In August '97 I saved an article from backpacker magazine where they did an extensive scientific test of a number of boot waterproofing compounds, titled "The Truth Leaks Out". In short many of the treatments mentioned here were used in that test. The test consisted basically of 1st one, and then a second application of the treatments on leather pieces and placed them in a Maeser Tester, which flexed them and bends them and dips them in water over and over, as if being worn by a hiker, and measures when water penetrates the sample. The three best products in the test were Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellent Spray 18,400/14,400 flexes, Nikwax Aqueous Wax 19,000, 24,000 flexes, and Tectron Boot/Shoe Protector 14,500/47,000 flexes. Most of the bees wax combination, mink oil, etc types were on the order of 4,000 flexes or less Aqua Seal 7,300/10,100. This test doesn't truly factor in the abrasive nature of walking through wet grass and snow but, its about as close as we're going to get. Sno-Seal, often recommended was 3,400/4,000. My use of these various products in the wet north east, Alaska, and the last 18 years in Montana's dry northwest supports the use of Nikwax Aqueous and Tectron with a libral coating of Montana Pitchblend over the top. Nice thing about the Nikwax Aqueous is you can put it on your already wet boots before they dry.
