How to Waterproof Tactical Boots
Tips for Preventing Water Damage to Your Boots
You’ve finally found and invested in the perfect pair of tactical boots to keep you protected with every step. But it doesn’t just end after the tags come off and the box is tossed away.
To ensure your feet are protected, no matter the conditions, you’ll need to waterproof your boots so that they will last for years to come.
Here are some tips for products and methods to use to waterproof your tactical boots.
Why Do You Need To Waterproof Your Tactical Boots?
Many tactical boots are made of materials that aren’t waterproof on their own, such as suede or leather. So waterproofing your boots will help them last longer and keep your feet dry in all weather conditions.
What To Use To Make Your Tactical Boots Resistant To Water
There are various waterproofing products available for your tactical boots and their material type.
Tip: If you plan to seal the seams of your boots, do so before applying the waterproofing product.
Leather – Use Gels, Creams, or Wax
When waterproofing leather tactical boots, you’ll want to use products that keep the leather breathable and supportive. Otherwise, when leather absorbs water, the tanning agents that keep leather strong and supportive will fade. And the leather will stiffen and lose its breathability.
Consider rubbing one of the following waterproofing products on your leather tactical boots:
- Waterproofing gels made for full-grain leather
- Waterproofing wax for leather
- Waterproofing creams for leather
Before applying your chosen waterproofing product to your boots, clean your boots thoroughly by removing the laces and using a soft brush to remove dirt and dust. You can even use a boot cleaner and running water.
Depending on the waterproofing product instructions, make sure your boots are completely dry, or the water is thoroughly soaked before applying the product on your boots.
Suede or Nubuck – Use Spray
Suede tactical boots are especially vulnerable to water damage. So, to waterproof your suede or nubuck boots, use a waterproofing spray made specifically for these materials.
Before spraying your boots, clean them with a scuff block and brush to remove scuffs and stains.
Fabric – Use Spray
Though fabric tactical boots tend to be more water-repellant than other materials, they still require waterproofing to ensure your feet stay dry at all times.
A spray-on proofer will help restore the water-repellence of fabric boots.
Once cleaned, you can spray on the water-proofer while the boots are wet or dry. But if you wait until they are completely dry—i.e. until the next day—you will be able to see if you missed any spots when spraying the proofer.
After spraying, allow your boots to dry overnight before wearing them.
Tips When Using Spray
Before spraying your boots, bring them to a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
While spraying your boots, hold the can at least 6 inches from the boot, and go lightly and quickly. Allow your boots to dry for 5 to 10 minutes between each coat to avoid oversaturation. Once you’ve sprayed the final coat, your boots may need to dry for at least 30 minutes before use.
Tips When Using Wax
When using wax, you may need to soften the wax a bit by slightly warming it up with a blow dryer or letting it sit near heat for a few minutes. And you may want to use a silicone spray sealant if the wax gets into the welting of your boots.
Once finished, keep your boots in a warm area to allow the wax to dry.
Tips When Using Cream
When using waterproofing creams, apply the product with a clean, lint-free, and dye-free cloth or with the applicator it comes with. And rub the product all over the boots. And when using gels, simply rub the gel into the boot as well.
Ideally, you will let your boots dry overnight, regardless of the waterproofing product you use. And when you notice that the layer of waterproofing is starting to break down, it’s time to clean and waterproof your boots again.
Signs that the waterproofing is breaking down include the top layer looking scuffed and material becoming moist and darkening instead of water beading on the surface.
Other Tips For Waterproofing Your Boots
Here are other tips to make the most of your waterproofing.
Break Them in First
Breaking in your boots will stretch the material. So, if you waterproof them before breaking them in, the stretched material will expose areas that don’t have a layer of water-repellant, and your boots won’t be completely waterproof.
Conditioning
A thick leather conditioner can also be used to waterproof your leather tactical boots. Slather the conditioner on, allow it time to sit, and then use a hairdryer or heat gun to activate the product.
Heating the conditioner will allow it to soak into the leather. Once finished, wipe your boots with a clean towel or rag to remove the excess conditioner and buff your boots clean.
Take Good Care of Them and Clean Often
Cleaning your tactical boots every day will help extend their life and keep them waterproof for longer.
For cleaning leather boots, allow any mud to dry first before trying to remove it. Dried mud can be easily knocked off the boots, whereas trying to clean wet mud will grind dirt into the leather.
Use a soft brush, like horsehair, to brush dirt and dust off your boots. And apply boot polish when needed, brushing the polished areas with a soft brush.
To clean and care for tan suede boots, brush your boots with a stiff brush while applying moderate pressure to remove dirt and debris. Next, run lukewarm water over the boots but don’t soak them fully.
Lather mild soap in one hand and gently massage the soap into the suede to remove dirt. Rinse your boots with lukewarm water and allow to air dry.
If you take care of your tactical boots, they will take care of you. With proper care, cleaning, maintenance, and waterproofing, your tactical boots will keep your feet safe, secure, comfortable, and protected from the elements.
Waterproofing your tactical boots will keep them in top shape so they can support your feet and keep them dry for longer.
