I like pure beeswax for leather knife sheaths and leather work gloves. I prefer Obenauf's or Sno-Seal for leather footwear. Pure beeswax gets too inflexible in the cold and does not allow your feet to breathe. If you use a heat gun or hair dryer when you apply Obenauf's or Sno-Seal the waterproofing ability of these products is greatly increased and will last much longer. If you apply two good coats when the leather is new and clean, periodic applications should preserve the leather for a number of years of good service. If I plan to be in swamp or standing water for a long period of time I'll be wearing rubber boots.
