Homemade Waterproofing for Boots- Easy & Natural 

This recipe is perfect. I put my boots to the test today and im impressed. I used this method about a month ago and use my boots pretty hard. Today I was in the rain all day covered in mud, poultry poop, and water. These boots have been totally saturated on the outside all day and my feet are 100% dry, almost doesn't make any sense. Thank you for this water proofing method, 100% works!!

I used the same kind of recipe with a little variation. insteed of Petroleum Jelly (in Germany also known as "Vaseline") I used pure pharmaceutical grade Lanolin. I also ended up with different amounts: I used 4 fl.oz. Lanolin, 2 fl.oz. of Bees Wax and 1 teaspoon of vanilla fraguent oil. Works really good during the cold and rainy seasons in Germany (and we have a lot of them).

Great recipes thanks, I used my product while still in liquid form, worked really well. It’s been three week now in snow and mud and it’s holding extremely well. Water and mud just runs of it and the boots stay shiny. Thanks again.

A new manly cologne!!! You never know. I have done outdoor things for many years and your feet are one of the most important things to look after. Great video. Bruce

This is basically the same as I did when waterproofing my steel toe Caterpillar boots. I used and still use lots of Dubbin (I think also known as "saddle soap" which is basically same ingredients as your formula) and dark brown shoe polish. Only thing I would suggest is to first remove your boot laces when applying so that you can really get the formula everywhere needed. My boots are now 100% waterproof and water just falls off the leather.

Bees are so awesome.

It also helps to heat the boots to open the pores in the leather. Great recipe.

As a budding beekeeper, this sounds like a fantastic idea, I always have these supplies on hand!

I used your recipe on my Nicks Tactical Boots. I applied the liquid to my boots with a brush while it was still hot and also used my heat gun (on low) to open up the leather pores even more, to fully absorb into the leather. Turned out very well and this waterproofing should last for a very long time. I concur, the sandalwood scent smells great.

I do the same recipe but I heat the leather with a hair dryer and it draws all the waterproofing into the leather also there’s a commercial product that’s called snow seal that’s made from beeswax works great Great video

You can use the extra beeswax to make spoon butter for your wooden spoons and other things like wooden cabinets and tools. 1/2 beexwax, and 1/2 olive, canola or another light oil from the kitchen. I use it on a lot of stuff!

Bees wax toilet seal rings available anywhere toilet repair supplies are sold and cheap to buy. Use hairdryer to soak in waterproofing.

Just did this to my Timberland Earthkeepers, works amazing. Cooking it was fun and pretty self explanatory, and if you ever played baseball and had to break in a glove, working in the wax will pretty much be second nature. As you can see in the video there is some color darkening, but I like the color change. Anyway, awesome recipe.

Hi there... ive just tried your formula and applied it to my boots. Im heading off to the hills of Wales UK, lets see how this goes. I think ill do this to all my boots from now on. Thanks for creating this great video, all the best from Kieron in the UK

This mixture works well I have been using it for years to waterproof boots and wax jackets. I use a 50:50 mix of bees wax and paraffin wax plus enough petroleum jelly to make the mixture soft enough to apply with a cloth. Liquid paraffin can also be added to further soften the mixture. Apply with a cloth and use a heat gun/hair drier to melt mixture so it soaks in. The results are excellent.

Great recipe. Scrub it in good. Another tip: use a hair dryer / hot-air-gun / full-sun for a bit - melts the product in nicely; then re-apply and build-up double protection on the leather.

The Outsider: Thank you very much for this. Somehow, those delicate little sprays that are so expensive, they don’t do the job for anybody who actually uses their boot for more than just going between the house and the vehicle. This will be super useful. It will be hard to just keep a little bit in a threaded 10 with a seal at the top cover just to have a little extra in my bag packed for camping, to keep ahead of the boots Once they’re done.:)

I used to pass this local beeswax goods store and i always thought "When in the world would I ever need beeswax!?" ...and now I have boots lol

A better recipe that I am using includes (1) beeswax; (2) a little lanolin; (3) turpentine and sometimes a drop or two of fabric dye (used on brown dress shoes). The whole is blended with a spoon after the wax has solubilized in the turpentine solvent. Occasionally, I add a bit of low melting point paraffin or carnauba wax to the suspension to create a harder surface after drying, but on work/hiking boots this is not necessary. Be aware that petrolatum jelly (mineral oil), while aiding in water repellency and solvency, is also "desiccating" to leather as it does not let the natural moisture of the humid foot environment keep the collagen strands of the leather supple. Leather, like our skin, needs not only water repellency, but also hydration to maintain the micro-architecture of the leather fibers and disulfide cross-bonding between protein molecules. Lanolin is ideal for both shielding leather fibers from excess water (and hence oxidation damage), but is also hygroscopic, allowing just the right amount of moisture in. Sometimes I use a hair dryer on LOW to marginally melt the waxes, allowing faster penetration. Caution must be used when doing this, as, should the heat be excessive, it can actually do damage.

