When the rainy season comes, it’s an anxiety for those who love and collect cowboy boots.
Regardless of whether your cowboy boots are made of leather or suede, whether your cowboy boots are waterproof or not, you need to take good care of those cowboy boots well in the rainy season.
Water is the number one enemy of cowboy boots made from leather and suede so you should prepare yourself with the best methods to protect cowboy boots from the attack of water.
No more words, let’s get started on how to waterproof cowboy boots!
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How To Waterproof Cowboy Boots?
There are many ways to help cowboy boots against water. Here, we’re going to show you methods to protect cowboy boots before the rain and how to deal with sudden rains.
In general, the basic steps to protect cowboy boots in the rainy season are clean cowboy boots, apply products that help waterproof cowboy boots, and wait for the product to absorb into cowboy boots and dry.
Along with that, we will show you some methods to handle wet cowboy boots. From there, extend the life and keep the original color for cowboy boots.
Method 1: Use mink oil
- Mink oil for Waterproofing, conditioning, and preserving leather goods
- Ideal for leather boots, shoes, purses, jackets, hats, baseball gloves, saddles and harnesses
- The oil creates a WaterProof barrier against the elements and helps to protect leather by preventing...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mink oil is one of the most frequently used products for leather cowboy boots.
Mink oil works to keep the cowboy boots’ leather shiny, keep cowboy boots soft, and extend their life.
The most special feature of mink oil is that it can help waterproof cowboy boots. Along with that, affordable price is also a big plus.
Things you need to do:
Step 1: Clean cowboy boots with specialized tools.
Step 2: Apply mink oil to the entire surface of cowboy boots, pay attention to applying mink oil to welts, seams, etc.
Step 3: Wait for the mink oil to absorb into cowboy boots, you can use a hairdryer to speed up this process.
Now that your cowboy boots are waterproof and they are protected from dirt, feel free to go out.
Method 2: Leather/suede conditioner combines with shoe polish
In addition to mink oil, you can use conditioner to protect your cowboy boots from water.
To completely protect your cowboy boots from water, after using the conditioner, adding a layer of polish will make your cowboy boots unbeatable.
Because shoe polishes can also waterproof leather.
If you own suede cowboy boots, there are many conditioners on the market to waterproof your suede boots.
However, you cannot polish suede cowboy boots. Don’t ever try it!
With 4 steps like using mink oil, you can protect your cowboy boots even if they are leather or suede.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 1: Clean your cowboy boots.
Step 2: Apply conditioner to cowboy boots.
Step 3: Wait for leather/suede conditioner to absorb into cowboy boots.
Step 4: After conditioning cowboy boots, don’t forget to polish them. Shoe polish will be the ultimate protective layer to protect your cowboy boots from water.
You can use a hairdryer to help the conditioner quickly absorb into cowboy boots.
Three simple steps and your cowboy boots are protected from water.
Method 3: Use a Waterproof Spray
Another specialized product that you can use is a waterproof spray.
It’s also a suede or leather product, and it’s definitely something your cowboy boots are looking for.
If you are about to leave the company office and suddenly a nasty rain comes suddenly, take a waterproof spray and spray a thin layer on the surface of your cowboy boots. That’s it!
The waterproof spray is a product that you can use immediately when it rains. This product is very convenient to put in your backpack every rainy season.
- KIWI Boot Waterproofer provides tough silicone protection for work and outdoor boots
- Waterproof spray for boots
- Spray has unique formula that bonds to leather and fabrics
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Method 4: Rain Boot Shoe Cover
Rain Boot Shoe Cover may not make your cowboy boots waterproof, but it can protect them from sudden rain like a waterproof spray.
In the rainy season, you should bring a “raincoat” for your cowboy boots to keep them away from water, dirt and grime.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Method 5: Use wax
- Highly water repellent coating conditions and preserves leather
- Keeps water out while still allowing the leather to breathe
- Prevents boots from soaking up water, which adds weight and decreases the life of the boots
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In addition to polishing leather cowboy boots, there are many types of wax that also help waterproof boots.
After every step of cleaning the cowboy boots, you should use a special wax to polish cowboy boots, this brings a lot of benefits such as shining cowboy boots, restoring cowboy boot color, and keeping them new and waterproof.
Some ways to handle when cowboy boots get wet
- Use a dry cloth or dry towel to wipe off the water from the cowboy boots
- Use a hairdryer to dry cowboy boots
- Dry cowboy boots with natural wind
- Use household powder and put it inside cowboy boots to absorb moisture
Read more: How to Polish Cowboy Boots with Stitching?
What is the best waterproofing for leather boots?
There are many products that help waterproof cowboy boots such as waterproof spray, wax, oil, and conditioner.
Besides the products introduced above, we will introduce you to 5 more leather waterproofing products used and appreciated by many people.
1. Fiebing’s Mink Oil
- Fiebing's Golden Mink Oil Leather Preserver is great for use on leather and vinyl items such as...
- Golden Mink Oil softens, preserves, and waterproofs smooth leather and vinyl for outdoor use.
- Helps prevent water, salt and perspiration stains.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Besides Sof Sole mink oil is too famous, we also have Fiebing mink oil for you.
