Kiwi Wet Pruf

[Wingnut]

far be it from me to pose as an expert ... especially here where we have experts on any subject in the known universe .... but I have to question why they'd want you to use something that's water soluble. My boots have, in the past, suffeed water damage. Therefore, my wish is always to apply something that is water resistant ... or just plain keeps water away from the leather and especially the seams/threads. I interpret "water soluble" as meaning it will dissolve ... or wash away ... in water.

But .... I'm always willing to learn .... /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[Cacinok]

Wingnut,

I failed to mention that the boots have Gore Tex lining. Also, I reread the instructions and looked on Danner's website (should've been reading for class instead of reading on TBN) and Danner recommends a "water based" water proofer. Here is there info:

<font color=blue>"2. Waterproof `em:
Even if your boots have GORE-TEX ®, which is 100% waterproof, it’s still a good idea to periodically waterproof the leather. This will help keep it from absorbing too much water and becoming heavy and weakened. The same is true for boots that use a fabric panel in the upper.

There are many waterproofing products on the market, but we recommend water-based formulas because they perform best and do not harm leather or fabrics. Petroleum- or animal-based products, although widely used, are not recommended as they can over-soften the leather and cause damage. Danner offers three different waterproofing products in its Boot Care System line." </font color=blue>

I have no technical knowledge in the leather care area so I am interested to see if anybody else knows how true the above statement is. I assume Danner has some sort of research behind their ideas -- this is not always so, however.

Danners are one of the only brands of boots that I can work in all day and not wake up the next morning w/ aching ankles.

Clint

 

[Chuck52]

Clint,

I bet Danner is right about some oil-based products over-softening the leather, and with work boots especially, too supple leather would tend to reduce the support offered to the feet and ankle. You'd think something based on beeswax, for instance, might offer water protection without the softening effect. I looked for water-based waterproofing products on the web and only turned up a water-based seam sealer, which was apparently a water soluble polymer that cured after application. It wasn't supposed to be used on the body of the boot, however, just on the seams. Maybe Danner sells something like that to use on the whole boot. Or, maybe they have you seal the seams with that and then use a silicone spray over the whole boot. Wet Pruf does make my shoes feel like oiled leather....which is fine for these shoes, but maybe too soft for work boots.

Chuck

 

[Cacinok]

Chuck,

Danner does make a water based water proofer -- of course, I needed something immediately so I started shopping around. I ended up buying a water based water proofer made by Doc Marten. Evidently Doc Marten doesn't recommend using anything, but a water based product on their boots/shoes either.

Thanks for the info. And I thought all I'd be learning about was tractors and implements on TBN.

Clint.