Shoe Fashion

It’s that time a year again. Another blast of wintry weather to wreak havoc on our bodies and souls, a real-life wrestling match that can squeeze the life out of reason, as well as our shoes and boots. I can’t do much for your state of mind, but to keep those feet dry during inclement weather, I recommend using a waterproofing agent. And the first step is to locate a retail store that carries that kind of merchandise. Your choices? Shoe repair shops and leather craft stores have the best overall selection, but shoe stores, grocery centers, pharmacies, and even equestrian outlets will stock these items too. Going online to search for waterproofing agents isn’t a bad idea either.

Ok, so you’ve located the waterproofing agents. Now what? Well, if you chose a beeswax product, like Sno-Seal, make sure you also purchase one of the small horsehair applicators. This beeswax product is composed of a paste-like mixture, reminding me a little bit of Crisco in the can, and can be quite messy (the amber color of the beeswax has been neutralized). Plus, the leather needs to warmed, either by placing the footgear in a turned off, preheated oven, or by using a hair dryer. And no, heating beeswax in the microwave isn’t a good idea, as the pores of the leather need to expand, allowing maximum penetration. A beeswax waterproofing agent will also darken the leather, so don’t be alarmed by the discoloration. Another thing to remember is that this product was manufactured for footgear only, so a non-silicone rain and stain spray repellent is the best bet for leather garments.

Now if you chose mink oil, the same applications apply as mentioned above–if you purchased the paste-like product. Mink oil is also available in a bottled liquid, and in a pump or aerosol spray. I’d question the effectiveness of the aforementioned liquid mink oil products, though. Something had to be lost when the mink oil was altered or thinned. Lastly, mink oil will darken leather too.

The next waterproofing agent you may have chosen could depend on your geographical locale. Known simply as dubbin, this grease formula is a combination of wax, oil and tallow, and has been used since medieval times (check out www.dubbin.com for an entertaining view). Their colors and consistency will vary depending on your locale too; there’s a version on the US West Coast that appears blue but is actually neutral in color. And again, I’d purchase an applicator to dispense this product.

The latter three products will also condition the leather, as well as protect the material from that deadly salt. And all can be purchased for about the price of a cup of Starbucks’ coffee.

The next waterproofing agent you may have chosen is one of the many silicone products on the market. Available in a paste, liquid and aerosol spray, the beauty about this product is that silicone in its spray form can be applied to suede and nubuck leathers, without fear of smoothing out the nap. Plus, silicone spray is recommended for non-leather items too, like tents and sleeping bags. As with all the waterproofing agents, silicone will darken the leather, and should be applied at least every two weeks.

That takes care of those waterproofing products you may have purchased, but there are also rain and stain aerosol repellents that work just as effectively in winter weather, and are guaranteed not to darken leather. They just can’t handle prolonged exposure to the icy elements. Plus, for those individuals wearing leather-soled shoes or boots, there is a thin composition sole guard available that can be added directly to the bottom of the footgear. Sadly, this application is only available at shoe repair shops, but can be affixed in a matter of minutes. Just make sure those shoes or boots are dry when this work is performed so the adhesive seals properly.

And last, but not least, there are those infamous galosh overshoes and rubber boots. As ugly as they might be, your feet will remain dry. But style and comfort never have seen eye to eye, or in this case, foot to foot. Good luck and stay warm.