How to waterproof leather boots for winter in 2022(proven ways)

Leather boots are trendy and fashion statements for many generations and favorites of many people for all sorts of occasions, irrespective of the weather conditions. Let me ask you one question:

Can you wear leather boots in the snow? if you are planning to use them in the cold winter months, you will have to compete with snow and rain, Also you have a question “are leather boots good for winter” in your mind.

So, If you don’t know how to waterproof leather boots for winter or how to protect leather boots in winter, don’t worry.

You will find many different methods of waterproofing the leather boots in winter, but few are practical. This read will examine some of the most reliable and practical means of waterproofing leather boots for winter.

Methods Of: How To Waterproof Leather Boots For Winter

Below, you will find some of the methods that we tested and find the most effective. By adopting these simple methods, you can be sure of resilient boots and dry feet and you will know about how to care for leather boots in winters.

Let’s begin:

Waterproofing via Dubbin

It is considered as one of the best waterproofing for leather boots. Dubbin is a wax that is the first choice of professional hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to make leather boots resistant to water. But how to apply dubbin to your leather boots? Here is the solution:

Cleaning

Before you apply the dubbin wax to your leather boots, it is important to clean them with any soft and wet fabric. So first, try to remove all the dirt and caked stuff from your shoes.

If not cleaned, Debris will prevent the dubbin from connecting with certain parts of your shoes and might leave some areas that are vulnerable to water.

Application

After cleaning your leather boots properly, apply an adequate amount of dubbin wax to a soft cloth, and gently rub it across your shoes.

Try to rub the waxed cloth over the boot several times and move it back and forth, ensuring that the whole shoe gets covered with the Dubbin wax.

Waiting

Here comes the simplest part of this process, waiting. After applying an adequate amount of dubbin to your leather boots, let it dry completely. This will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour.

During this time, keep your boots in a cool and dry place and never leave your leather shoes in direct sun heat as it will damage your shoes or may lead to cracks in your boots.

Removal

After cleaning, applying, and waiting, look out your boots and notice if there is any excess wax on them. If you find excess wax, and you likely will, take a dry cloth and remove it from the boots.

Once all the excess wax is removed from your boots, the process is finished, and you can wear your leather boots in cold winters.

Waterproofing via Spray

While Dubbin Wax is a highly effective method of waterproofing leather boots, we will not recommend this method for the boots, which feature a mixture of leather and suede.

So, if you have such a pair of shoes, we will suggest you use a spray to prepare them for the cold season. Usually, the waterproof boot spray is cheap and you can easily use it easily online or from any mart.

Cleaning

The first step in this process is very much similar to the dubbin method for waterproofing your leather boots. So, make sure that your leather shoes are free of debris and grime before applying the spray on your shoes.

Application

When applying any waterproofing spray on your leather shoes, maintain a distance of at least 5 centimeters between yourself and your boots. Then spray on the shoes in such a way that your whole shoes get covered with the spray.

Drying

Once you are satisfied that you have covered the whole boot with the spray, let them dry. It will take about an hour to get completely dried out.

Again, we will advise you to place your leather boots in a cool place and never leave them under sunlight. If you do otherwise, the leather material on your shoes will warp.

Using newspaper and applying moisturizer

If you are stuck in the rain with your leather shoes on, stuff your boots with newspaper or paper towels, as it will help maintain the original shape, and your shoes will not shrink. After that, you can place them in the open air for drying.

Once your leather footwear is completely dry, you can use a leather conditioner, which will bring back the flexibility in the fibers, and you will not find any cracks due to the harsh weather conditions.

Similarly, when conditioning your leather shoes, remove all the laces, and ensure that your leather boots are completely dry. Then, take a nickel-size amount of conditioner on a dry cloth and rub it on the boots.

Once you feel your shoes are properly moisturized, leave them overnight so that the conditioner can soak into the leather.

Read the instructions carefully

Regardless of what method you follow or which product you use, always read the instructions before applying that product on your leather boots.

This is because some cleaning products are flammable, and some demand for constant ventilation, and you need to be extremely cautious while applying some applications.

It’s vital for your safety, so understand all the requirements before using the product. Similarly, when applying the product, first test it on a small part of your shoes. That way, your whole boot will not get affected.

Some waterproofing Home remedies

After buying a new pair of leather boots, the last thing you want is the dullness, cracks, and dried out leather. In the winter, you will find salt, snow, and slush on many sidewalks and paths. And all these things can stain and damage your leather boots.

