I just got a pair of Lowa Mountain Expert GTX (Gore-Tex liners).

Lowa advises that the leather be treated with a wax-type waterproofing.

I thought wax-type stuff was forbidden for boots with Gore-Tex liners.

I have some Nikwax for nubuck/goretex, and some nikwax creme (wax-based); I'm inclined to use the former.

Opinions?

I use Nikwax (bees wax and silicone) on my full grain leather, GoreTex lined boots and have not noticed any decrease in breatheable.

I have a pair of the Mt. Experts also.

When I first bought them about 3 years ago, Lowa recommended using Granger's products that are safe with Goretex. It was Granger's G-Max line. I see Lowa has since changed their website, and Granger's has changed their products also.

Back when I bought the Granger's stuff, they had several different products for the different kinds of leather. Now, they have two products that I see: G-Max Universal Footwear Waterproofer, and G-Max Footwear Waterproofer. I don't know the difference between the two.

http://www.grangers.co.uk/US/productview.cfm?id=33
http://www.grangers.co.uk/US/productview.cfm?id=31

I think it is kind of odd how Lowa doesn't mention anything about Goretex vs. Non-Gortex boots. Maybe give them a call or email to inquire about the proper treatment of the Mt. Experts?

Also, even after using the Granger's products (the old line of products), the water does not bead up on my boots like I expected it too after the treatment. It kind of sucks when the leather soaks up all the water. I might be looking into a new solution. Keep us updated.

I have used the Lowa Cristallo X Pro for the past 3 years. I treat them with Nikwax Fabric and Leather Waterproofing. It works great, and my feet have stayed dry in a wide range of conditions.

Lowa never responded, so I put wax-based creme on the lower parts, the water-carrier stuff on the rest.

I have a pair of the same LOWA Mountain Expert boots, and I treat them several time a season with TECTRON boot treatment. This is a silicon style spray. Over the last 10 years I have found it effectively prevents the leather from "wetting out", and maintains breath-ability and the fresh look of the leather much more than the "gooey" type of sealants. I don't think "goop" is they way to go with nubuck/goretex boots. This works great on lightweight boots that use synthetic fabric uppers too. http://www.rei.com/product/624530