Just over 40 years ago when Nick Brown, an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for walking, found his feet getting damp in his trusty walking boots in bad weather, Nikwax was created. Dissatisfaction with the waterproofing products available at the time, led to Nick looking to create his own means of keeping his leather walking boots in prime condition and his feet protected from the rain.
Nick’s Wax was produced with the use of a tea urn, primus stove, a jug and materials from a local hardware store, then sold by Nick to the outdoor trade in the UK and Europe through the use of a Morris van and an Interrailing card.
Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather was the first Nikwax waterproofing product to be made and today is one of the bestselling footwear aftercare products worldwide!
Why is Waterproofing Wax for Leather such a key product?
If active outdoors, you need to know your leather walking boots will remain waterproof, comfortable and in prime condition for a long time. You can keep your leather boots in top shape by using Nikwax aftercare and one of the most important facts about Waterproofing Wax for Leather is that it is completely environmentally friendly! It is water-based and contains no nasty PFCs or harmful chemicals, thereby ensuring no dangerous impact on the environment we know and love.
Surely all smooth leather footwear is waterproof?
Leather is naturally resistant to some water, but most outdoor shoes still have an additional durable water repellent (DWR) coating on them, to give better performance. However, when out on the hills or trails, footwear will automatically pick up dirt and contaminants – this will mask and eventually wear away the DWR, meaning that feet start to get damp.
Ok, but what does Waterproofing Wax for Leather really do for my leather footwear?
- It maintains the breathability of the leather, which is vital if you do not want damp, sweaty feet when enjoying the outdoors.
- Its formula replenishes the tanning agents found in leather, this means you protect the stability of the footwear, supporting feet in key areas, such as ankles if wearing boots. Waterproofing Wax for Leather will not over-soften the leather.
- It provides instant waterproof protection!
- Waterproofing Wax for Leather is also recommended for footwear with waterproof membranes, such as GoreTex, Sympatex and all other waterproof breathable membranes.
How easy is it to use?
Very! Shake well and simply apply, by hand, to wet or dry leather using the applicator or your fingers.
Remove any excess with a cloth and buff up to shine. Note – it could darken leather, so always test on a hidden area of the footwear first.
Leave the footwear to dry naturally – if placed near a radiator it could cause the leather to dry too fast, which might crack the leather.
Top Tip!
Always clean your footwear first with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Apart from removing all dirt and contaminants, Footwear Cleaning Gel will revive the DWR. When cleaning alone will no longer revive water repellency, you then re-proof with Waterproofing Wax for Leather.
The result?
Footwear that performs when you need it, ensuring your feet remain dry, comfortable and supported in all activities and weather conditions!