So, if you face such a situation, wipe it right away. Salt will stain your leather boots and will leave a white film on the boot’s surface. Luckily, you can remove all these stains without buying any expensive leather boot cleaner or leather shoe protector.

Below you will find some handy and common household items that you can use to clean and maintain your leather boots in winter:

Water and vinegar

Take an equal amount of water and vinegar, mix both in a container and then dip a clean cloth in the mixture. After soaking up the cloth, drop it onto the stains, and rub gently until there are no stains left on the boots.

Baking soda

Soak a dry cloth in water and mix it in a cup of baking soda. Rub this mixture on the stains present on your boots until they disappear.

After rubbing the baking soda and water mixture, allow your leather boots to dry naturally. If the stains and scuffs on your leather boots are extra tough, we will advise you to use a soft brush and leather cleaner.

By now,

we hope you understand how to protect your leather boots from various natural elements such as snow and water but still there are some vital things to keep in mind.

Things to keep in mind

Before we end this article, it is important to mention that not all leather boots are waterproof to apply these methods. If your particular leather boot is not made to endure water, no method or dubbin or waterproofing spray will make it entirely waterproof.

The methods mentioned above will definitely improve leather boots’ resilience to water, but don’t expect anything magical from these methods in that case.

Dubbin and waterproofing sprays are made to restore the waterproofing properties of leather boots that are made to withstand water but lose their flexibility over time with the usage.

Store your leather boots clean and dry

At winter’s end, clean and dry your leather boots before storing them. Or else, there will be a risk of molding, cracking, and you can’t wear them next time.

Similarly, stains, if left for long, can damage your leather boots and this mold can cross-contaminate with your other boots and clothing items stored in the same place.

Moreover, never store your leather boots in plastic bags. This is because Suede and leather need to “breathe,” and there is no airflow in plastic. Instead, try to store your leather boots in pillowcases, fabric, or shoe bags.

Lastly, never store your leather boots in direct light as they can fade the boots and ultimately result in cracking.

Conclusion

Traditionally, leather is among the toughest materials for shoes and boots. You can compare leather with other materials such as nylon fabric, and it will come out as the most durable.

For these reasons and others, the leather is widely used in the manufacturing of many outerwear such as jackets, gloves, hats, and boots. Leather boots are definitely a men’s style staple, and the joy of wearing leather boots gets doubled in the colder times of the year.

Of course, if you love to wear your leather boots in winter, you should also learn how to maintain them properly. And it is not at all difficult; it needs some patience, effort, and time on your end. To help you keep your leather booths in tip-top conditions for a long time,

we’ve mentioned

Some of the most effective and practical methods above that you can use and after this post you will not ask anyone how to waterproof leather boots for winter as these methods are tested. Enjoy wearing your leather boots in winter.

Here’s an infographic created to summarize a blog post about How To Waterproof Leather Boots For Winter.

Frequently Ask Questions

Can I make my leather boots waterproof?

Yes, you can make your leather boots waterproof by using waterproofing creams, sprays, and waxes. You will find many cleaners and sprays that create a reliable waterproof layer over your leather boots.

How do you protect leather winter boots?

First, properly take care of your leather boots, clean them daily, and use a waterproof seal once a week.

At the start and end of any season, cover them with a protective barrier. Clean, moisturize, and seal your leather boots after each use as it will prevent stain.

Can you wear leather boots in winter?

Leather boots can get damaged in winter by the snow or if they come into contact with salt.

If you want to wear leather boots in winter, we will advise you to buy a pair of rubber galoshes that you can wear over your shoes, and they will be safe to use in snow.

Can you use Vaseline to waterproof leather boots?

Yes, you can use Vaseline to waterproof your leather boots, but it is not an effective method.

How long can leather boots last?

If you have a normal leather, bonded leather, or pleather shoes, it will last for at least six months of regular usage. High-quality leather boots will last for many years.

Can you over condition leather boots?

This is where you will have to apply the balancing act. This is because too much leather conditioner will damage your leather shoes and may lead to oversaturation.

On the other hand, if you don’t use any leather conditioner, it may lead to dullness because of environmental effects such as wind, dust, and dirt.

How often should I oil my leather boots?

It depends on the usage. If you wear your leather boots daily, oil them once in a week. It also depends on where you are living. Similarly, it would be best if you conditioned your leather boots once in a month.