SummitPost.org

Posted: **Sun May 23, 2010 12:19 am**

What has been your experience. What product did you use?

Posted: **Sun May 23, 2010 12:25 am**

I have not had this specific boot, but many other leather boots by La Sportiva and other manufacturers. I have found Nikwax with beeswax and silicone to be the best product.

Posted: **Sun May 23, 2010 4:00 am**

Never waterproofed them, they were fine.

Posted: **Sun May 23, 2010 7:29 am**

Why would you waterproof a gtx shoe?

Posted: **Sun May 23, 2010 4:27 pm**

BrunoM wrote:Why would you waterproof a gtx shoe?

The La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX is basically a modern version of the classic full grain leather mountaineering boot. There is a Gore-Tex 'sock' inside that does nothing to keep the outer leather from absorbing water. Using a good quality beeswax or beeswax/polymer product (Nikwax, Biwell, etc) will condition the leather and keep it from drying out, make it last longer and will keep the leather from absorbing too much water when climbing in wet snow conditions.

Posted: **Wed May 26, 2010 5:45 pm**

I've been using Sno Seal on my boots for years and it sems to work fine

Posted: **Wed May 26, 2010 7:16 pm**

There is a special Nikwax for "Nubuck and Suede," recommended for Goretex boots. This Nikwax is a liquid suspension; mine is a 4.2 oz bottle (applicator) with a purple cap.

That said, it works conditionally. For a quick immersion in a stream, the water will roll off. For a few hours kick-stepping through spring snow, the leather will still eventually wet through.

Posted: **Wed May 26, 2010 9:49 pm**

I used the Nikwax Leather and Fabric wax on my Nepals. It seems to be slightly waxier stuff than the Nubuck and Suede and darkens the leather slightly, but also keeps the leather relatively water repellent. Supposedly the Nepal leather is impregnated with silicone to repel water (this is a feature of "Idro Perwanger" leather their marketing literature talks about) but the leather looked and felt a bit dry out of the box and was happy to soak up the added Nikwax waterproofing material I put on it.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2010 7:08 pm**

If your not in crappy wet conditions use nikwax water based. If you are in the shit use a wax based. Wax with hinder breathability. Water based will allow boots to breath better.

Posted: **Wed Feb 23, 2011 5:20 pm**

For many years I have used TECTRON Spray water repellant for boots ( http://www.rei.com/product/624530 ). I re-apply before any climb involving snow, and I have never been annoyed by a leak, or even "wetting-out" of the leather surface. Unlike "gooey" products, the character of the leather, or nubuck, is unchanged.

Posted: **Wed Feb 23, 2011 7:36 pm**

Here is what La Sportiva recommends:

General Guidelines for Boot Care

Treat the leather on the outside of your boots- If applicable, treat the leather on the inside of your boots as well
Use a seam sealer for extreme conditions
Pay attention to seams and rivets when waterproofing
Clean your boots after each use and re-treat as needed
Allow boots to air dry- Do not use a heat source
Take boots to a knowledgeable cobbler for repairs

What should I use to treat my new boots?

For a general purpose waterproofing product, we have found that Nikwax Aqueous Wax Leather Waterproofing performs the best
Re-apply this product as necessary or after every use in severe conditions
We also recommend that you occasionally condition the leather Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather
It is possible to use petroleum-based products too much, so apply only occasionally
A seam sealer will also help to keep water out
Please note these products may darken the color of the leather

What if my boots are Gore-Tex?

We recommend treating the leather on your Gore-Tex boots the same as you would on any other leather boot
The durable waterproofness of the Gore-Tex membrane is not affected by leather conditioners, silicone, oil or shoe polish

http://www.sportiva.com/products/leather.php

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