How to Waterproof My Red Wings

Red Wing Shoes produces a range of work boots and motorcycle boots in addition to hiking and outdoor shoes. A majority of the boots and shoes have leather uppers that are pretreated at the factory with waterproofing. Over time, the waterproofing wears out, requiring a treatment to bring them back up to their original waterproof quality. Red Wing has a variety of products made for waterproofing the boots and shoes. Take the time to keep your Red Wings waterproofed and well cared for to ensure a long, useful life for your shoes.

Things You'll Need

  • Horsehair brush
  • Rag
  • Waterproof shoe cream or wax
  • Chamois cloth
  • Hair dryer
  • Newspapers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread out some old newspapers on a work surface like a bench or work table. Scrub off any dirt or grime from the boots using the horsehair brush. Wipe off the boots with a shop rag after brushing off gunk and any other accumulation.

    • 2

      Dip a corner of a clean chamois cloth into the waterproofing cream and begin applying it on the Red Wing shoes at the toe-box. Work in a circular motion. Get into the nooks and crannies, such as around lace holes, under the tongue and on the stitching next to the shoe soles. Be generous in the cream application.

    • 3

      Coat both boots or shoes with the treatment cream. Turn the hair dryer to the low setting and apply heat to the Red Wing shoes to soften and melt the waterproofing into the leather. If excess cream drips onto the soles, wipe if off while it is soft and melted using the chamois.

    • 4

      Leave the shoe on the newspaper as the treatment dries into the leather. They are now ready to wear back to work or into the field.