Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather
This water-based waterproofing wax provides maximum water protection and a clean finish for footwear made of smooth-grain leather.




- High-performance, low-impact waterproofing can be applied to wet or dry leather for immediate protection
- Reduces water absorption in leather
- Dual-method sponge / manual applicator
- Will not soften leather; can be applied to wet or dry leather
- Water-based, biodegradable solution contains no fluorocarbons or VOCs
- Nikwax is a global leader in safe, high-performance waterproofing and cleaning solutions for clothing, footwear and equipment
Imported.
View all Nikwax Gear and Clothing TreatmentsBest Use | Hiking |
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Volume | 3.4 fluid ounces |
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Blundstones magic
Used this product on a pair of brand new Blundstones to protect them from the dirty wet of winter! Super easy to apply, soaked in nicely, and buffed out perfectly! Instantly beaded water. Very impressive!
Extends the useful life of your gear!
I have been using this for the last 5 years or so, it's a simple product that goes a long ways! I primarily use it on my alpine gloves a twice a season to improve the water resistance and keep the leather supple. I also really like that it has an added benefit of keeping the deterixty high in my ice climbing gloves -- without it, they often times stiffen up which leads to me throwing them out and buying a new pair. It can be slightly running so I generally shake well, and apply in small amounts at a time so I don't overdo it. If you take care of your gear, it will take care of you and this is one of the best produts to start your gear maintenence with.
Water Repellency is Great
As the directions indicate, it will darken light brown leather. Attaching a before and after so you can determine if having protection is worth a color change. Otherwise the water repellency works great!
Simply doesn't work
I've used nikwax on my boots for years and have always had terrific results: good long-lasting waterproofing performance. But the new water-based formula just doesn't work. I waxed my clean, dry boots carefully (rubbed it in, brushed it hard, just as I always have) and then went for a day hike (snow on the ground, but 50-degree weather, nothing extreme). Just from the snow kicked up on my laces, my boots soaked through. As another reviewer said: what happened to Nikwax?
The Worst Stuff...
I bought a tube of this Nikwax waterproofing wax for leather. It came in a tube with a sponge applicator. I shook it well as the directions said to, took the cover off, turned it over to apply to my shoes and the stuff just poured out. It poured all over the shoe but also allover my pants. This is NOT a cream but a liquid and there is no inner seal on the tube, also no warning on the container that the liquid will pour out as soon as the tube is turned over. I blotted my pants and immediately put them through the wash but they came out with a stain on them. This is a terrible product, made a huge mess and ruined a new pair of jeans.
Great Product- Works!
I was apprehensive to buy this until I read tons of reviews on Amazon. I bought it at REI so I could return it if it failed to work properly BUT it didn't. It sounds like the REI reviewers don't know how to use this product properly. Application Tips: 1. Wash the boots off with water first- especially the seams. Also wash the tongue and any area you want to waterproof. 2. Warm the boots and/or the wax first, if possible. (I set my boots in the sun and the wax on top of the dishwasher while it was warm. Many people use a hair dryer) 3. Apply wax in thin layers, by hand. Rub in the wax- if you do it in light enough layers, it's super easy and will absorb. Wait 12-24 hour to re-apply so each layer dries properly. Apply 2-5 coats. 4. Test the wax by placing your boot under a faucet and watch it bead!
Makes gloves supple and waterproof again
Been using this stuff for years and years, and it always works. Something that is sometimes looked over is that in addition to re-waterproofing your leather stuff, it also softens up any hardness which leather can sometimes do. Works great especially on gloves. I have a pair of leather BD Guide gloves that have been going strong for 6+ years because I take care of them once or twice a year with this stuff. Instructions are on the bottle and easy to understand. Definitely recommend if you have leather gloves or boots!
Works for blundstones but will change color
The product definitely works. I found applying it with my fingers was far less messy than with the foam applicator. I used this on my light rustic colored blundstones and it did make them darker, now they are more of a chocolate brown than the original light rustic brown. But still look beautiful and are more waterproof!
Be Smart!
After reading other reviews about the product being watery the obvious conclusion is it settled/separated sitting on the shelf. I warmed it manipulated the tube then shook it up. It came out as a tan/beige color and it works great! Follow the directions and on the stitching really work it in with your fingers rubbing firmly. You will love it just be smart!
Poor Choice
A small package of this product came with a pair of Kinco gloves I ordered for skiing. I applied as instructed to the brand new gloves, waited 24 hours and took them out. My hands stayed dry (probably more a testament to the glove than the watreproofing) but the leather DID soak through. The next week I went to my local REI and bought a tube so I could re-apply. This I did three times over three days and still, no significant water-repellency. Just too thin. I like the other Nikwax products, esp the tech-wash and wash-in but can't recommend this. Next step? Sno-Seal. The tried and true waterproofer here in the NW