Great video! Looking forward to trying this. I’ve heard having a propane gun/blow torch can be useful to help melt the wax into the seams. I would definitely recommend removing laces first before applying wax!

Interesting video! I m very sure you can use the very same wax as car polish tire shine leather seat protector and many other uses around the house. Also one suggestion : next to e apply the wax on pre heated show. Use heat gun or hairdryer or even oven in a very low temp to warm-up the boots and then start to rub! You get much deeper intial penetration so you built up a better fundation.. Tnx

Pre heat oven to lowest setting. Turn off oven. Insert boots. remove boots after about ten minutes one at a time to apply waterproofing mix. this opens the pores of the leather to allow deeper penetration of the mixture.

Seems like a great waterproofing method. If you ever have the chance to get bear fat That is the best I ever tried . My boots lasted for a month at least before having to touch them up . And that was in daily walks in water . I know it isn't readily available but if you know a trapper or bear hunter I am sure he could give you some. Simply heat it up and wipe it on let it soak overnight .

theres a lemon wax out there i used to use for a trench coat with bees wax in it. years later(at least 10 years or so), my coat is still almost like new. gotta get some for my boots :D

I suggest heating the boots with a hairdryer after applying the waterproofing compound to really melt it into the leather ! Leave overnight and then buff with a damp polishing cloth.

Thank you for this video. I've been researching this and your ingredients are simple, natural and inexpensive - so far I think it's the best. It's been awhile since you made this video. Do you still use this mix and are you still happy with the results? Thanks again, blessings to you and your family.

Man when you were making that mixture it's just like how my fiance makes her canddles ! Will be giving this a try I'm tired of spray/wipe ons that fade away in a couple of days

Great project. Looking forward to seeing this cabin build.

I broke the replay button for the intro. So satisfying...

Hey bud, couple of recommendations and I guess basic info. That process you did to your boots is called tining. Anyways, remove laces for better access next time. Microcrystalline wax works way better and I don’t see a problem adding some beeswax and sandal woods for smell but I suppose they would reduce the effectiveness. Also, preheat your boots to atleast 100 just to open the pores of the leather. A paint brush also will make it easier to apply when it’s still super hot and thin. Last recommendation is to use a heat gun after to remelt it on the boots to allow it to absorb even deeper. You can also tin your pants and jackets btw.

This is very cool, I have this pair of knee high riding boots, this mix will do wonders for my boots, keep them mud and bug free! High five dude!

If you would remover shoelaces would do better job of waterproofing

This is great, especially for hiking where not continually walking in water. The colour change doesn't matter, unless you're a poser. Thanks Outside-Fun 1

In the British Amy we used bees wax to get our boots, to a very high gloss shine, but we kept the wax molten and painted it on the boot , maybe if you kept it molten and used a paint instead of that big brush. You never know until you try

Use a hair dryer on the boots and let the wax mixture really soak in.

Very nice video. I like where you put the side-by-side comparisons and before and after's

If not wanting to make your own at home, stop by a western clothing store or buy mink oil online. Same benefit though I prefer to set my boots out in the sun so the leather will heat up and pores expand. The sandalwood oil is a great idea. The darkened leather is character.

So spray on stuff is just for things like suede, or fancy shoes you don’t want to discolour. I use SnowSeal, which is basically the same thing. If you really want it to soak in, you can warm the boots slightly to liquify it and open the pores of the leather. Just be aware that the more water proof, the less breathable. Cool to make your own stuff though. I’ll have to keep an eye out for bees wax

Wow this is amazing. I can't wait to do this to my boots! Couple of questions: Do you think this would work on combat boots? The leather is a bit different and I polish them often. Why didn't you take off the laces? When you reapply does it have to be melted to soak in properly?

Very good one but the only problem I see here is that the colour of your boots has changed. I don't want that my boots are changed in colour. The rest it's a wonderful solution. Thanks for sharing.

You can also use a small torch to melt the mixture into the leather for a longer lasting dryness.

nature certainly has all the good stuff that mankind has learnt to use, great descriptive video & no doubt will become most useful to all house holds. I was in awe of the History of your slice of Maple Tree very relevant to mankind. I knew about NZ & the suffragettes fighting for the right for Women to vote. Sir Edmund Hilary (NZ) supposedly 1st on Mount Everest & the Atom bomb was created by a local guy Rutherford from Nelson South Island NZ. You & your wife did a wonderful job getting this information out there. thank you & you may have guessed I am a New Zealander who resides in Australia, so enjoy guys n girls enjoying our Planet their Way.

