By Dave Dolph, Oboz footwear developer
Recently, I took stock of my shoe library (yes, being a footwear developer means that you get to have a shoe library…perks) and found my Bridger Mid Wide ready to hit the trail. They were clean, conditioned, and waterproofed.
The rest of the library? Let’s just say I’ve got some work to do. You might relate. If your hiking kicks are still caked in autumn mud somewhere in your garage, fear not. It’s quite painless to get your Oboz in ship-shape for the coming season.
Importance of Regular Waterproofing
Oboz BDry waterproof/breathable models come out of the box ready to go—walk out of the store and begin hiking. Our BDry waterproof membrane is rock-solid, but even the best upper materials need occasional care.
BDry shoes have a water-proof/breathable lining with microscopic pores that keep water from coming in and that allow water vapor to get out (yes, it’s gross, but our feet do get hot enough to turn sweat to steam). For the physicists out there it’s perfectly logical. For the rest of us…well, the world is full of beautiful mysteries.
We apply a Durable Water Repellent Finish (DWR) to all textile and leather, which causes water droplets to bead on the surface and slough off. It’s important to note that DWR is durable, but it’s not indestructible. It needs occasional care.
When should that care be applied?
When your Oboz “wets out.” When DWR wears out, the upper material can absorb water and hold it against the BDry Lining. Outside water still can’t get past the BDry barrier, but now the vapor inside the boot cannot get out. It’s trapped. This creates a “false-leaking” situation. What feels like your boots leaking is really sweat collecting on the inside and not getting pushed through the lining (uhh, yeah, it made my stomach turn too).
Fortunately there’s an easy remedy.
Top Cleaners and Conditioners
We recommend Nikwax for their effective product and low environmental footprint (water based, petroleum free, and non-PFC).
Clean, Condition, Waterproof
Step 1: Clean
Green for clean, purple for proof. Nikwax cleaners have green bottle caps. Grab this bottle first. Wash and brush your shoes to remove dirt and contaminants.
Sponge on Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel while the shoes are still wet, brush again, and rinse
Step 2: Condition
Conditioner for Leather is a great solution for softening new boots during the break-in period, keeping leather supple, and helping to restore boots that didn’t get hugged enough when they were small. Wet the leather, shake the bottle, sponge it on.
Step 3: Waterproof
With the shoes still wet, sponge on Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Proof for all-leather styles, or Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof for mixed materials styles. Let your boots dry completely and then wipe off any excess.
Even a little mud left on the boot can damage the leather. Follow these steps to give your boots the care they deserve.
