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Waterproofing boots

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BanjoSavesTheDay

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Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
627
Location
Huntington, WV
Hey, I just got a pair of Carolina 505 work boots today and am really happy with them except for one thing. I didn't even realize it until I got home, but they aren't waterproof! Everything else about them is perfect for me, so I've been reading on the internet about how to waterproof boots. It looks like beeswax is the way to go, but I also found Foggy Mountain Bear Guard at http://www.bootgrease.com/. Has anyone ever used it? It looks just interesting enough to try it.

I'd welcome any input at all reguarding waterproofing boots as I've never done this before. How did mankind survive without goretex??
 
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Thedroid

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Joined
Feb 16, 2009
Messages
718
Location
New Mexico
I worked in a milkplant for almost 10yrs it took me about 5yrs of experimentation to find the right combination to keep my boots from rotting off my feet. I tried everything from lexol to silicone to mink oil, huberts, sno seal, boot oil and you name it. Some of them might have been ok for occasional use, but I couldn't keep a pair of boots for longer than 6 months with any of those products, and they smelled amd looked rough after 1 months.

After years of this, I found a product called Obenaufs LP. Hands down worked better than any other product I've seen. Put it on thick and let the boots sit by the heater for a half hour and repeat. Rub it in good, and reapply every few months. If you really value your boots, and you use them in rough conditions get a PEET boot dryer and put your boots on them every night. It USA made and does a fantastic job of keeping your boots fresh.
 
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johnems

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
23
I Realy like mink oil for general not polishes boots that are not siligan impreganted leather . I have uses it for 30 plus years. As a kid I use it on base ball mit and it do real well. Using it on a old pair a work boots I get 20years and three resoals.

Curretely I have Danzer boots and am very plessed with their boot tratment products. Ihttp://www.danner.com/accessories/boot-care/

I especaly like the boot dressing products.

I am a flight paramedi an water proof boots are very important to me. To me boots are a very important tool.
 
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Thedroid

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Feb 16, 2009
Messages
718
Location
New Mexico
Never liked gore tex boots, too bulky and made my feety sweaty. Does keep the feet wet, but the leather will still rot off if you get them wet daily.
 
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JeepinJ

Active member
Joined
Jun 15, 2008
Messages
43
Location
Dayton, Ohio
41DfF2vzADL._SS500_.jpg


Always bought this at TSC. Was cheap and very effective.:thumbup:
 
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BanjoSavesTheDay

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Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
627
Location
Huntington, WV
Thanks for all the suggestions! I knew there had to be some people out there who had tried lots of stuff. After careful research, I decided to go with Obenauf's LP. It looks to be above and beyond more potent than I could ever need, which is what I always go for when buying something. Hopefully it will get here soon! I start work at a coal prep plant on Monday so the fewer days I have to go without some protection on my new boots, the better. Thanks again for all the help--google just didn't cut it this time. :D
 
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whelenfan

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Aug 18, 2009
Messages
528
Location
Central NJ
i hate to say it, but mink oil on my red wings. whether they are waterproof boots or not. here's the kicker though, use two pair of boots. wear one, let them sit for a day and wear the other pair and let them sit for a day - repeat. i have been doing this for years. doing everything at work from digging ditches and working in storm sewers to doing blacktop/asphalt to plowing or shoveling snow. reapply the mink oil every four to six months and everything is great.
 
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BanjoSavesTheDay

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Nov 10, 2009
Messages
627
Location
Huntington, WV
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Thedroid

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2009
Messages
718
Location
New Mexico
If your going to be working in a damp mine day in and day out buy yourself a PEET boot dryer. The original model is what you need. You can get them from red wing, sportsmans warehouse, or online. Their inexpensive, made in USA, and have a 25 yr warranty. You will wonder how you ever lived without one. Having two pairs and switching them out is definitely better than one, but one pair and a boot dryer is unbeatable. Every morning your boots will be warm, soft, and thoroughly dry. Working in a mine will get your boots damp to the core and they won't dry down deep without a little extra help even rotating pairs. This will weaken the leather, stiching, etc, not to mention mold , stinkfoot, and whatever else.

Obenaufs + PEET allows your boots to do their jobs, without your feet and wallet paying the price.
 
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JASTECH

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 21, 2009
Messages
2,671
Location
Gering, NE
Obenaufs! I use the paste then use the liquid and swab it on my Alico work boots and my Chipawahs. I have tried many others and this is the best imho. I also think the Alico is better then Danner, Georgia ect. on them Chinese made foot bags, lol

Thanks, JASTECH
 
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BanjoSavesTheDay

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
627
Location
Huntington, WV
Thedroid said:
If your going to be working in a damp mine day in and day out buy yourself a PEET boot dryer. The original model is what you need. You can get them from red wing, sportsmans warehouse, or online. Their inexpensive, made in USA, and have a 25 yr warranty. You will wonder how you ever lived without one. Having two pairs and switching them out is definitely better than one, but one pair and a boot dryer is unbeatable. Every morning your boots will be warm, soft, and thoroughly dry. Working in a mine will get your boots damp to the core and they won't dry down deep without a little extra help even rotating pairs. This will weaken the leather, stiching, etc, not to mention mold , stinkfoot, and whatever else.

Obenaufs + PEET allows your boots to do their jobs, without your feet and wallet paying the price.
Click to expand...

I really appreciate all the sound advice you've given. I am going to order a boot dryer after I get caught up on stuff after a couple paychecks. :D
 
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