Does The Waterproof Spray Work?

[Jauwater]

My feet got soaked today. Boots still have a little life. I’d like to keep them a bit longer. Does waterproofing spray work? Got a trip planned after Christmas that I’ll be chomping in the snow, and don’t wanna be stuck with wet feet in the backcountry. So if the spray works then I’ll hold out on a new pair of boots for a few months. Boots have no rips or holes. Fabric is Goretex. Bout 2 years old. Thanks.



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[big44a4]

It’s worked when I’ve used it. I’d apply a couple coats of it over a few days just to be sure. But hiking in snow all day long haven’t put the spray to that kind of test.


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[mikear]

There was a discussion over on AT a while back where a guy diluted 100% silicone caulking with mineral spirits for the same reason you mentioned. He detailed the process fairly well.

I sent you a PM with a link.

If there aren’t any rules against posting a link from another forum I can edit my post for others to see.

 

[BRTreedogs]

I'd say most all of it works to a degree. And will at least get you through your Xmas trip.
Not sure Niki wax makes anything for boots but it or I think gear aid brand are bout the best.
Also gaiters help a lot in the snow, even wet grass, my feet get wet in boots I know are good cause the moisture travels down the sock. So if you don't have any get a pair pronto.

 

[Laelkhunter]

I would contact the boot manufacturer and ask what they recommend. Different boot makers suggest different products, depending on how they make the boots, and what materials they use. Some recommend Sno Seal, some Obenaufs, and some make their own waterproof treatment (Danner, Kenetrek, Crispi). If you choose to go on your own, I would try something a little heavier than a spray like a cream or gel. Make sure the boots are clean, and apply several coats. Since the boots seem to have already leaked, the seams might be the problem, and a spray probably won't seal them adequately for your needs.
BRTreedogs' suggestion of gaiters was spot on. If you know you will encounter snow, gaiters are worth their weight in gold.

 

[Jauwater]

Thanks fellas. The boots are the Salomon 4D GTX 2. They’ve been a pretty good boot for my needs. They’ve basically been my daily drivers since I bought them, work (mud and muck), and play. I can’t remember, but I think it was around the 6 month mark that moisture started making its way through in periods of prolonged exposure in wet climates. They’ve held up much better then boots I’ve had in the past, but this is probably one of the more expensive pieces of footwear I’ve purchased. The upgrade to the Salomon boots really benefited me at work, and long outings. I’m looking to upgrade soon to a higher end boot in hopes to gain extra benefits the way I did when switching to Salomon. I’ll look into what they recommend for their boots before waterproofing. I do wear gaiters. Been using a HillSound set lately. Thinking of it now kinda makes me think the boots might be shot. So little of the boot is exposed when the gaiters are on, and I was pretty surprised how wet my socks were when I got to the vehicle. But it was around 7 miles in 3”-10” of snow. I’ll probably do a waterproofing job through the week, do a day trip this weekend, and see how they hold up. I’ll post back to let y’all know what I went with, and how it worked out.

Thanks everyone I much appreciate your time.


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[motts]

Before you treat them with anything, give them a good thorough inspection along the area where the sole and the last meet. I had a pair of x-ultra's (a little lighter Salomon boot) that separated in some small sections along there, and it allowed water to pour in. My second pair is starting to do the same thing now, so it might be a weak area in their design which may or may not apply to your boots as well. I wouldn't call it a defect as I got what I consider a reasonable amount of hard use out of both pairs, and, even though they may seem expensive, these are still essentially throw-away boots. Something like a Lowa, Schnee's, Meindl, Kennetrek, Scarpa, La Sportiva, etc., should last you much longer.

 

[Laelkhunter]

I have the same boots that I wear for work. They are very comfortable. I called Salomon CS to find what they suggested for waterproofing them. I was told the Kiwi Protect-All spray is what they recommend. I have been using it, and it seems to work, but I am not sure how well it would hold up in snow. Good Luck !

 

[Jauwater]

Good deal that Kiwi Protect All Spray is easy found locally. Thanks for that Elkhunter!

Motts that is kind of what I’m thinking now that maybe it is somewhere in the 4D chassis seams.

So actually just before posting this I pulled them off the boot dryer, and found these split seams! Dang can’t believe I missed that. Gotta fold the boot down to see it.

Ok maybe their not in that good of shape. Swear they looked a lot better then this before my last outing. Guess that was their last miles as far as waterproofing is concerned.

On another note I highly recommend these for work or backpacking with light weight. I’ve literally worn these hundreds of times, and there is still some tread. The insoles are just barely starting to come apart. Not a single popped stitch. I bet I’ll have these boots around for the dry days for another 6 months. I’m still gonna try waterproofing it several times or more to see if it helps keep out light moisture during light duty.

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[motts]

That's exactly where my boots separated as well. I thought about trying to shoe glue them back together, but decided it wasn't worth the hassle.

 

[Laelkhunter]

I would say that is your major problem. Shoe Goo will repair those separations stronger than the rest of the boot. Kenetrek also sells something called "freesole", but the shoo goo comes in clear or black, and you can find it anywhere.

 

[excaliber]

Don't those have a Gore-Tex membrane in them? If so the problem is one or more of the sealed/ taped seams are leaking or the Gor-tex membrane has been compromised in some way. I really doubt the problem is with that seam pulling apart.