If you’re looking for a pair of waterproof boots you could pay a ton of money to buy the latest and fanciest in waterproof fabrics, or you can take the time to waterproof a pair of quality leather boots.
When leather is left untreated and exposed to the elements, it can dry out and crack over time. This is not to be confused with a natural worn look, the cracking and peeling of leather is actually damage that is occurring to the leather. This is easily avoided by taking the steps necessary to waterproof your new pair of boots before you wear them outdoors.
If you’ve already worn your boots outside you need to clean them before applying any type of waterproofing material to the surface. Since leather is pliable, make sure you clean inside any creases there might be. Make sure the surface is dry before applying any waterproofing products. You can purchase the products for waterproofing your leather boots at any shoe store. The products come as a wax, gel or cream formula. There are also some sprays available that can be used on leather and suede.
Have a small clean cloth ready to use with your waterproofing product. Use the cloth to dab into the wax or cream to get a small amount. Using circular strokes, gently and thoroughly rub the formula into the surface of the leather. You want to use a cloth that is soft so you do not damage the leather as you rub the waterproofing material into it. Be sure you work the cream or wax into all the creases and crevasses the leather might have. You do not need to apply it to the inside of the boot or to the bottom sole of the boot.
After you waterproof boots you need to allow them to dry completely before you can wear them. A good rule of thumb is to wait for 24 hours. The product you use may have instructions on it as to how long to wait after applying the formula. It is usually a good practice to repeat the procedure once or twice a year depending on how often you wear your boots. To help them stay in good shape, you can wipe them off after every time you wear them out.