Need some opinions on boot waterproofing methods. I realize nothing else is like Gore-Tex. I've used boots with it and my feet stay dry even standing in water. But what about the spray-on waterproofing found on some boots? For instance, Columbia has three levels of spray-on; I don't recall what they all are exactly, but it has to do with the seams, mostly. Looking at some today, I was advised by a clerk that if I got the Columbias, I should also buy some rub-on stuff and put it on every 3-6 months. My question is, does this stuff really work? Or, in the early morning, walking through foot-tall wet grass, is the leather still gonna soak through and get my feet wet? Of course the reason for asking is that boots with gore-tex are generally more expensive. Do these other methods work, or am I better off just paying more for the gore-tex?

I have used Snow Seal off and on for several years. It works pretty well. Since it is a wax based product I warm up my boots before applying it. That helps it melt into the leather.

I have tried another product called Nikwax. It is a water based wax compound. You dab it on with an applicator which is in the bottle. It is more expensive, but it works great.

Here is the part I wonder about. While in the Army I had to have a copy of all the regulations in my office. A spit shine was actually against the regulations for field use. You were required to have a brush shine. The reason for this is that a spit shine clogs up the pores in the leather. A brush shine does not. This was to avoid getting trench foot while in field conditions.

I have often wondered whether the Snow Seal, and Nikwax affects boot leather in the same way.

The last few pairs of boots I have had have had Gore Tex in them. They are already waterproof and I don't have to apply anything to them.

In the long run I think you would be happier spending a little more now and getting the Gore-tex. I wouldn't give up my Rocky's for anything. A little more now but less hassle and up keep down the road.

ive used mink oil and it doesnt work for me anyways, even if i heated both boots and oil it still kept my feet wet, i got my Rocky's w/ Gore-Tex and i am sold i absolutley love them

no problem, jsut make sure you fill the tub up and stand in it to try em out

I really hate using any apply on products as most leave a scent on your boots.

I wear Lacross or my MUCK boots when hunting.

I do have a leather pair I wear when knocking around the woods and have waterproofed them using parrafin wax.

I heat the boots up with a hair drier, then melt Gulf Wax (parrafin block wax found in the canning department of grocery store) and using a paint brush, I paint it on the warm boots and let it soak in, especially the stitched seams. One a couple of coats are applied, I then use a dull knife and scrape off the exess wax from the surface.

I use this same process for ny Boonie Hat.....it really helps to keep it from getting soaked while hunting in the rain....

But to hunt...buy a quality pair of boots that are waterproff...Lacross rubber boots, MUCK boots, or a Goretex boot.

Just my 2 cents worth....