Despite the strength and durability of the hiking boots, if they are not well maintained, they will not stay for long without getting damaged or worn out. Because we use such shoes for climbing hills, walking through woods and rough terrains, it is imperative to understand that they need constant maintenance and attention when one expects them to last for a significant amount of time. Otherwise, someone will be forced to be going back to the market after a few weeks of hiking to purchase a new pair.
The pro steps outlined below give the comprehensive details on how to waterproof hiking boots:
1. Choose the Correct Waterproofing Substance
The first and most crucial step in waterproofing the shoes is to identify the correct waterproofing treatment substance. There are waterproofing treatment substances that manufacturers specifically design for soft leather shoes and others for rough leathers such as nubuck and suede. Knowing the type of leather boot one is planning to waterproof is essential because it ensures that the treatment used does not damage the material of the leather.
For example, wax based compounds such as Atsko Sno-Seal are frequently used for soft leather boots while silicone treatments such as Scotchguard Suede Protector are suitable for hard leather shoes.
2. Clean the Boots Well
The second step involves removing dust and mud particles from the boots. One should do the cleaning using a brush and a small piece of cloth. For a perfect cleaning exercise, more water should be used together with a boot cleaner agent. An example of a shoe cleaner substance that one can use is the Angelus Easy Cleaner which one can purchase through Amazon. Detergents and soaps should be avoided at this point because they have compounds that damage the waterproof membranes of leather.
Another point to remember at this point is that the shoes should not be washed in a washing machine because this will adversely affect the leather material covering them.
3. Application of the Treatment Substance
The third step is the application of the waterproofing treatment substance. It is fundamentally essential to apply the waterproofing substance on the boots while they are still wet and soaked with water. If the shoes are not well saturated with water, a damp towel can be wrapped around them for a few hours to ensure that they are thoroughly soaked.
Running water is not advisable for the soaking process because the water never gets sufficient time to penetrate the material of the leather. The Nikwax Waterproofing Treatment substance is an example of a treatment substance that can be used to waterproof leather boots.
4. Drying of the Hiking Boots
It is always advisable to dry the hiking boots at the average standard temperatures. It is not worthwhile to use an external source of heat to blow hot air over the shoes because excess heat usually interferes with the leather material of the boots. In a situation where someone wants to dry the shoes faster, one can stuff old newspapers inside the shoes to quicken the drying process.
In addition to that, the shoes should be put out to dry in a place that is free of dust and moisture for effective and uniform drying.
5. Having Fun
Once the shoes have dried up well, what next? Going out hiking and having fun.
The above pro steps on how to waterproof hiking boots are essential. They can transform boots that were to go straight to the garbage into great boots that one can wear again. Even though the shoes can become waterproof again, it is essential that one selects high-quality boots that will be more durable and long lasting.
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