I tried with mixture of beeswax, nestfoot oil and vaseline on my veg tanned leather boots. It works very good. Before, it absorbs water like sponge.

Probably a dumb question but how do you clean the brush afterwards?

step 1 buy a pair of good boots step 2 take the laces out step 3 heat up mixture step 4 applie liquified mixture with bare hands

The best place to find bees wax is the ring that goes on the bottom of a (crapper) commode. The wax seal is bees wax. I use it in a home made polish for wood.

Just did this process to my boots except I slightly warmed my boots with a hair dryer first to open the poors then applied the warm wax to them let it cool, then warmed them again to soak it in. I'm gonna apply a second coat in a few days since I have plenty left over

Sweet video.I wanted to know if this recipe also makes the leather less or not breathable...? What do you think?

I’ve made some in the past with beeswax and lanolin. I used a hairdryer to gently melt the wax mixture in. I don’t know if it really waterproofed anything but they do seem to be permanently hydrated.

I will try your recipe to water proof my boots, Thanks for sharing!

lavendar helps repeal too

Great recipe thanks...I have a question : The leather on my Altberg desert tabbing boots is 2mm full-grain suede. The lining is fully breathable Cambrelle. I have understood that this type of lining and suede will dry out quicker than Goretex and heavy leather...so...I want to use the boots in UK wet weather conditions and logically want to waterproof, but will applying your beeswax-vaseline solution defeat the breathability of the boot and its drying-out properties as well as blocking breathability for the foot inside ? There are periods when my boots are exposed daily for two weeks at a time to wet conditions. Thanks to anyone who can advise :)

Beeswax candles/chunks are available at most craft stores for DIY candle making or at health food stores too!

clever, but the petroleum jelly will break down the glue and other adhesives in the boot especially around the welt and sole.

Could also be a recipe for the world's best smelling fire starter

I treat my new boots in a similar way...even if they say waterproof. One thing I do is put them on a rag (keep the soles clean) in a warm place to help absorption.

Good video but why didn't you just keep it hot and paint it on so it would soak in deeper and make it a lot easier to get into all the little nooks and crannies? Peace

I hope you get a bunch of views. You did a great job on this video and it will help many ppl. You will have to try it on a canvas tarp next ..:)

Why not just wear rubber boots? I don't think walking constantly in deep watery mud puddles is within the use case for any leather boots.

Thank you so very much for this! I have to wear special leather shoes, this will help preserve them. Blessings!

Nice man. Very rugged and cool project I plan to do in the future.

Coconut oil also works and you can use that as a hair gel too.

Of you pre-heat your boots with a space heater or hair drier, theleather will absorb more of the mixture and absorb it deeper resulting in a better more effective treatment.

This recipe works good, and has forever...but initially it was used mainly by working men, now that it's getting more popular because of easy access to the recipe. The reason I saw that is, when working people would use it they generally didnt care much of their pants got oil on them. If you use this with petroleum jelly, it has a better than average chance of ruining the bottom of your pants, especially if it's hot outside. Theres a super cheap option that work even better, its nearly fool proof because theres not really a certain mix ratio. Mineral spirits + 100% Silicone. The silicone needs to say 100%, and be the clear type. NOT BLACK. Its absolutely safe, even if your dog eats your shoes. The mineral spirits just acts a dispersant, much the same job as the petroleum jelly he uses here, except when it evaporates...its gone. There are multiple videos showing you how to mix it, just look it up. Another advantage it has is, that it can be used on ANYTHING. Any type of surface, even metal. Of course the more porous the material the longer it lasts. The mineral spirits at walmart is around 12$ for a gallon, the silicone will be around 3 maybe. Good luck!

Great advice. Wado for sharing. ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE

There are several products commercially available for the same cost or less. Murphys Australian beeswax is beeswax and petroleum jelly and is sold to coat cornrows and can be found in the ethnic hair section at Walmart and Rite aid for four dollars, enough to do several pairs of boots. The other is Howards beeswax furniture polish which has beeswax, mineral oil and citrus oil and cost about 10 dollars. Mineral oil and petrolatum are derived from the same source. They are much easier to apply than the method in the video. They are easy to rub on the the boot. add extra around seams and stitching. Simply rub in in with your fingers. Then carefully take a hair dryer and heat until the material soaks into the boot. You can apply a second coat by hand again and rub or buff with a rag to get a nice sheen and remove excess material. Do not put your boots in the oven to soak the product. Once the boots are warm it is very easy to rub in the second coat by hand. As long as you use a light touch the is no danger to the leather since it is already coated with the product and is actually adding oils NOT removing them.

