Don’t Let Rain and Snow Destroy Your Boots—Here’s How Pros Protect Leather

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Leather boots are stylish and durable, but also require proper care to protect them from the elements, especially water. Waterproofing your leather boots adds a clear layer that helps keep water from damaging the leather. Knowing how to waterproof leather boots is key if you live in an area where they are exposed to rain and snow, and thereby rock salt. In this guide, we'll show you how to make your leather boots waterproof and the best ways to do it.

Why It’s Important to Waterproof Leather Boots

When exposed to rain or melted snow, your leather boots can lose their natural moisture. Exposure to water and other liquids can lead to stains, cracking, color fading, and a shorter lifespan for your boots. Waterproofing leather boots means you’re applying a clear barrier to repel water; basically, you’re keeping the leather from getting wet.

Understand Your Leather Before You Waterproof

Before you waterproof, one of the most important things you need to know is what type of leather your boots are made of. Not all leather types require the same care. When you buy leather boots, the label should indicate whether they are made of full-grain, top-grain, nubuck, or suede leather. For starters, Jim McFarland, owner and master craftsman of McFarland Shoe Repair, explains that his shop uses only waterproofing spray treatments because they are compatible with most leather types.

Full-grain vs. top-grain leather

Boots made from full-grain leather are the highest quality. They are more resistant and durable than top-grain leather. That said, top-grain leather boots are also of good quality. Spray or wax-based waterproof products can be used to repel water. However, it is not recommended to use paste wax in areas where the boots bend, as it cracks.

Nubuck and suede

Although they are leather, nubuck and suede boots are more delicate when it comes to waterproofing. The consistency and texture of nubuck and suede are soft and should be waterproofed only with nubuck and suede-specific waterproofing products to avoid damage. McFarland notes that, “It's not a good idea to use a waterproofing with silicone in it, especially for suede and nubuck, because a lot of those will mat down the suede and ruin it.”

Types of Leather Boot Waterproofing

When deciding the best products to use to waterproof your leather boots, you have several options, including wax-based, oil-based, cream-based, and spray-on treatments, as well as conditioners.

Wax-based waterproofing

Wax-based waterproofing products, such as beeswax or boot grease, provide a protective layer against water and debris and enhance the boots' shine. Some wax-based products are not suitable for nubuck and suede boots, as they can alter the texture and color.

Conditioners

Conditioning your leather boots is essential to preserving them and prolonging their lifespan. Conditioners help moisturize the leather, protect against debris and grime, and prevent it from drying out. McFarland emphasizes the importance of conditioning leather boots on a regular basis to preserve them and repel water.

Spray-on treatments

Sprays are perhaps the easiest product to apply and certainly work with most leather boots. They’re what most experts use. “Waterproofing spray is definitely a big factor on many new products, like wallets, purses, belts, and shoes, especially when it comes to delicate material and light-colored material,” McFarland says.

Spray waterproofing is one of the easiest waterproofing methods, and it works for most kinds of leather.

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How to Waterproof Leather Boots

Step 1: Prepare your boots and work space.

In a well-ventilated area, place a newspaper or an old towel on the floor where you’ll apply the weatherproofing treatment. Remove the boot's laces (if applicable) and cover any non-leather straps with masking tape.

Step 2: Clean your boots properly.

If your boots are brand new, apply the waterproofing treatment. If they're been worn, remove and clean any debris and dust from your boots using a microfiber cloth or a shoe brush.

Step 3: Apply the waterproofing treatment evenly.

Waterproof your boots like an expert. McFarland has been using Ralyn Shoe Care spray for more than 30 years to waterproof leather boots and this is the process:

Spray it thoroughly on both sides of each boot.
Don’t be conservative. You’re not going to overspray.
Apply the treatment until you feel you have fully covered the boots.

Step 4: Allow the boots to dry completely.

Let the boots dry completely. In McFarland's experience, the drying process is relatively quick and takes even less time than the spray's recommended drying time. But if you’re waterproofing for the first time, just follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Waterproofing Different Types of Leather Boots

Conditioning and waterproofing will prolong the lifespan of your leather boots, whether you use them for work, hiking, or casual wear. These two steps are essential to repel water and prevent it from damaging your boots.

Work and hiking boots

Work and hiking boots are exposed to different temperatures and elements than those you casually wear. These types of boots require conditioning and waterproofing more often. Depending on the kind of terrain or worksite your boots encounter, you’ll need to thoroughly clean your boots before you apply any conditioning and waterproofing products.

Casual and dress leather boots

Boots that are worn casually for special occasions still require proper maintenance, but not as often as work and hiking boots. The wear and tear is minimal and occurs in more contained environments that don’t alter the leather's structure.

Suede and nubuck boots

Waterproofing suede and nubuck boots should be done carefully, as their soft texture can be easily altered or damaged by improper waterproofing. Spray waterproofing works best for suede and nubuck boots and, when applied correctly, won’t alter the patterns or color of the boots.

How Often to Waterproof Leather Boots

There’s no set guideline for how often you should waterproof your boots; however, factors such as the season, how often you wear them, and visible deterioration are signs you need to apply a conditioning and waterproofing treatment.

McFarland explains that waterproofing can last for up to a year or longer, and for people who keep their boots well maintained, meaning they apply conditioning and polishing, waterproofing treatment can last much longer.

Common Waterproofing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even though leather is a durable material, it doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Try to avoid these common missteps that can occur when waterproofing leather boots.

Using the wrong product

There are many products to choose from when it comes to waterproofing your leather boots. Ensure that you use a product that is compatible with your leather type. Whether you have a full-grain or top-grain leather, nubuck, or suede, be sure to use a product that is meant for the specific leather type. Never use a household product that is meant for fabric or any other material that isn’t leather.

Skipping conditioning

Conditioning your leather boots is a crucial part of caring for your boots. Conditioning helps protect and preserve the leather by hydrating it and keeping it moisturized.

Waterproofing FAQs

Can you make leather boots fully waterproof?

No. The only fully waterproof boots are those that were made with a special membrane attached to them that makes them waterproof. Otherwise, you’ll need to continue applying waterproofing treatments to prevent water from penetrating deeper into the leather. But don’t worry, you can waterproof your leather boots once a year, then forget about it until the next year.