Advice on Sno-Seal

[Pilsner]

Hi there,

I have just acquired a new pair of boots: Berghaus Supalite II GTX.

It’s been years since I have had leather walking boots. My instinct is to treat them with Sno-Seal, but I am unfamiliar with a leather outer, goretex lined, leather inner boot. Berghaus, of course, recommend their own branded ‘cream’, but I’m not convinced that Sno-Seal wouldn’t do the job just as well.

Your thoughts or experiences would be very welcome.

 

[lambertiana]

Be very careful with Sno-Seal on boots that have glued soles. It can cause the soles to come off the boots; I learned this lesson the hard way and the boot company, Vasque, refused to honor their warranty because I had used SnoSeal, even though there was nothing in the literature that came with the boots or on their website that said the use of SnoSeal would void the warranty. You would probably be better off using Nikwax. Check with Berghaus for their recommendation.

 

[Pilsner]

Be very careful with Sno-Seal on boots that have glued soles. It can cause the soles to come off the boots; I learned this lesson the hard way and the boot company, Vasque, refused to honor their warranty because I had used SnoSeal, even though there was nothing in the literature that came with the boots or on their website that said the use of SnoSeal would void the warranty. You would probably be better off using Nikwax. Check with Berghaus for their recommendation.

Many thanks for this.

 

[ForkCreekForge]

I used Sno-Seal on a pair of gortex lined boots, thinking I was doing myself a favor. Boots had a leather liner around the upper part of the boot, which began to crack and fall apart. After doing a little research, I had one of those "I should have thought of that" moments. The gortex allows the boots to breath by design. Sno-Seal kept things air-tight during wear and sweat build-up led to premature degradation of the leather. I would contact the manufacturer for recommendations, but until then, wouldn't advise Sno-Seal on gortex lined boots.

 

[pinnah]

Nikwax makes a product specifically for GoreTex boots.

Having spent years walking and skiing in the snow wearing non-GoreTex boots, I've given up on both SnoSeal and AquaSeal. They've both wrecked boots of mine.

By far, my favorite boot dressing is Limmer's Boot Grease, but only for non-GoreTex boots.

 

[gadgetgeek]

I've had good luck in general with nikwax stuff, and in general it seems that more outdoor companies seem to recommend them over other brands. Not sure why, but its rare enough for a company to recommend another company's products, and time and again nikwax gets the green light.

 

[SpyderPhreak]

Though I see that this thread is not brand new, I would highly recommend Obenauf's LP!

I'll not link it, but it's easy enough to find. Created by an Idaho wild land firefighter, and used by a lot of firefighters, this stuff is the real deal. I use it on all my leather boots, and I am especially amazed how well it works on my main pair of hunting boots that I wear archery and upland hunting. I put a LOT of miles on these boots every year, they're going into year 8 now, and they've held up extremely well, in part, I think due to the Obenauf's. It's a little bit of work to apply, but it's work every bit of it. Try it, I think you'll not be disappointed.

 

[Uncle Timbo]

Has anybody ever heard that Snowseal will rot any threading on the soles?

 

[jmh33]

Has anybody ever heard that Snowseal will rot any threading on the soles?

I have read that in a few places.. But.. I have never seen proof of it but that doesn't mean it aint happened.. Though.. I kinda wonder if other factors weren't in place?? John

 

[Uncle Timbo]

I have read that in a few places.. But.. I have never seen proof of it but that doesn't mean it aint happened.. Though.. I kinda wonder if other factors weren't in place?? John

I guess the thread should dry out at some point. Would the SS keep them moist too long?

 

[BladeScout]

Nice boots. Never tried Berghaus. Im a Lowa fan.
As others have mentioned, Id likewise advise against using SnoSeal on GoreTex boots. You might clog the pores in the leather.
SS is excellent for leather handled knives and I use it for that but as the name implies, it does 'seal' the leather - not what you want with your membrane equipped boots.
Depending on how much you sweat, the membrane sometimes have a hard time keeping up as is.
I dont have a problem with GoreTex boots. Have boots with a membrane and boots without. Use both but actually prefer a non-membrane boot.
Same with rain jackets. Often the membrane doesnt 'breathe' enough. Further more, the membrane might eventually break down.

 

[bikerector]

I use the DWR spray from gear aid with good results on my cycling clothes and other random attire (DWR winter hat anyone?). I've never heard of any issues with any of the DWR treatments but we don't use much leather in the endurance sports due to weight, breathability, and ease of care for the high tech fabrics available now.

I'm pretty sure this stuff is the same as the nikiwax options, this was just cheaper when I was shopping years ago. It's lasted a lot longer than I expected but I rejuvenate my DWR winter jackets as much as I should, partly because I've become a sissy and don't ride on snow and ice as much as I used to.