Leather Waterproofing

[Itsakeepa]

I just bought a pair of Danner Pronghorns and want to treat the leather correctly. Anyone
have a favorite that preferably doesn't have an aftersmell.

Thanks

[jerseyhunter]

I use mink oil. All leather will give off some kind of smell, thats why some people prefer, all rubber hunting boots.

[Highpower]

Mink Oil will preserve and soften the leather but if you want to waterproof the leather, I'd use 'Sno-Seal'. I have boots that are 25+ years old (pre GoreTex) that I treat every other year with Sno-Seal and they stay pretty dry and have held up well. If the Pronghorns are GoreTex lined, just get a good boot wax and treat the leather.

[Alsatian]

Different boots require different treatments. I have a new pair of Irish Setter waterproof boots, and the instructions say that I have to use silicone treatment and that any other treatment invalidates the waterproofness warranty. I would check with Danner.

I have another pair of boots that I bought in 1984 that are still pretty much waterproof when I keep them dressed with sno-seal, as another reply mentioned. My boots are heavy hiking/light mountaineering boots by Limmer of West Germany (I bought the boots before the wall came down, from a US distributor). Excellent boots. I think they will probably outlive me: I'm 48 right now. BUT . . . this is an appropriate treatment for my boots but not necessarily your Danner Pronghorns.

[t roy]

i've used mink oil and camp dry by 3m; mink oil works great, it does keep the water out and conditions the leather.

[t roy]

plus its cheap

[The Mouse]

Ditto on checking with Danner about compatible boot dressings.

If the boots are Gore-Tex lined and you apply a heavy water proofing treatment, then you may effectively ruin the performance of the boot. Gore-Tex boots are made to breathe, ie moisture vapor from your foot sweating can excape from the boot while liquid water can not enter. Heavy waterproofing will seal in the vapor and your feet will get wet and cold from perspiration. Dry feet are warm feet.

If the boots aren't Gore-Tex, then hit 'em with SnoSeal or another wax based dressing. I've never had good luck with mink oil waterproofers. Just too wet here in the Pacific Northwest for that outdated dressing.

Good luck.