideal for Nubuck and Suede hiking boots. However, treatment with cream can lead the material to change colour during the process. Try on a small part of your boots as a sample to see if the product has any impact on the colour of your boot before applying it everywhere.
Let it dry. Once ready, brush the boot to remove any excess.
Spray
This is the perfect waterproofing solution for Nylon and synthetic fabrics. Use the spray on damp shoes, however, follow the instructions as this may vary. When applying waterproof spray keep a distance of 5 cm (2 inches). With a spray solution, you would need to apply more than one layer. Let it dry and remove any excess using a clean cloth.
The Best Products for Waterproofing Hiking Boots
Now we are clear on the steps to follow and the type of product suitable for our hiking boots, let’s have a look at some of the best and most recommended products.
Waterproofing for Leather
Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather
One of the best on the market and also Amazon’s Choice, this waterproof wax does not soften the leather or alter its colour. It works from the first application and can be used not only on boots but also on gloves and Gore-Tex layers. It is water-based and biodegradable.
Kaps Wax Grease Dubbin Classic
Dubbin has been used for centuries to condition leather items. It is the ultimate tool for waterproofing gloves, boots and jackets or sporting equipment such as saddles. It does not crack or crease and come with a nice scent, unlike most Dubbin wax.
Waterproofing for Nubuck and Suede
Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Proof
This is another product from Nikwax but this time designed specifically for waterproofing Nubuck and Suede. Coming as a spray solution, you can use it on shoes, gloves and coats and is also suitable for Gore-Tex membrane. This product does not contain any added scent.
Gear Aid Revivex Suede Protector
Specially design for shoes and boots, this water repellent works on Suede but also Nubuck, leather and Gore-Tex footwear. It keeps the shoes breathable by not clogging the membrane. It is perfect for hiking boots just as UGG boots and sneakers.
Spray
Nikwak Fabric and Leather Spray
Our final Nikwak product and The Best waterproofing spray for fabric footwear. It comes in a spray or a sponge but for nylon and synthetic fabrics prefer the spray version. You can also use this product on leather and Gore-Tex fabric which makes it versatile and a good value for money.
Video: Nikwax is the go-to brand for hiking footwear cleaning and waterproofing products. Watch this short Nikwax video to see how to use their products to waterproof your hiking boots.
Final Thoughts on How to Waterproof Hiking Boots
So now we have reproofed our shoes, why not carry on and waterproof the jacket and the overtrousers? Every time you machine wash your rain jacket and your overtrousers they lose some of their waterproof property due to the detergent. This is why they should be reproofed after each machine wash. I use the Tableau water repellent (for the UK only) and it does the job very well.
How do you waterproof your hiking boots? Let me know in the comments below.
