Your waterproof footwear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. Through use, the outer surface of footwear will pick up contaminants, such as dirt, which attract water. This masks the effect of any Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, leading to footwear ‘wetting out’ in wet or damp conditions.
Cleaning waterproof footwear with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel will not only remove contaminants, such as dirt, but also revitalize DWR, causing water to bead on the outer surface once more. Once the footwear has been thoroughly worn, you will need to add DWR, using Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof or Waterproofing Wax for Leather, after cleaning first with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel.
Breathable footwear needs the right cleaner and waterproofer to maintain performance…
Conventional footwear cleaners leave behind a water attractive (hydrophilic) residue which masks the Durable Water Repellency (DWR), causing footwear materials to absorb water and ‘wet out’ in damp or wet conditions. Therefore, they need to be avoided when cleaning waterproof footwear. Use Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel to thoroughly clean your waterproof footwear safely, revitalize DWR and breathability. Alternative waterproofing products are often solvent-based aerosols; alternatively, they may be water-based and use PFCs. Aerosol products are flammable. PFCs pose a potential risk to the environment and to the long-term health of the consumer.
You don’t need to re-waterproof every time you clean…
Regular cleaning will enhance the performance of your footwear by removing water attracting (hydrophilic) dirt and other contaminants picked up when out and about. Cleaning using Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel will revitalize the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of your footwear, causing water to bead on the outer surface. When Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel alone does not revitalize the DWR of your footwear it’s time to re-waterproof using the appropriate Nikwax footwear waterproofer.
How Nikwax Hiking Care Kit maintains and protects your waterproof footwear…
Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel is a highly effective cleaner, which has been specifically designed and optimized for breathable waterproof footwear. Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel is designed for use on breathable waterproof footwear as it does not leave water attracting (hydrophilic) residues, which lead to fabric and leather absorbing water and ‘wetting out’. Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel™ removes water absorbent dirt and stains picked up during use; this revitalizes Durable Water Repellency (DWR) and causes water to bead on the outer surface. Regular cleaning with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel will revitalize existing DWR and revive breathability of your footwear, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof is easy and quick to apply; either spray or sponge on to wet boots. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof provides highly Durable Water Repellency (DWR) which develops on air drying. It leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibres of fabric and leather. This allows moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability and keeping your feet dry. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof has been specifically designed and optimised for fabric and leather combination footwear.
Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather is easy and quick to apply; sponge on to wet or dry boots. Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather provides instant Durable Water Repellency (DWR), stopping leather from absorbing water and ‘wetting out’ while maintaining breathability. It also replenishes tanning agents to maintain the support of leather footwear without over-softening.
Like all Nikwax products, Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel and Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof are safe for people and the environment
Nikwax takes great care to minimise the effect of Nikwax products on the environment and on you, the consumer. Nikwax waterproofing products are water-based, PFC-free, and non-flammable.
