Re-water proofing boots

[OconeeDan]

I have two favorite pairs of hunting boots, one non insulated hiker style lightweight, and one 8 inch with light insulation.  Both claim to be waterproof, and used to be.
I have used the spray silicone (Camp Dry?), and it only lasted a little while.
What do you use to keep your feet dry, or is it time for new boots?
Thanks, Dan

[2 dogs]

if you can get your hands on some bear grease it will kepp them soft and dry.best stuff i ever found but around here nobody wants to part ways with it.

[Matt Fowler]

If they're leather use Montana Pitch Blend.

[Tom Leemans]

I always faithfully gave mine a good silicone spray soaking before, and midway through the season. They stayed dry until the soles were gone. I'd second the bear grease but, like 2dogs says, try to get your hands on some.

[Old Ways]

I render the tallow each year from at least one deer and use it to keep my leather boots waterproof. If I know I'll be walking in water I put it on heavy. Not too pretty that way but it works good.

[BobCo 1965]

I have tried a bunch of different waterproofing stuff.

I really like the Danner three step system. It's a little expensive but works.

[Jerry Jeffer]

I use mink oil  on leather, one coat last all year.

[OconeeDan]

So far, 5 different answers from 5 people!!  
Well, I didn't render tallow from a deer, and no bear would volunteer his grease.
Where do you get Montana pitch blend and Danner system?  I think I know where I can get mink oil.
Thanks for the replies.

[BobCo 1965]

I've tried the montana pitch but found it to be rather sticky.

Here is the Danner system:
 http://www.danner.com/category/bootmaker+workshop/boot+care.do

[Jeff Strubberg]

Leather or something else?


If they are leather, two or three applciations of mink oil and discreet use of the wife's blow dryer will tighten them right up for you.

[Panzer I]

I 'll 2nd the Montana Pitch Blend. I love the stuff and my Danners like it to.

[GBTG]

This past year I used mink oil and it softened the leather. BUT the leather got all cut up walking in the rocks. Do any of these compounds stiffen the leather? It sounds odd asking but you know what I mean?

[Ray Lyon]

I clean my all leather boots off with a little dish soap and warm water rinse. I dry thouroughly on my boot dryers (they use a low heat and it will take a day or maybe two). Next, since they're already warm, I'll add the boot grease of my choice (all the above are good recommendations) and let it soak in for a day or two. Then I'll reapply another application and let it soak in again and they're ready for the season.

Clean, warm with gentle low heat, apply, allow to soak in and repeat application and heat. Good luck.

[Jeff Strubberg]

Any oil or grease application is going to soften leather.  You are working collagen back into a hide, after all.

Pitch or tar would probably stiffen it, I imagine.

[Jack Guard]

I also have to ask what your boots are made of, but if they are leather, i would highly suggest Snow Seal.  i have tried it all, ok, almost all, i havent used Bear fat, and it works the best.  googel snow seal and you will get the company and its adds.

I would also suggest that your feet, and what you wear on them, can make or break your outdoor expierences.  i spend all day on my feet for work and then spend most of my spare time hiking, hunting, or any other outdoor thing i can find time for.  i am not sure of the current count but i own between 40 and 50 pairs of boots, (boots use to be a nickname i aquired in one of my offices) everything from light hikers to winter pack boots.  

lets say you bought one pair of boots for early season; warmish weather, one for midseason; say a 600 gram insulation equivalent and a late season boot (pac style) it would be one of the best investments you could possible expense.  ok, so most of you are thinking, thats a lot of money in boots, and i agree.  i most often use a pair of  Cabela's Mountain Hunters with 400 grams of insulation.  i sweat a little in the warm weather and use artic shield over boots in the cold.  

all of this said, a good pair of insulated rubber boots are fantatic for all seasons when it comes to whitetail hunting.  

man, my fingers hurt from all that typing.  good luck.

[OconeeDan]

Thanks for all the replies.  
Both pairs are suede type leather lowers and some type of fabric uppers.  Light weight hiking pair is made by Rocky, has (had) AquaGuard.  I guess that is generic goretex?
I don't care if treatment changes the look of the suede, deer blood has already done that.
I do have some great pac style boots, and also some Artic Shield covers, but rarely use them in GA.
Again, thanks.  Dan

[Stone Knife]

Clean them off with saddle soap follow the Dir. on the can. The i like mink oil. Has lanolin in it keeps the leather from cracking.

[Charles K.]

I wouldn't use sno-seal or any other chemical smelling product, as there is too much of a chance it will spook game. I like the Montana pitch blend...rub it it and use a blow dryer...it has a more natural pine smelling odor. If you're not using the boots to hunt in then the sno-seals/etc are ok.

[MCNSC]

Sno-seal is good stuff. It does have a slight smell but I havent had a problem with it spooking deer. You should be able to find it at the local department store.
 Mike

[Matty]

Funny this topic should come up, I recently met a 3rd generation boot maker from one of the most respected boot makes around on my trip to Idaho.... here is a link to their page click "boots" then click "boot care" really great info on taking care of leathe  or any boots and what to use to treat them....Highly recommended