resealing boots

[TheHunt]

I have a pair of three year old boots.  They are gortex Cabela's boats and they have about two years left.  How do I get them back to waterproof?  What do people do to water proof gortex boots?

Buy new ones is not a good answer.

[Easy-E]

If they're Goretex they should not be leaking. If they are leaking, the Goretex is ruined. I ruined a pair of Goretex boots by treating the leather with mink oil. Apparently that's a no-no. Now I use a special beeswax boot grease that is compatible with the Goretex but its not to waterproof the boots, it's to protect the leather.

[TheHunt]

They are just the cheap Cabela's brand boots.  They are light weight and I think I paid 69 dollars for them three years ago.  I am just trying to keep them going for two more years and I will buy a new pair. 

[Easy-E]

What I did was greased up the leakers and use them solely for camp boots. I hunt steep country and my feet sweat so my good boots, although waterproof, still need to dry out overnight.

If your boots are cordura, then I think your only hope would be that spray on stuff but I've never had good luck with that on hunting boots. It just seems to rub off too quickly in grass/brush.

[norsepeak]

Goretex on boots is garbage.  I've been thru 5 pairs of Goretex boots in the last 5 season.  They keep warranty-ing them, but that is a PITA.  If they are leaking, there is not much you can do except get some Goretex socks to wear in them...the boots will still leak, but you stay dry-ish.

[Skyvalhunter]

You might want to try Freesole on the places that are stitched. If its the actual gortex that's leaking you might be screwed. I freesole all the places that are stitched and along the bottom rubber part of my Kennetrek boots as soon as I get them. It makes them last a lot longer.

[Westside88]

Nikwax works pretty well. I've used it on some lightweight horetex boots that were no longer waterproof( more like water resistant) I also use it on my goretex boots that are still good. It doesn't seem to over penetrate like something like mink oil will do. Although I would definetly read the directions before using any waterproofing product on expensive hunting boots

[Mudman]

obenhaufs?  The black container stuff for firefighters or something.  Supposed to be safe for gortex boots.  I use it.  Works but must apply often.  Hubbards still my favorite but not good for gortex stuff.

[TheHunt]

Well, that makes me think that those boots are only for nice weather.  Time to buy another pair...   

That is just me being a cheap as possible getting every dime out of what I purchase. 

[Westside88]

Re: resealing boots
« Reply #7 on: Today at 10:01:35 PM »
Quote
obenhaufs?  The black container stuff for firefighters or something.  Supposed to be safe for gortex boots.  I use it.  Works but must apply often.  Hubbards still my favorite but not good for gortex stuff.

^^^. That's really good stuff too. I always use it on my wet season work boots. I just don't care for the smell on my hunting boots.  It doesn't stink, kind of a sweet almost honey like smell. Must be the propolis in it, apparently that's what bees waterproof their hives with.  Protects leather really well.

[pianoman9701]

2-3 years is about it for $69 boots. I'd say get some better boots.

[Mudman]

I cannot get more than 3 years out of any boot it seems.  Danners would fall apart and now I wear Irish setter elk hunter 600gr and I like them but I wear holes in the soles after 3years.  Might try the USA made Danner Rain forest next?

[7mmfan]

obenhaufs?  The black container stuff for firefighters or something.  Supposed to be safe for gortex boots.  I use it.  Works but must apply often.  Hubbards still my favorite but not good for gortex stuff.

This stuff is awesome. Get the thick waxy stuff and rub it in, heat up your boots to let it soak in for 24 hours, then do it again. Really concentrate on the seams. This stuff is great for the leather, its safe on Gortex boots and does actuallly waterproof as well. As noted though, you have to reapply fairly often. On a week long hunt where I'm covering a lot of ground, I will usually touch it up in the last 2 days.

[Hertz]

In my experience, from hunting/hiking, to wildland firefighting, to everyday boot wear on job sites and climing on equipment, you can't beat Obenauf's. Get the leather nice and clean, then rub it in with your fingers. Body heat will melt it into the leather. Get it all over the seams. Then, throw them in the oven for 10-15 minutes on 100 degrees. Do this once every 2 months or so. Keeps the leather nice and soft and pliable too.

[Easy-E]

  Same stuff I use, but I put them next to the fire to heat up. Haven't used the oven yet.