{"id":6772,"date":"2019-03-27T13:55:02","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T13:55:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/?p=6772"},"modified":"2019-03-27T13:55:04","modified_gmt":"2019-03-27T13:55:04","slug":"waterproofing-suede-and-nubuck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/waterproofing-suede-and-nubuck\/","title":{"rendered":"Waterproofing Suede and Nubuck Hiking Boots"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From the factory<\/g> most hiking boots are treated with a Durable Water Repellant Finish. Most of us are familiar with treating regular leather, but suede and nubuck need to be treated differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of the box you probably won’t have to treat hiking boots, but after a few months in the field<\/g> you’ll likely have to retreat them with a waterproofing spray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Treat Suede\/Nubuck Hiking Boots?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

New boots rarely require treatment out of the box, but a few months later you’ll have to treat your boots. You’ll know when you need to retreat your boots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When properly treated, water should bead up and roll off the outer layer of your boots. Once water starts to absorb into the outer layer of your boots it’s time to reapply DWR. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing A Waterproofing Product<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Waterproofing products are either designed for full-grain leather or Suede\/Nubuck. Waterproofing sprays designed for regular leather will destroy suede. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of great products on the market, but I personally prefer the Nikwax Nubuck & Sued Waterproofing Spray<\/a>. It’s affordable, sprays on evenly and works really well. Just make sure you don’t accidentally buy the regular Nikwax, because it will destroy your boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never Use Wax Based Products<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Wax based waterproofing products work really well on regular full grain leather, but it will ruin Suede and Nubuck. You’ll be left with a waxy hairy mess. Here are a few of my favorite suede waterproofing sprays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Suede\/Nubuck Waterproofing Sprays<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
  1. Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray<\/a><\/li>
  2. Kiwi Rain & Stain Protector<\/a><\/li>
  3. Bickmore Gard-More<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Preparing Your Boots <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Only use waterproofing products on clean damp boots. You have to get off all that dirt and grime so the product sprays on evenly. Don’t compromise coverage and penetration by not fully cleaning your boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cleaning Your Boots<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Remove your shoelaces prior to cleaning. This is the perfect time to replace those old ratty laces. You don’t want to have old grungy laces on your clean boots.<\/li>
    2. Use a soft cleaning brush specifically designed for Suede and Nubuck.(<\/g>this is the brush I use<\/a>) The soft bristles gently remove dust and dirt without damaging the finish.<\/li>
    3. Further<\/g> clean the boots by using a<\/g> suede and boot cleaner (here’s a kit with everything you need<\/a>). Brush off the dirt with a damp cloth trying not to fully soak your boots.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      A Few Things To Consider<\/h5>\n\n\n\n