Suede chukka boots in the snow?

[zjpj83]

Rubber soled chukka boots in the snow? Do they need to be "weatherproofed?" thanks

 

[Connemara]

Waterproofing would be wise. The suede can get stained if its subjected to moisture for a long period of time (i.e. trudging through snow).

 

[aportnoy]

Rapello suede is made for just such use.

 

[zjpj83]

Originally Posted by aportnoy

Rapello suede is made for just such use.
Is that a product to apply to the suede? Where can you buy it? Does it change the feel or color of the suede?

 

[aportnoy]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

Is that a product to apply to the suede? Where can you buy it? Does it change the feel or color of the suede?

Z...I think it's a particular treatment process that done in the post tanning stage to the suede. I'm uncertain if it can applied after the fact , though.

 

[zjpj83]

gotcha

 

[gamelan]

a product from my backpacking days: http://www.atsko.com/snoseal.html

-Jeff

Originally Posted by Connemara

Waterproofing would be wise. The suede can get stained if its subjected to moisture for a long period of time (i.e. trudging through snow).

 

[SSur]

Over the last several years my fondness for suede shoes has lead to my having acquired four pairs with more to follow. Each has received an application of suede protectant, purchased from a local drug store or large box retailer, and, without exception, the shoe color was minimally darkened. Not to an objectionable degree, however.

The peace of mind provided knowing that my beloved and expensive footwear is protected from inclement weather is worth the minor color change.

Best regards

 

[Luckyguy]

Originally Posted by SSur

Over the last several years my fondness for suede shoes has lead to my having acquired four pairs with more to follow. Each has received an application of suede protectant, purchased from a local drug store or large box retailer, and, without exception, the shoe color was minimally darkened. Not to an objectionable degree, however.

The peace of mind provided knowing that my beloved and expensive footwear is protected from inclement weather is worth the minor color change.

Best regards

I take it that suede needs to breathe just like calf does. Wouldn't the suede protectant provide a seal which may prevent the suede from breathing?

Regards

 

[SSur]

It is my understanding that a suede protectant is a surface treatment that prevents the absorption of water without compromising the material's ability to "breathe". My experience with these products bears this out.

As an aside, the treatment mfgrs. recommend periodic (6 month??) reapplication. I do this roughly every other year.