One of the most important things you need to do when you are hiking is to keep your feet dry. Dry feet are happy feet when you are hiking all day. One of the keys to keeping your feet dry is to have waterproof hiking boots. Read the following guide to learn how to make your hiking boots waterproof.
Clean
Before you can make your hiking boots waterproof, you need to clean them thoroughly with warm water and a wire brush. You then need to dry them before applying the waterproofing product, but you should leave the leather a little damp to maximize the penetration of the product. You can speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer on low heat, and the heat will actually help the wax or oil you are using penetrate the leather to form a deeper waterproof layer.
Wax or Spray
The next thing you need to do to make your hiking boots waterproof is purchase a product designed to repel moisture. Full-grain leather boots are best waterproofed with wax or mink oil. For suede boots, a spray-on sealant is best. Just make sure that you use the correct kind of waterproofing product for your type of boot.
Dry Hiking Boots Completely After Waterproofing
Before you wear your boots on a hike, you need to allow them to dry completely after you waterproof them. Never use a hair dryer for this process to avoid cracking the leather. Letting them air dry is best, but you can use a fan if you want to speed up the process.
Repeat the Process Regularly
High-quality leather boots will last for years if you take care of them properly. One of the most important things you need to do to take care of them is to make your hiking boots waterproof. Every few months, you should give your boots another waterproofing treatment. Not only will it help to protect them from water damage and keep your feet dry, but the process helps to condition the leather and keep it supple. Your boots will always look great when you give them regular waterproofing treatments.
Featured Image from Willem-Jan Huisman/Unsplash
