[hikr]

I haven't used any waterproof coating on my boots in 20 years. I usually avoid getting my boots wet. A few years ago I went for a hike wearing a pair of waterproof Asolo boots. It was my first time hiking in snow which sapped more energy than I was used to so I think I just walked out about 100 yards and back. But when I got back my socks were slightly damp. I plan to start hiking in the snow so I want to apply some waterproof coating to my boots before I go. What are the latest and greatest coatings people are using to waterproof their boots?

[Ski]

Obenauf's LP

[North Cascades]

^ This. Most folks here prefer Obenauf's.

[hikr]

I'm looking to add some waterproofing to a pair of Scarpa R-Evolution GTX boots like these: https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/scarpa-r-evolution-gtx-hiking-boot It looks like Obenauf's website might be saying that only their "Water Shield" product should be used on suede: https://www.obenaufs.com/leather-care-problems-and-solutions-s/153.htm Am I understanding this correctly? Are there any other protectants you would recommend for this type of leather?

[Ski]

You can put the regular Obenauf's LP on suede. Your boots just won't be 'suede' anymore. And they'll be darker. The Obenauf's will saturate the leather and give it a dirty looking finish that's a little rough - won't be soft and fuzzy like suede is. I've never used anything else for the last 30 years so I have no idea how the other stuff would work. Ask Alex: Ardesson's Shoe Repair 253 588 8949 or get ahold of Dave Page up in Seattle. don't know his phone number off the top of my head.

[hikr]

Can anyone here post pics of suede hiking boots which have been coated with Obenauf's LP?

[Ski]

I did it to a pair of "La Sportiva" boots years ago but they got returned to the seller. Seriously... .call Alex in the morning. 253 588 8949 Or talk to his wife Karen. Tell him Brian told you to call. He'll know the answer to your question. and be patient waiting for answers from anybody else here. nice weather today means anybody who had the opportunity got out of the house!

[Damian]

I've found that keeping feet dry requires strategies other than leather treatment. The design and style of the boot makes a difference. Simple gaiters help a lot and there are many types available. Likewise, rain pants that cover the boot tops. It's amazing how much water actually comes in the top of your boots even in light brush. Smartwool or synthetic socks help keep the water that makes it through the leather from reaching your feet. For a while. I know real cowboys and hikers use all kinds of products on their hats and boots. And the treatments smell and look good. But I've never found a product that would keep water completely out of leather/Gortex boots when slogging though slush or mud for days. And as far as protecting leather, I've never found the leather to fail on a boot before other things eventually did. In extreme wet hiking conditions in the Olympics or on the ocean in the winter I use boots with rubber soles which come up higher than regular boots. Good luck with this.

[hikr]

Has anyone here tried Saphir Super Invulner?:

Saphir usually makes top-quality products and the demo in the vid looks pretty legit. I'm guessing that a single treatment would probably provide decent protection for a 2-4 hour hike on packed snow.

[InFlight]

I've used the insulated LL Bean Boot for years for the winter season. By moving the sole to leather attachment point higher up (where your gaiters normally cover) you eliminate almost all of the waterproof issues. LL Bean currently has those 25% off. I'm on my second pair of their similar Moccasin sized waterproof shoes. Perfect for the wet season dog walks.

[JonnyQuest]

[mike]

SnoSeal

[Malachai Constant]

In the Amazon Basin all that seemed to work were Wellies.

[Schenk]

[DIYSteve]