this is what i used on my razorbacks. i also put a coat of neutral polish on it for additional water resistance and because I like having shiny hiking boots.
I would think that on African Rangers, the fiberboard midsole and the stitching are going to be where water would enter. One would have to seal up around the edge of the sole so that the fiberboard won't soak up any water, and seal up the top of the threads, so water doesn't get down into the midsole from there.
And the stitching around the upper. Stitching is always going to be a point of entry for water.
I was disappointed how little they resist water.
So far I have had luck with obenafs. You have to soak the sole stitches and midsole edge. That was where water seemed to be intruding on mine.
I did a ton of wax blend I mixed. I made a post.
It's been seeping wax onto the surface on the one boot I did. Two heavy layers. I was gonna leave the other unwaxed to see how they compare in summer.
But I did wear the pair to dip in water and yes the waterproofing really works. Maybe not to completely submerge and set there too long, but yes water soaked into the untreated boot while the treated one held up as far as I could tell.
I used Montana pitch blend followed by a product very similar to snoseal called grangers. Held up very well all winter. Does leak a little through the stitches if you stand in deep water, but that’s expected. 99% water resistant.
I sealed mine with Obenauf's LP and was able to walk through a small creek in them. Make sure you work whatever you decide on into the side of the boot. That's the weak point for stuff seeping in.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/jimgreen/comments/1bsby01/leather\_care\_101\_for\_water\_resistant\_field\_boots/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/jimgreen/comments/1bsby01/leather_care_101_for_water_resistant_field_boots/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Following the outline in the above link, my boots handle all day snow or rain, creek crossings (including complete submersion, and they dry out by the next day. My BFARs are veg-tan, which has more water resistance than the nubuk. Also, keep in mind, this is "old school" version of water resistant. The leather may soak through. You manage moisture. The leather stays conditioned. Dry the boots with out direct heat. It's about moisture management, not complete waterproofness.
They're not waterproof boots.
I don't know why so many people want them to be on this sub, they're not—no matter how much wax or mink oil you apply.
Water is going to get in, they're leather, and the toe cap adds a lot of small holes for water to leak into.
Buy boots designed for water or snow resistance. ARs are designed for walking around sandy, dry South Africa.
I have bought regular roper boots for years and mink oil has been fine for waterproofing. I don't expect them to be water tight, but my foot shouldn't get soaked walking in grass either.
Nowhere in my post did I say they were or are waterproof. I asked how I" can waterproof" or make them more "resistant".
People have been waterproofing leather boots for hundreds of years.
Perhaps read what people actually say instead of getting mad at some made up person/idea.
I've had success with beeswax; often recommended is snoseal.
this is what i used on my razorbacks. i also put a coat of neutral polish on it for additional water resistance and because I like having shiny hiking boots.
I effing love these boots but in my heart of hearts I know they were designed for deserts and not mucky non dry environments.
Exactly.
I would think that on African Rangers, the fiberboard midsole and the stitching are going to be where water would enter. One would have to seal up around the edge of the sole so that the fiberboard won't soak up any water, and seal up the top of the threads, so water doesn't get down into the midsole from there. And the stitching around the upper. Stitching is always going to be a point of entry for water.
Snoseal on mine. I hike through mud weekly and my feet are dry.
I was disappointed how little they resist water. So far I have had luck with obenafs. You have to soak the sole stitches and midsole edge. That was where water seemed to be intruding on mine.
I did a ton of wax blend I mixed. I made a post. It's been seeping wax onto the surface on the one boot I did. Two heavy layers. I was gonna leave the other unwaxed to see how they compare in summer. But I did wear the pair to dip in water and yes the waterproofing really works. Maybe not to completely submerge and set there too long, but yes water soaked into the untreated boot while the treated one held up as far as I could tell.
I used Montana pitch blend followed by a product very similar to snoseal called grangers. Held up very well all winter. Does leak a little through the stitches if you stand in deep water, but that’s expected. 99% water resistant.
I sealed mine with Obenauf's LP and was able to walk through a small creek in them. Make sure you work whatever you decide on into the side of the boot. That's the weak point for stuff seeping in.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/jimgreen/comments/1bsby01/leather\_care\_101\_for\_water\_resistant\_field\_boots/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/jimgreen/comments/1bsby01/leather_care_101_for_water_resistant_field_boots/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) Following the outline in the above link, my boots handle all day snow or rain, creek crossings (including complete submersion, and they dry out by the next day. My BFARs are veg-tan, which has more water resistance than the nubuk. Also, keep in mind, this is "old school" version of water resistant. The leather may soak through. You manage moisture. The leather stays conditioned. Dry the boots with out direct heat. It's about moisture management, not complete waterproofness.
Exactly what I needed, thank you!
They're not waterproof boots. I don't know why so many people want them to be on this sub, they're not—no matter how much wax or mink oil you apply. Water is going to get in, they're leather, and the toe cap adds a lot of small holes for water to leak into. Buy boots designed for water or snow resistance. ARs are designed for walking around sandy, dry South Africa.
I have bought regular roper boots for years and mink oil has been fine for waterproofing. I don't expect them to be water tight, but my foot shouldn't get soaked walking in grass either. Nowhere in my post did I say they were or are waterproof. I asked how I" can waterproof" or make them more "resistant". People have been waterproofing leather boots for hundreds of years. Perhaps read what people actually say instead of getting mad at some made up person/idea.
I slathered mine in Obenauf's LP and walked through a small creek in them and they stayed dry.
True
Sno seal INSIDE and out. As much as it'll possibly take with a hair dryer. Then wipe off next day. Apply acrylic resolene every time it rubs off.
Beef tallow works wonders for waterproofing. I’ve heard a beeswax tallow blend works even better.
Nikwax works great for waterproofing