Why breathability depends upon water repellency...
Breathable waterproof footwear is most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. If the outer fabric or leather absorbs water, the breathability of the footwear will be reduced. Therefore, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of your footwear must be maintained to ensure comfort. It will eventually wear off and need to be renewed with Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™.
Waterproof footwear needs to be breathable...
When you’re active and wearing footwear, your socks draw moisture away from your feet, keeping them dry. However, if your footwear absorbs water and ‘wets out’ its breathability will be reduced. Moisture vapor will not be able to escape through the material, so your feet will feel clammy and wet. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™ adds Durable Water Repellency (DWR), which prevents water absorption, while maintaining breathability, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
Use Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™ when your footwear soaks up water...
Your footwear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel™, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalized just from cleaning. But, once the footwear has been thoroughly worn you will need to add DWR, using Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™, after cleaning first with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel™.
Breathable footwear needs the right waterproofer to maintain performance…
Alternative waterproofing products are often solvent-based aerosols; alternatively, they may be water-based and use PFCs. Aerosol products are flammable. PFCs pose a potential risk to the environment and to the long-term health of the consumer.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof is completely non-flammable and if PFC-Free. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof has been specifically designed and optimized for fabric and leather combination footwear, providing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) while maintaining breathability. Apply while footwear is wet for best results
Cleaning properly can be as important as waterproofing...
Using the right cleaning product is as important as using the right waterproofing product. Conventional detergents leave behind a thin water-absorbent film on materials, which masks their Durable Water Repellency (DWR). Therefore, always clean your waterproof footwear with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel™. Remember that dirt itself works against DWR, so regular cleaning will enhance performance.
How Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™ protects...
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™ is easy and quick to apply; either spray or sponge on to wet boots. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™ provides highly Durable Water Repellency (DWR) which develops on air drying. It leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibers of fabric and leather. This allows moisture vapor to pass through, maintaining breathability and keeping your feet dry. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimized for fabric and leather combination footwear.
- Easy to use sponge-on waterproofing for all fabric, leather and combination footwear
- Adds water repellency and revives breathability without softening leather
- Enhances the performance of your footwear, keeping your feet warmer and drier
- Recommended for Gore-Tex® and eVent®, BDRY ® and all other waterproof combination footwear
Apply Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™ by hand...
- Brush off dirt with a damp cloth and clean using Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel™.
- Shake well before use. