Description
WaterBased waterproofing liquid for smooth leather footwear.
High performance waterproofing that maintains support and breathability.
The comfort of waterproof footwear is dependent on it supporting feet and being breathable. The structure of leather and therefore the level of support it provides is maintained by tanning agents.
When leather absorbs water, it softens and tanning agents are lost. Subsequently, the leather is stiffer when it dries and therefore prone to splitting. Also, when leather gets wet the breathability of footwear is impaired, giving you damp feet.
Therefore, it’s essential that the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of your footwear is maintained. Eventually DWR will wear off and need to be renewed with Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather.
Leather is hardwearing, breathable and provides a high level of support, making it an ideal material for footwear construction. During leather production, tanning agents are added to maintain the structure of leather and prevent microbial growth. If leather becomes wet its breathability will be reduced, leading to wet feet from condensation. Also, when leather absorbs water, tanning agents are lost. Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather provides instant DWR, stopping leather from absorbing water and ‘wetting out’ while maintaining breathability. It replenishes tanning agents to maintain the support of leather footwear without over-softening.
Your footwear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the DWR will be revitalised just from cleaning. But, once the footwear has been thoroughly worn you will need to add DWR by using Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather.
Alternative waterproofing products leave behind a surface coating that can inhibit or reduce breathability, leading to wet feet from condensation.
Also, many waterproofing products are solvent-based waxes or aerosols; alternatively, they may be water-based and use fluorocarbons. Aerosol products are flammable. Fluorocarbons pose a potential risk to the environment and to the long-term health of the consumer. Solvent-based products also need to be applied to dry materials.
Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather is a completely non-flammable, safe product that you can apply to wet or dry leather, providing instant DWR while maintaining breathability.
Using the right cleaning product is as important as using the right waterproofing product. Conventional detergents leave behind a thin water-absorbent film on materials, which masks their water repellency. Therefore, always clean your waterproof footwear with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Remember that dirt itself works against water repellency, so regular cleaning will enhance performance.
Volume: 125ml