With the effect of waterproofing, softening and shining leather, this is an item you cannot miss for the rainy season.
2. Bickmore Leather Conditioner
- PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR LEATHER: Bick LP is specially formulated to rejuvenate and preserve...
- INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH PROTECTION: Apply Bick LP to protect against water, excessive heat, caustic...
- PRESERVES NATURAL OILS: Heavy use causes leather to lose its natural oils. Bick LP helps replenish...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bickmore has been famous for leather care products, and especially leather cowboy boots. If you’ve trusted Bickmore’s cleaner and wax polish products, you can rely on their conditioner.
Bickmore conditioner maintains your cowboy boots, increases longevity, repels dirt and protects your boots from water effectively.
3. Nikwax Waterproofing Wax
- Restores water-repellency and reduces water absorption of smooth leather
- Works immediately after treating and will not soften leather
- Sponge-on applicator included
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aside from oil, conditioner and sprays, people who frequent picnics, camping or climbing often use wax because they’re easy to use.
Nikwax Waterproofing Wax works very quickly but does not soften the leather. It is very suitable for western work boots – those boots must be hard and durable to protect your feet while working.
4. Mink Oil Leather Waterproof Liquid
- Softens, preserves and waterproofs your favorite vinyl or leather boots, shoes and all smooth...
- Special premium mink oil liquid formula helps repel oil and salt stains
- Active cleaners and conditioners include a poweful blend of mink oil, silicone, lanolin and pure...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When using traditional mink oil, it takes a lot of time to waterproof cowboy boots. Hence, JOB SITE has launched Mink Oil Leather Waterproof Liquid, this product is less time-consuming and more flexible for waterproofing cowboy boots.
Just spray a little on the fabric and rub it on the surface of the cowboy boots, wait for the liquid to penetrate inside the cowboy boots, and you have your cowboy boots fully protected.
5. Rust-Oleum 280886 NeverWet 11
- Weight: 11 Fluid Oz
- Country of Origin: USA
- Coverage:20-60 Square Feet (Varies Depending on Fabric)
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rust-Oleum is one of the most reliable products on the market today and is greatly appreciated by those who have used it.
This product is sure to create a layer of protection for your cowboy boots in heavy rains or snowfalls.
Besides, one thing is for sure, you won’t have to worry about this product changing the look or feel of your cowboy boots as it is completely silicone-free.
Should I waterproof my cowboy boots?
You should waterproof cowboy boots in the rainy or snowy season.
Although cowboy boots are durable, they are originally made from leather (or suede), so they can still be damaged by “prolonged contact” with water.
You should know methods like using a waterproof spray, mink oil and conditioner to help waterproof cowboy boots and prepare armor for them before the rainy season (or snow) comes.
If you do not have a lot of time at home with waterproof boots, then you should have a Rain Boot Shoe Cover to protect your boots if it rains suddenly.
Read more: Are Cowboy Boots Waterproof?
Does water ruin cowboy boots?
The water will ruin cowboy boots if cowboy boots are exposed to water for too long or after contact with water without proper care.
Most cowboy boots are made of leather or suede, so it is dangerous to expose them to water too much. Contact with water will make cowboy boots discolored, reduce life expectancy, and easily get damaged.
To prepare for rainy or snowy seasons, you should learn how to protect cowboy boots before rain and take care of cowboy boots after rain. If not, cowboy boots will “catch a cold”.
Do Ariat boots need waterproofing?
Depending on which Ariat cowboy boots you own: waterproof or non-waterproof.
Ariat cowboy boots have many types, their cowboy boots like western work boots, Ariat workhog boots, Ariat ramble may have been waterproof from the beginning.
You should read the manufacturer’s detailed description of their cowboy boots (here is Ariat). If the cowboy boots are already waterproof, there is no need to use methods to make the cowboy boots waterproof.
Otherwise, if cowboy boots are not waterproof, you should prepare methods to protect cowboy boots from water and care for them in case they get wet.
Will snow ruin cowboy boots?
Snow will ruin cowboy boots if cowboy boots are exposed to snow for long and they aren’t taken care of properly.
Don’t underestimate the snow, it may damage your cowboy boots more slowly than water, but it still destroys your boots anyhow.
You can use methods to waterproof cowboy boots and keep them against snowfall.
Use methods such as mink oil, waterproof spray, wax or conditioner to protect cowboy boots from snow.
Take care of cowboy boots properly after wearing them while walking through the snowy white fields. Cowboy boots are very durable, but only if you really protect them well.
Before you leave
Cowboy boot lovers are quite anxious during the rainy or snowy seasons, so you need to know the above methods to handle them properly.
These methods are very easy and cost less time and money, try to spend 5 minutes a day to protect cowboy boots so you can use them for a very very long time.
Remember to protect your cowboy boots from their big enemy: water
Hope you succeed, good luck!
Howdy y’all, and welcome to From The Guest Room, your ultimate guide to all things Western! I’m Jay Gatz, a lifelong cowboy boot enthusiast with over 5 years of experience in the Western style world. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and help you discover the perfect cowboy boots and western gear to elevate your style. Let’s explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!
