Should You Wax Leather Walking Boots? How to, When to, and Why

Wax leather boots from new. Factory coatings wear off fast. Wax adds a water-repelling layer, feeds the leather, and keeps stitching sealed. If you walk in rain, mud, snow, or wet grass, wax keeps your boots working and stops early damage.

People search for wax leather boots because wet leather goes stiff, cracks, and leaks. Wax slows that down.

5 reasons to wax leather walking boots

1. Wax makes leather water-repellent

Wax fills the pores in the leather. Rain and puddles bead off instead of soaking in. That keeps your feet dry and stops the leather from rotting.

2. Wax keeps leather from cracking

Dry leather shrinks and splits. Wax feeds the fibres and keeps them flexible. That stops the hard creases that lead to cracks around the toe and flex points.

3. Wax protects stitching and seams

Water enters boots through the seams. Wax coats the thread and seals the needle holes. This is one of the main reasons boots start leaking.

4. Wax makes boots easier to clean

Mud sticks less to waxed leather. Dirt wipes off instead of grinding into the surface and wearing it down.

5. Wax makes boots last longer

Leather that stays fed and dry keeps its strength. That means fewer splits, fewer leaks, and a longer life for your walking boots.

Should you wax new leather boots?

Yes. Wax leather boots when they are new.

Most boots come with a light factory coating. That wears off after a few wet walks. A thin layer of wax from the start seals the leather before water gets in and starts breaking it down.

How to wax leather walking boots

Use this simple method for wax leather boots:

1. Brush off mud and grit
2. Wipe with a damp cloth
3. Let boots dry fully at room temperature
4. Apply a small amount of leather boot wax with a cloth or brush
5. Work wax into the seams and flex points
6. Leave for 10–15 minutes
7. Buff off any excess

Use a leather boot wax designed for outdoor footwear. Our boot wax and leather treatments are made for walking and shooting boots.

Do not dry boots on a radiator or stove. Heat damages leather.

How often should you wax boots?

Wax leather boots:

• After long wet walks
• After cleaning
• When water stops beading on the surface

For most walkers, this is every 3–6 weeks in wet seasons.

Is waxed leather waterproof?

Waxed leather is water-repellent, not rubber. Heavy rain will still get through eventually, but wax slows water entry and keeps feet dry for much longer than untreated leather.

After waxing

Before waxing

If you’re replacing your boots, browse our range of leather walking boots built for wet ground and long walks.

Updated January 2026