Beendare
WKR
Edit; I got two more years out of these Soloman boots with this solution keeping them waterproof. its head and shoulders above any other solution.
Gore Tex boots....I get about 1 to maybe 2 seasons out of them and they leak. I talked to the Cabelas boot buyer about it....and he says thats about right for the mesh panel boots...the GT liner breaks down with long hard use.
I used to sno seal, silicone spray, etc, etc... many different products that only ended up giving me a short term solution. While I was seam sealing my tent it struck me; a flexible waterproof barrier.
I like the boots so instead of buying a new pair I seam sealed them. I thinned 100% silicone with some mineral spirits to a thin watery consistency- about like olive oil. The mix soaks into the leather, cordura fabric and seams....... those boots performed perfectly now.
Edit; i'm being asked a lot about consistency. IMO, what you want is the consistency of vegetable oil so it soaks in and forms a very thin film. . If its too thick ...... it will flake crack or break off. I just coat the fabric or leather with it penetrating into it.
Breathability? Well I've always head that term tossed around re boots and chuckled..... when hard hiking my feet sweat in any boot....'breathable liner' or not. I've never seen a liner that can keep water out but lets your feet "Breath" on those hard hikes.
The best solution I've found is a good merino sock....and take a few minutes to air your feet out during the day
Gore Tex boots....I get about 1 to maybe 2 seasons out of them and they leak. I talked to the Cabelas boot buyer about it....and he says thats about right for the mesh panel boots...the GT liner breaks down with long hard use.
I used to sno seal, silicone spray, etc, etc... many different products that only ended up giving me a short term solution. While I was seam sealing my tent it struck me; a flexible waterproof barrier.
I like the boots so instead of buying a new pair I seam sealed them. I thinned 100% silicone with some mineral spirits to a thin watery consistency- about like olive oil. The mix soaks into the leather, cordura fabric and seams....... those boots performed perfectly now.
Edit; i'm being asked a lot about consistency. IMO, what you want is the consistency of vegetable oil so it soaks in and forms a very thin film. . If its too thick ...... it will flake crack or break off. I just coat the fabric or leather with it penetrating into it.
Breathability? Well I've always head that term tossed around re boots and chuckled..... when hard hiking my feet sweat in any boot....'breathable liner' or not. I've never seen a liner that can keep water out but lets your feet "Breath" on those hard hikes.
The best solution I've found is a good merino sock....and take a few minutes to air your feet out during the day
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