Thank you for doing this diy. An excellent job. I have only one question however, you said after the application of the solution that one of the boots "had moisture on the inside, but the socks stayed dry." Was that a faux pas or did I miss something in the video or do you have some sort of special socks? Not being a horse's hiney here, merely asking a question. So other commenters, don't pounce on me or 'Outsider' because of the Q. I have a bee supply very near by and my wheels of ideas are already turning in my head...

Looks like a great waterproofing for leather boots. Would you say this is better than mink oil?

Thank you for sharing! I have been looking to waterproof my boots. Again thank you.

That's a great combo, I'll have to remember this next time I need to do some waterproofing!

Thanks Outsider, great for Costco deerskin gloves. Stay safe

In your pictures the ground is very wet and muddy. I feel you need a rubber boot. Try Lite Boots. Also you can tuck your jeans inside the boot, and keep them from getting wet and muddy.

I wonder if heating with a blow dryer would have helped it soak in to the seams better? Plus, I would have removed the laces so I got better coverage.

boiled linseed,pine tar,beeswax.Is what I use on tin cloth leather and steel.The mix ratios are on youtube follow directions when melting the mix together closely to avoid a fire.Cheap effective and highly recommend it.

I just used some candle wax but I'll try this!

If you heat the leather with a heat gun of hair dryer it opens the pores of the leather and does a much better job. Just a tip

Did you try Sno-Seal brand? I just did my new boots with it...I hope it wasn't a waste of time 😶

Terrific video. Thank you for uploading

This is so awesome, tell me though can I use this for my tent?

Looking forward to trying this, but before I do I would like to know if it will work on my hiking boots that have black suede?

Heat, heat, heat is the key ! Really dry out the boots before you start and remove the laces so you can get right into all the crevices as boots often leak at the base of the tongue. Preheat the boot with a hairdryer, and keeping the dryer on, apply wax straight from the hot pot and spread it and keep applying till it stops soaking in and starts to remain a little wet on the surface everywhere. Keep the heat on and brush with a dry bristle shoe brush or paperhangers brush, Remove any excess with a canvas or cotton wad, burnishing hard. I use a 40/40/20% mix of Beeswax/Paraffin wax/Clear Mineral oil - totally waterproof and nice and flexible. - like the idea of essential oils - keep insects off and mask the smell of my feet ;

(Great recipe, but u might add that it will darken the leather considerably... worth it if you're working in the woods, of course, but, still, wpuld be nice to know up front.)

VERY nice I was just about to waterproof my boots so I'm going to give this a try. I actually have a bunch of beewax laying around so this will be great! Thanks for sharing!

You can also use a hair dryer to melt it into the leather.

here is a tip remove your laces, but i use a same sort of wax only out of a jar from barbour i use a lot of old style wax jacktes

niiice. now; brand of boots plz?

You should use a hair dryer after it has dried to beat up the wax and soak it into the boot and dry it off

raw lanolin grease, wax, boiled linseed oil and mineral turpentine as the transport, heat all together as in the video then let it set - is also good for timber, furniture polish.

very good but you basically made dubbin which i use for all my leather goods and some of my canvas bags the only difference is dubin uses fish oil which will not affect glue in the way many of the comments below state.

I take straight Bee's wax. Heat it. Run it through cheese cloth to get out any big buggers. Put my boots in my solar heater. Bring them up to about 115*f. Put the wax in a metal oil, pump can, and put in heater with the boots. After everything warms up, soak the boots down. Put back in heater. Waite 15min. Redo. Set out to cool. I've found by heating the leather it will absorb the wax muck better, threads and all.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

2:00 first melt 8 oz. petroleum jelly, add in 2 oz. Beeswax, 2:43, add 1 tbsp sandalwood essential oil

I hate sandlewood so much, its the typical smell of hippies in an open air concert or market shop stall *shudder Also ive had surprisingly good luck with silicone based sprays. Easy to apply, cheap, fast, and it doesnt darken your boots that much. I admit I had my doubts until applying some 3M on mine before last hunting season. For a couple of bucks and couple minutes to spray down they repel water exactly like yours. To each their own.

1st start with actually having waterproof boots. Gore tex or similar. Then do this to the leather to stop water ever getting near the gore tex and you have perfectly dry feet all day.

Great tip. Thanks

Awesome thanks for the share thats great I will definitely give this a go!

Nice job!

I've heard petroleum jelly is bad for leather over time. Have you tried using a hair dryer to warm the leather for better penetration? It sucks it up like a sponge.

Why do you add petroleum jelly and not use the beeswax only? I want to waterproof the leather soles of my figure skates and I’m wondering if I should mix petroleum jelly with the beeswax.

Thank you. I thought bees wax would do it. Now to find some wax.