Prior to wearing your new shoes, we recommend that you use a leather waterproof spray. This will guard your shoes against water absorption and prevent water based stains. A conditioner or neutral polish will nourish your shoes and add moisture allowing the leather to remain supple and soft.
“What will hurt the leather is silicones and waterproofers,” he says, noting that waterproofing sprays are typically silicone-based. “That adds a coating and it's very difficult to get off once it's on because it penetrates into the pores.
While natural leather does have some degree of water resistance, it can't survive excessive water exposure. As a porous material, it can absorb liquids. Most synthetic leathers are however waterproof, as they are manufactured from petroleum-based plastics.
Even if your boots have a waterproof membrane on the inside, its still a good idea to use one of these products to help prevent staining and protect the leather. A waterproof spray will make them more resistant to water, encouraging it to bead and roll off instead of soaking into the leather and staining or ruining it.
Any natural oil and moisture in the leather can come out with the water as your boot dries. This can lead to cracked, warped, and fraying leather. Much like the skin of your hands looks different after a long bath (don't forget, leather is skin), leather will also warp after getting wet for long periods.
Factory-fresh boots have a good dose of conditioning and waterproofing in the leather, so you don't need to do too much right away. Maybe spritz them with a little Nikwax Aqueous ($7.50; www.nikwax.com), an easy-to-use water-repellent that also gives the leather a little conditioning.
The oils in the skin bind to the water molecules, so as the water dries and evaporates, it starts drawing the oils out. It's this shedding of natural oils that causes the leather to lose its supple quality and become stiff and brittle. Water can also cause staining and can move dyes leaving streaks and spots.
If you care for your leather shoes and boots properly, they can become wet (even extremely wet in some conditions) without causing permanent damage. If your leather shoes are being soaked on a frequent basis, consider investing in a pair of waterproof shoes to avoid having to treat them as often.
Can Genuine Leather Get Wet? Short answer: no! Because of the porous nature of hides, genuine leathers made from these skins do not do well when exposed to water. Not only can leather absorb water/liquid and leave behind stain marks, but getting wet can even detract from the leather's durability.
Regular waterproofing of your boots will help to protect against stains and water damage as well as protecting the natural oils in the leather. We recommend waterproofing your boots every 3 months. If you live in a particularly wet climate, we recommend increasing this frequency.
Don't use it on leather.
As with wood, leather can also be damaged by the ingredients in an all-purpose cleaner. Your first line of defense when cleaning leather should be regular dusting and vacuuming. When it needs a bit more of a cleaning, dampen a microfiber cloth with a bit of water and wipe the leather.
WD40 is a popular multi-purpose product that can be used for a variety of tasks, including waterproofing leather shoes and boots. The product works by creating a barrier on the surface of the shoe or boot that repels water. Though this is not the ideal waterproofing product, it can be used in a pinch.
**All leather footwear should be misted with water-repelling spray before use, and last season's shoes should be conditioned (but not suede—we'll get to that).
When the leather absorbs water, the oils combine with the water molecules. You don't want this to happen because as the leather dries, the oils evaporate with the water molecules. Consequently, the leather loses its oils which causes the leather to become brittle and form cracks.
It is possible to soften and restore the leather by using Leather Revive. Leather Revive is a water-based oil emulsified conditioner that works to soften leather by replenishing the fatliquors.
Gently wipe off any standing water and allow the wet leather to naturally dry to the point of being damp - but not dry. (Do NOT apply unnatural heat, like a blow dryer.) For a jacket, hang it on a wide, padded hanger.
Because leather is a porous material, it will quickly soak in that water. This rapid influx of water, followed by a release when the water dries, can lead to premature damage and cracking of the leather. Letting your shoes get soaked in the rain is no way to take care of your investment.
Clothing. Waterproof leather boots, shoes, jackets, suede and more. For leather and sensitive surfaces, initially apply to a small area. Silicone Spray will not damage leather, but may slightly alter the color or hue.
Yes. Leather shoes and boots can get wet (even soaking wet in some conditions) without permanent damage, assuming you care for them correctly. If your leather shoes are soaking wet on a regular basis, consider investing in a pair of waterproof shoes to save yourself from having to treat them on a regular basis.
Boots wax is another popular product for waterproofing leather boots. The most famous one is beeswax. To treat your boots with wax, you need to heat the wax and boots a bit to make them more pliable. Then, rub the wax across the boot in both directions with fingers.
It waterproofs and conditions the leather and preserves the stitching. It also prevents the leather from drying up. It worked on my four year old Sperries and another pair of leather boots I acquired from my grandfather.
Some leather oils only provide conditioning, helping restore some of the natural moisture to the materials. Others add some water resistance, and even waterproofing qualities to the leather. The choice of which leather oil to use will depend on the leather good being oiled, and preference for its finished result.
Vaseline will temporarily waterproof your leather superficially but it is a petroleum based product that your leather will definitely not like! Petroleum products will dry out and cause your leather to crack.
Be sure to avoid these products when cleaning your leather: Baking soda, white vinegar, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.