If a boot is truly water proof, one will get wet from the inside. If one wants water proof, he has to go with impermeable rubber or plastics and in cold temps will still experience condensation.
The only boots that will keep my feet dry for a full day of hiking in rain, slush, or wet mud are my packs, and that's simply because there's 1/2 to 3/4 inch of wool insulation between me and their outer surfaces. I dry the boots overnight and swap out spare liners daily.
When we get one of those 90+ hot summer days all of my boots go outside into the sun and get lathered up with whatever treatments the builders suggest. Makes them somewhat water resistant, but certainly not water proof. With the exception of my waders and irrigators, I've never seen water proof boots.
Regardless of treatment, a permeable boot is going to get wet with a couple days of hard use in wet conditions.
Last edited by 1minute; 03/23/15.
