Is there a way to make leather boots really waterproof?

[Relztrah]

My Columbia rubber boots with leather uppers sprung a leak after several years of use. I am replacing them with a pair of all-leather boots. They are advertised as "waterproof" but I've learned not to trust that. Is there some type of waterproofing sealant that I can apply before I take them out into the ice and snow? I've tried the spray-on stuff and I'm not impressed.

[Whyzman]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=waterproofing+leather

The Aquaseal on page two of the search sounded quite interesting in that it is approved by Gortex because it leaves the pores open to breathe, yet waterproofs...

[classicsoftware]

Good old fashioned saddle soap. I have a pair of work boots that are 25 years old and every fall I use saddle soap on them and all winter I have dry feet....

[Paleo Pete]

Mink Oil. I've used it for 40 years, get plenty worked into the leather and it won't leak.

I don't understand the saddle soap idea, saddle soap cleans off anything that might waterproof it...or I thought so anyway...I've used it for cleaning, but always mink oil for waterproofing.

[Budfred]

If you have already sprayed them with silicon, the other options may not work... Silicon clogs the pores in natural leather and apparently cannot be removed...

[Sylvander]

I know from personal use that DUBBIN (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubbin) is a really effective waterproofer of leather.

Makes the surface rather waxy/greasy, but very effective.

I normally used it on leather workboots for use on construction sites.
2 inch deep in mud and water made no impression on boots so protected.

[yawningdog]

After 16 years of military service, I've tried them all and in my experience none of them works. The only real solution is full fledged rubber boots.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Then there's the other way,, buying them with a waterproof guaranty such as from LLBean and if they ever leak, return them for a free replacement.

[Variable]

I use camp dry and I like it, I think you can get it at walmart. I use it on clothes and gear but also on boots. It is silcone based but does not dry tacky (sticky). I heat the boots/clothes in the drier for about 10-15 minutes and spray them while they are hot. I spray them about 3-4 times. Nothing you spray on is one hundred percent effective. The camp dry helps keep em dry and it also helps the mud and gunk clean off easier. If you don't have water proof factory boots then I would do the above and add a goretex booty. That way your feet stay dry and it allows your feet to breathe. I actually prefer the boots to able to breath, ala some nylon or breathe holes and wear the goretex booties with good old wool socks. Of course, it isn't 30 below in NC.

[Relztrah]

Thank you all for your very helpful suggestions. Yes, Fruss Tray Ted I'm getting them from L.L. Bean this time rather than Dick's Sporting Goods, although my rubber boots with leather uppers from Dick's were good for a few years.

Years ago I recally my father using some greenish goop that came from a small brown can and rubbing it into shoes and boots when they were new to waterproof them. It was like very thick petroleum jelly. If memory serves me the can was about 2" high and maybe 2" in diameter with black writing. But then again this was probably 40 years ago and the product may no longer be available.

[bassman]

Best stuff (http://www.casanovasadventures.com/catalog/misc/p2006.htm) I ever used. Worked in the snow, mud, slush, up the creek, down the river. Where this stuff fails is where the leather has openings.

[Whyzman]

I tell ya folks...this stuff looks impressive. And, no, I don't have any association with the company! :D Although silicone based, it doesn't clog the pores...so it says! :D

http://www.aquaseal.com/faq.html