Waterproofing Walking Boots

[HalfMoon]

I have a pair of suede walking boots similar to these. What's the best way to waterproof them (as they are very unwaterproof at the moment )?

I tried a can of Punch spray from the supermarket and it did bugger all... Would something like nikwax do the job or does anyone have any better ideas?

[Roger645]

Try this

http://www.grangers.co.uk/productview.cfm?id=25

[randlemarcus]

You might actually be better with something you can absolutely slather the boot in, as if the original waterproofing has failed on the fabric bits, you can bet its died on the tricky to reach bits like the deep seams.

If it wasn't for the breathable lining (note I didnt say Goretex) I'd say lob them in the washing machine with one of the wash-in products.

[Comfortably Dumb]

Fabsil should do the job, proper paint on stuff not the spray. Will need re doing occasionally, but I've always found it pretty good at the job.

[silverthorn2151]

But with a mesh upper, are they ever going to be waterproof?

My KSB's do a good job of it mind, but if it's proper waterproof I need, it's the 25 year old Scarpa Trionic Mantas!

[Parrot of Doom]

Wash them in the washing machine, and then coat liberally in Fabsil, or Thompson's Waterseal (for tents).

I should point out though that you can buy really decent, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots from Decathlon for about £60. I have a pair, they're ace.

[tenex]

silverthorn2151 said:

But with a mesh upper, are they ever going to be waterproof?

My KSB's do a good job of it mind, but if it's proper waterproof I need, it's the 25 year old Scarpa Trionic Mantas!

Totally agree with the principle.
Substance not style.
If you want waterproof boots go and get some.
Proofing agents are generally ste.

[HalfMoon]

Comfortably Dumb said:

Fabsil should do the job, proper paint on stuff not the spray. Will need re doing occasionally, but I've always found it pretty good at the job.

Didn't think to try tent waterproofing - will give it a go, thanks.

I have other pairs of leather boots that are properly waterproof, it's just that these were a january sales bargain (reduced from £110 to £25!) and are handy to keep in the back of one of the cars for the occasional dog walk. It just niggled me that my feet were soaked after trudging through short wet grass, not puddles or rivers.

[HalfMoon]

While were at it... If anyone has any recommendations for a pair of good cheap lightweight hiking boots, it would be appreciated. All my other pairs seem to weigh as much as a sack of potatos...

[munroman]

HalfMoon said:

While were at it... If anyone has any recommendations for a pair of good cheap lightweight hiking boots, it would be appreciated. All my other pairs seem to weigh as much as a sack of potatos...

I can tell you what NOT to get - Brashers, my first pair lasted a weekend walking then the stitching fell apart, when I went back to the retailer TISO, the manager was an arse and said I had abused them - by wearing them for a weekend on the hills?

Eventually he reluctantly gave me a new pair, which did not last much longer, I ended up re stitching them myself.

A shame, because they are really comfy, but I would never buy Brasher again, and Tiso have missed out on my business since then too.

[Odie]

Personally I wouldnt bother, if your feet are going to get wet then they are going to get wet. The only boots (apart from wellies) that ive worn that were water proof were DMS boots.

Alternatively rather than trying to proof them buy some gortex liners/socks.