How to make your work boots waterproof. If you've ever had to work all day in wet conditions, you know how uncomfortable that feeling is. Personally, I hate wet, splashed boots so much that I prefer to step on sharp nails. At least then I would be sure that my steel bar would save me from a serious pole.
While most decent work boots come with Gore-Tex or a comparable waterproof coating to keep you dry, relentless working conditions and miles of daily abuse tend to break down even the toughest waterproof coatings.
Abrasion, dings, constant bending, punctures, excessive heat and cold, as well as general wear and tear, will make the boot so porous that it will feel like a pair of socks in no time. Typically, the average work shoe starts to leak after about 50 miles of rough terrain or harsh working environments.
So what do you do when your favorite pair of boots start to leak? As always, we care about your wallet,
as well as your safety and comfort at work. That's why we've worked hard to give you some DIY techniques to waterproof your leaky boots.
1. Buy Trial Products
When it comes to preventing moisture from seeping into your socks and feet, this is without a doubt the easiest, cleanest, and fastest way to waterproof your worn-out work boots. However, you should reapply from time to time to ensure they maintain maximum efficiency. Some of the waterproofing products are:
Oils
Almost all types of footwear can benefit from waterproofing oils to keep out unwanted moisture and extend the life of the boots. You can use oils such as ox foot, mineral, or mink on the leather upper of your boot.
However, it is advisable not to apply these oils too liberally. Oversaturating the leather with too much oil can cause the fibers to separate and lose color.
Creams
For many experienced workers who know the outdoors inside out, their waterproofing methods come from natural materials and traditional techniques. One of these all-natural methods involves using a cream made from sheep's wool oil known as lanolin.
The great thing about lanolin is that it solidifies when cooled, making it the perfect candidate for fast waterproofing. Lanolin creams are applied to work boots and worked with a soft cloth to make the leather water-resistant and more flexible. However, the cream is not recommended for suede or fabric uppers.
Pasta
Some roofing materials are available in paste form at your nearest shoe store. The paste has the advantage of seeping into even the tiniest holes and cracks to create a very impermeable surface. Unlike oils, boot pastes can be used liberally.
Waxing
Another very popular method of waterproofing work boots is to use beeswax. If you are using wax, you will need to heat both the wax and the boots to make them more flexible. After you've applied the wax, reheat the boots to smooth out any jagged edges.
Let the boot cure in a warm, dry place for about a day. You will notice that the top part becomes permanently darker, stiffer, but very resistant to water.
How to Do It
The first step to using oils, creams, waxes, and pastes is to remove all the mud and dirt from your boots.
Freshly cleaned work boots are the best. Depending on whether you’re a real man or not, you will then proceed to apply the product generously on your hand or with a clean cloth.
Rub in a circular motion and be careful not to skip out the seams. After working the uppers for well over 5 minutes, rub off the excess product with a cloth. Leave your boots to dry and cure overnight for best results.
2. Improvise With These DIYs
If you’re smack dab in the middle of work, the jungle, or far away that you can’t get a paste or cream, you can try the following quick-fix techniques to ensure your feet remain as dry as possible. But as with anything impromptu, the results are temporary; so make sure you do it right later on once you get home. Here are the top 3 most clever boot waterproofing tricks that will save your hide from wet, soggy feet.
Vaseline
That’s right, no matter where you are, there’s always someone with a tube of Vaseline somewhere. If you literally can’t find anything else, Vaseline will work fine in generous proportions. However, don’t expect it to last any longer than a couple of hours.
Also, don’t use your boss’s or girlfriend's Vaseline because then everyone will think you used it for something less work-related.
Clear-Coat Enamel Spray
Working in the construction industry? Chances are that you can get your hands on clear enamel spray or finishing paint. A few generously applied coats should give your boots some form of water resistance, but they will likely flake and crack very easily.
Transmission Oil
Washing your work boots is going to be a nightmare after this one, but transmission oil will offer your feet more moisture protection. To nail this method, grab some oil and smear generously all over the uppers of your work boots.
This technique will repel water just fine, but it has the disadvantage of turning certain boots red. Word of caution; careful not to empty your transmission fluid, driving home might prove a tad too tricky if you do.