I have a pair of Timberlands that where supposed to be waterproof but aren't. I finally just started to break them in and would like to actually not get wet.

SO does anyone have any suggestions / experience using a waterproofing product?

Thanks!
MK

You can buy various sprays at any shoe place. None of them seem to work. There is also some sort of paste you rub on, which seems a bit better, but if the water is seeping in at the seams or interface between the sole and upper, nothing will help. If they are relatively new, maybe try returning them for a different brand or style.

We use SofSole - Ultimate Silicone Water proofer for Duane's non waterproof hiking boots. He said it worked well and his feet no longer got wet.

Re applied every 6-8 weeks.

If they don't have Gore-Tex or some other similar membrane inside, they're not waterproof, merely waterresistant.
I'm surprised that a lot of major manufacturers make the claim of waterproof, knowing it's not true. Also surprised they haven't been in litigation for false advertising.

If it does say Gore-Tex on the outside of the boot, the membrane's either faulted, or whatever coating that was applied afterwards is now clogging the pores of the material, not allowing it to breathe.
Depending on the age of the footwear, I might return it.
Silicone on leather and Armor All on rubber is all you really need for what you're using 'em for.

Great info about silicone and armor all.

My Prophet boots I got in December are awesome - no wet feet since getting them

travelnbhappy21 wrote:


My Prophet boots I got in December are awesome - no wet feet since getting them

One of the newer kids on the block footwear-wise, Propet uses a membrane called SealTex in their upper-end line.
The prices of even their higher-end shoes/boots don't compare to some of the larger name brands (the reason they started the company).
If you're out in the wet a lot, it'd be cool to see how they held up (product test) after Spring.

I will try a silicone on them but I doubt it's going to help. They do not read Gore-Tex anywhere. So probably just water resistant. If that's the case they resist for about 10 min.

Thanks for the suggestions. I might keep these for summer and look for a heavier pair for winter. I will check out that brand you mentioned T&BH21

misskeeto wrote:
I will try a silicone on them but I doubt it's going to help. They do not read Gore-Tex anywhere. So probably just water resistant. If that's the case they resist for about 10 min.


If the Timberlands have smooth leather, maybe a good coating of Nikwax will keep the leather from soaking water. Be extra lavish on the stitching. But you'll still get damp feet from sweat.
I have a very high-end pair of hikers that has no waterproofing at all. They believe if you're going to buy 'em, you'll take care of 'em, drying slowly and recoating to add repellancy.

In footwear, you do get what you pay for.
- The reason I'd like to see a review on Propet in a coupla Months. They may be bucking the trend and become a competitor to the big manufacturers, just not popular yet, like Keens a few years ago.

In footwear, you do get what you pay for.
- The reason I'd like to see a review on Propet in a coupla Months. They may be bucking the trend and become a competitor to the big manufacturers, just not popular yet, like Keens a few years ago.

Got them in November - will write a review in a few months.

Paid $300.00 for a pair of Vasque in December 2010 - they were so stiff that not only did I get major blisters - I fracured a toe that the Dr's in our area wanted to amputate it - A vascular surgeon in Philadelphia saved my toe - in our stats you will see a dry spell of 69 days last January - March during my recovery Now the $300 boots just sit here

Eight months of research and interaction with vascular surgeon - decided to try the propets - We did several caches in very wet areas since getting the Propet - no blisters, no wet or sweaty feet to date and no pressure or further injury to my little toe

You'll have no worries with a silicone-based product called Sno Seal. Warm up the boots with a hair dryer and rub Sno Seal into the seams and leather with your fingers. Let dry overnight, then rub off excess with your fingers. You won't be disappointed. Promise!