About 2 years ago I bought a pair of leather waterproof All Terrain type paddock boots from Ariat. I wear them a lot for work. The waterproofing finally died. I tried some things to re-waterproof them with no luck. I bought a new pair. Owned them for 7 days, wore them for 6 days. First day walking through wet grass after a rain- not puddles, not bathing- my feet were wet.
Ariat has shipped me a new pair and a shipping label to return the defective pair.
Before I wear the new pair does anyone have any recommendations on if I should add extra waterproofing while they are new and clean? If so, what would you use?
These boots are very comfortable. Columbia hiking boots are comfortable but I have had multiple pairs that only lasted waterproof for about 6 or 9 months. I do NOT clean stalls so don’t have as much footwear exposure to manure and urine as some barn help. My original pair lasted a good 18 to 24 months with no pre-treatment.
Thoughts?
Are you a regular (every couple of weeks) boot treater, or are you an apply a treatment once and forget boot wearer?
Somewhere in between, 2-3 times a year.
I wear the Terrain style boots the most but sometimes cycle in a pull on Ariat boot. The Terrains get probably 20 miles per week on them.
The pull on is not as supportive and I recently worked a shift by myself and got shin splints on my right leg from not enough support and too much walking. I will probably keep them for mostly working in the yard no leading in horses.
When I work with a co-worker I walk about 5 miles, mostly on gravel and concrete but some mud, puddles, and grass in the fields. Some horse bathing. If I work by myself, more like 8 miles.
I don’t remember using it on boots, but mink oil is a great protective treatment for tack when you are thinking you’ll be riding in the rain.
On boots, I’d try it on a small area first.
(If you use mink oil on tack be aware that it is slightly slippery. Try it on a dry day first.)
“Waterproof” leather boots generally have a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry. Treating the outside may not have the effect you are looking for. That said, my favorite boots are Blundstone. A regular application of Hydrophane definitely improves their water resistance.
Try using Dubbin every 3 to 6 months:
