Nikwax kit for Lowa Hunters...

[Vitals]

Has anyone ever used this kit or either of these products on the Lowa Hunters?

http://www.rei.com/product/806939/nikwax-nubuck-and-suede-spray-care-kit-42-fl-oz

I thought I should go with something designed for Nubuck since thats what the are...

 

[Lawnboi]

I have used both on my tibets. Both work very very well, especially the cleaner.

I prefer the paste nikwax to the liquid formula in that link but they both work very well.

I prefer nikwax over any waterproofing product iv used. Goes on easy, dosnt delaminate anything, and keeps them dry for a good bit of time.

 

[Vitals]

Awesome.... I'll pick this kit up tomorrow at my local REI.

 

[Vitals]

Do you use anything else to treat the boot before hitting the field? or is the waterproof spray good enough for a fresh boot? I just got these puppies and haven't taken them on any trails yet and want to care for them the right way from the get go.

 

[Daniel_M]

Just a note of caution, your boots need to be super clean before waxing up. If not, you're plugging an already dirty pore which can lead to a leak.

Strip the laces
Brush off the dry stuff.
Scrub really well with warm water using a decent bristle brush vs rag/sponge.
Final rinse
Let 'em dry overnight
Proceed with Nikwax for Nubuck leather.

 

[gelton]

I agree with lawnboi. I have the lowa hunters and have the nikwax for nubuck as well as the paste - I prefer the paste. It will change the look of the boot because the paste is designed for smooth leather but I kinda like the new look and think the paste holds up better and lasts longer.

 

[Vitals]

Are you guys referring to the paste water proofing stuff? my concern is to not use anything oil based per Lowa warranty that will be voided if treated with oil stuff. Do you condition your hunters with anything?

 

[Lawnboi]

If your getting the kit and your boots are new, I would still recommend washing them before applying wax. The wax is not a spray, its just a thick liquid.

Washing them will open up the pores of the leather and clean them out, allowing the wax to penetrate more effectively, just follow the instructions.

What you have in that link will work just fine. Like I said I do prefer the actual wax that comes in a tube, only because it lasts longer.

Also I always wax my boots when DAMP as the instructions say. If you dry your boots completely the wax will not work nearly as effectively. After washing wipe off excess water, then apply.

 

[Vitals]

http://www.nikwax-usa.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=503&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1

Is this the past/wax you guys are using? Since it is for "smooth leathers", is the only effect on your boot that it is darkening it a bit?

 

[Daniel_M]

Yes, the leather will darken.

 

[Lawnboi]

Are you guys referring to the paste water proofing stuff? my concern is to not use anything oil based per Lowa warranty that will be voided if treated with oil stuff. Do you condition your hunters with anything?

nikwax paste is not oil based, it is the same water based formula. REI should have it ( I have no idea why it gets so many bad reviews on REI, for me it works as if not more effectively than the nubuk proof in your link)

 

[Vitals]

Yeah I just called my local rei and they have the paste. I thought it was oil based, good to know. So I guess the only difference is that it is not designed specifically for Nubuck which means the leather will darken....hmm

nikwax paste is not oil based, it is the same water based formula. REI should have it ( I have no idea why it gets so many bad reviews on REI, for me it works as if not more effectively than the nubuk proof in your link)

 

[Lawnboi]

Yeah I just called my local rei and they have the paste. I thought it was oil based, good to know. So I guess the only difference is that it is not designed specifically for Nubuck which means the leather will darken....hmm

After waxing with the paste it will give your leather a more, smooth leather finish than standard nubuk. The paste (from what I can tell) is just a thicker version of what comes in the bottle. It is water based, just looked at the tube iv got here at home. Your leather will darken, and it will have a smoother finish, but that is to be expected with just about any wax.

IMO it works more effectively than the stuff in your first post, both work well though.

 

[Vitals]

Gotcha. So I've worn them twice and only around the office so I wonder If I even need to clean them before applying the nikwax. They look brand new really...

 

[Lawnboi]

Gotcha. So I've worn them twice and only around the office so I wonder If I even need to clean them before applying the nikwax. They look brand new really...

I would like I said, the water and cleaner will allow the leather to absorb the wax better. Atleast dampen the leather to allow the wax to penetrate better.

 

[Vitals]

Word. thanks for your help lawnboi

 

[crazy_davey]

I would like I said, the water and cleaner will allow the leather to absorb the wax better. Atleast dampen the leather to allow the wax to penetrate better.

Lawnboi is correct, but not many guys know this tip. I have been using Nikwax products for a very long time and are one of my favorites for waterproofing leather boots. The key is to have clean leather and soak them with a clean, warm water soaked sponge before applying, and keep applying the product until the leather will no longer soak in any more. Once the boots get a good dose of the product I start working it into the leather with clean hands and keep going until they just wont take anymore.

 

[Vitals]

Do you not wait for the boot to dry after the warm soaking before applying the product?

Lawnboi is correct, but not many guys know this tip. I have been using Nikwax products for a very long time and are one of my favorites for waterproofing leather boots. The key is to have clean leather and soak them with a clean, warm water soaked sponge before applying, and keep applying the product until the leather will no longer soak in any more. Once the boots get a good dose of the product I start working it into the leather with clean hands and keep going until they just wont take anymore.

 

[Lawnboi]

Do you not wait for the boot to dry after the warm soaking before applying the product?

You apply when the boots are still wet, or damp.

 

[crazy_davey]

Do you not wait for the boot to dry after the warm soaking before applying the product?

As Lawnboi said above, apply while the leather is moist. This is what allows the product to soak in and impregnate the leather.