How to Waterproof KEEN Leather Boots Before Winter Hits
By weOfficial KEEN® Site – Consciously Created Footar for a Better Planet | KEEN Footwear | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Tips & Care
A step-by-step guide to waterproofing KEEN leather boots before winter, including cleaning, conditioning, and sealing for lasting protection.
Quick answer
To waterproof KEEN leather boots before winter, start by cleaning off dirt and salt, then apply a leather conditioner, and finish with a waterproofing treatment like a wax or spray. Focus on seams and high-wear areas, and always test on a small spot first. Reapply as needed throughout the season.
Why leather boots need waterproofing before winter
Leather is naturally water-resistant but not waterproof. Winter conditions—snow, slush, and road salt—can strip away natural oils, leading to cracked leather and wet feet. A waterproofing treatment adds a protective layer that repels water and keeps leather supple. Even boots labeled waterproof, like the Men's Targhee III Waterproof Mid Wide, benefit from regular maintenance to maintain their performance.
Gather your supplies
You'll need a soft brush or cloth, mild soap or leather cleaner, leather conditioner, and a waterproofing product (wax, cream, or spray). Avoid harsh detergents or silicone-based products that can clog pores. For boots with synthetic mesh panels, like the Men's Lansing Mid Waterproof (Steel Toe), use a spray designed for mixed materials.
Step-by-step waterproofing process
- Clean the boots: Remove laces and brush off loose dirt, mud, and salt with a soft brush. Mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water and wipe the leather with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking the leather; wring out the cloth well. Checkpoint: If the leather is heavily soiled, use a dedicated leather cleaner. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and let dry naturally away from direct heat.
- Condition the leather: Once the boots are dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a soft cloth, working it into the leather in circular motions. Pay attention to flex points and seams. Let it absorb for 15–20 minutes, then buff off any excess. Mistake to avoid: Skipping conditioning. Dry leather can crack, and waterproofing won't adhere properly to dry, brittle leather.
- Apply waterproofing treatment: Choose a wax, cream, or spray based on your boot's material. For all-leather boots, wax or cream provides durable protection. For mixed materials like the Lansing Mid, use a spray. Apply an even coat, focusing on seams and high-wear areas. Use a brush or cloth for wax/cream; spray in a well-ventilated area. Checkpoint: Test on a small hidden area first to ensure no discoloration. Allow the treatment to dry completely (usually 24 hours) before wearing.
- Reapply as needed: During winter, reapply waterproofing every 4–6 weeks or after heavy use. Clean and condition before each reapplication. If you notice water no longer beading on the surface, it's time to retreat. Next step: Store boots in a cool, dry place away from direct heat. Use a boot tree or stuff with newspaper to maintain shape.
KEEN boots built for winter
- Men's Targhee III Waterproof Mid Wide | Black Olive/Golden Brown: Our iconic hiker, updated. We carried over the room-for-your-toes fit and made-to-keep durability fans love and gave it a slightly sleeker look. Now in wide. The wide fit and durable leather upper make these boots a great candidate for regular waterproofing to extend their life.
- Little Kids' Kanibou Waterproof Winter Boot | Dark Earth/Roasted Pecan: Where the snow goes, they go. With rugged traction and 200g of KEEN.WARM insulation (rated to -25°F), kids can follow the flakes from sidewalk to sled hill. These kids' boots are already insulated and waterproof, but treating the leather and synthetic upper can help maintain their water resistance.
- Men's Lansing Mid Waterproof (Steel Toe) | Raven/Tawny Olive: Dependable hiker fit with jobsite-focused features. Durable waterproof work boot with mid-height leather + mesh upper provides essential protection and support. The leather and mesh combination requires a waterproofing product that works on both materials without damaging them.
