Waterproofing your boots – what works, what doesn’t?

[Mulcher]

I want to waterproof my motorcycle boots, which treatments have you used that worked for you and, just as importantly, which didn’t work?

 

[Tractors are go]

Nikwax leather restorer (does goretex and similar).

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

 

[GSTourer]

Altberg Leder-Gris.

If they’re leather boots that is.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Nikwax leather restorer (does goretex and similar).

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

^^^^ This ^^^^

It's good stuff but won't make a non waterproof boot waterproof.

Having said that I have a pair of Sidi Adventures that are now nine years old and have been used for green laning, every day commutes and long distance 'foreign' stuff. They have been cleaned once and get absolutley zero love. They are still 100% waterproof. Soooooooo, best answer I guess is get a decent Gortex boot and you won't need to waterproof it................

Andres

 

[adm1]

NikWax Waterproofing Wax for Leather

Just make sure to apply plenty into the seams and joins of the boots. Do several coats letting it absorb between coats. Can be quite messy to use.

It's going to depend on the quality and construction of the boots as to "how waterproof" they end up being though. Your best bet is a pair of goretex (or similar) lined boots in the first place.

 

[jonnie comet]

Altberg Leder-Gris.

If they’re leather boots that is.

+1....

 

[Mulcher]

I had Alpinestars Goretex boots and first time out in the rain they leaked. I’m not talking a bit damp, I mean they proper leaked. I was without any boots for six weeks whilst J&S/Alpinestars/Goretex fucked about “testing” (i.e. losing) them. Finally got a replacement pair today and vowed not to go through that 12-phonecalls-and-2-visits shit again. If these buggers leak I’ll waterproof them properly myself.

 

[KMD]

Altberg Leder-Gris.

If they’re leather boots that is.

This. Used it for years, excellent stuff.

 

[dean0n0]

Bin bags.

 

[adventuredon]

I had Alpinestars Goretex boots and first time out in the rain they leaked. I’m not talking a bit damp, I mean they proper leaked. I was without any boots for six weeks whilst J&S/Alpinestars/Goretex fucked about “testing” (i.e. losing) them. Finally got a replacement pair today and vowed not to go through that 12-phonecalls-and-2-visits shit again. If these buggers leak I’ll waterproof them properly myself.

I had a better experience with my Daytona 6 year old boots. I did use sno wax but they started leaking on the last trip. Emailed daytona with pics and the story, they said they can replace soles and neaten them up for £100 but couldn't guarantee to waterproof them. Emailed Goretex pics and details. They asked for them via post ((their cost). 1 week later I had authorisation to go and buy new boots to value of £286 provided they were goretex. Found boots, actually the exact same upgraded Daytona MODEL, emailed pic of boots and a receipt and money via PayPal in a day or 2. VERY happy man I am

 

[ymfb]

I have used Daytonas waterproofer, which works

 

[Mulcher]

Glad someone’s had a good experience.
I’ve only ever had two Goretex items and both leaked and had to be replaced. Piss-poor in my personal experience.

 

[JJH]

I never had a problem with gortex boots. Not leaking anyway. Seem to remember BMW boots that kept breaking zips. My work boots Hiax gortex never leak either. JJH

 

[The Other PaulG]

As has been said, you can't waterproof every boot.

If they have stitched on soles rather than welted soles, you may be able to improve them but never waterproof them.

 

[Bounce]

I've used this on my Daytona Trans Open GTX boots for years & it works perfectly:

https://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/productdetail.php?productid=556&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1