Schnees durability/waterproof loss

[Neckbone]

Purchased some timberlines in 2022. I get to hunt out west once per year for a week, so they get little use. I throw them on every now and then at home to keep them from stiffening up. This year during archery elk (4th trip out with them) I find out the right boot is not waterproof. This is actually the first time I’ve ever had significant wetness to deal with during recent hunts so the first time I’ve ever had to test their waterproofness.

I mailed them to Schnee’s for them to have a look at. Their solution is to nikwax them and mail them back. I understand they are out of warranty time, they are 3 year old boots and all, but I can’t help but be disappointed in their longevity and durability especially given the relatively little use. After expressing some frustration a 30% discount on a new pair was mentioned. The 2 guys I spoke with were friendly and I understand their position.

Are my expectations of a high end $450 pair of boots too high? I like everything about the boot except the above, but am considering a different brand if I will likely get longer out of them. If 3 years for waterproofing to fail is typical across the board then I will probably push the 30% discount and get another pair of timberlines.

 

[Mountainrancher]

You’re not the first person to have problems with schnees loosing waterproof. I ended up with a pair of gen 1 timberlines when they closed them out for a stupid good deal and so far so good I’ve treated them pretty regularly with waterproofing cream. I really hope mine hold up as they are my favorite boot I’ve ever worn. Did they mention anything about the gen 2 holding up better?

 

[Neckbone]

You’re not the first person to have problems with schnees loosing waterproof. I ended up with a pair of gen 1 timberlines when they closed them out for a stupid good deal and so far so good I’ve treated them pretty regularly with waterproofing cream. I really hope mine hold up as they are my favorite boot I’ve ever worn. Did they mention anything about the gen 2 holding up better?

They did not. Looking at the gen2 tho it looks like they have created some relief cuts so to speak in the area of the boot that gets the most bend. They said that’s where the failure is likely to occur, it’s a matter of steps and the bending in the front on the ankle/foot area. Thing is, if I was a Wyoming resident they would have failed at the end of the first year assuming the failure occurred due to the step count. (Assuming I got 4 hunts in that year which isn’t abnormal). Sucks cuz I spent the coin, love the fit and comfort of the boots, but not trying to spend $500 on a pair of boots I get 3-4 trips out of.

 

[Meshnasty]

The beartooths I bought last summer had less than 60 miles on them when they gave up the waterproof ghost that same fall.

Irregardless of the brand if I got 2-3 years of them being waterproof I would be happy as at this point I expect any boot to leak within 1-1.5 years. I do put on a few miles though - 170 hunting miles YTD. Out of four pairs of boots I have they all leak expect one pair which has less than 10 miles on them.

 

[Walkstoomuch]

I have had the same experience with Timberlines. I get one season before they start to leak, no amount of nikwax/snow seal stops the leaking. The issue is the goretex liner rubbing against the leather of the boot and crating holes. My understanding is this happens with all boots. I've switched to wearing trail runners for archery and saving the boots for when the snow/rain starts and hope to get two seasons

 

[Winnie]

Have had great success with Beartooths. I do at least annually put Obenaufs on them, usually 2-3 times, but I had a pair last over 10 years, have another that is still waterproof after 8 years. Ironically, my plan was treating them tonight.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Did you condition and nixwax them?

At their recommendation I clean them with water and a brush, throw a little conditioner on them, put in front of a fan for a couple days, then nixwax. Tread wore out on the last pair before my feet ever got wet. No issues with my current pair either.

 

[brancher147]

I had a pair of beartooth stayed waterproof til the end. Think I had them 3 years and wore them pretty much every hunt spring turkey and whitetail and bear seasons and I cover a lot of ground. But I kept them clean and used the recommended boot wax as needed.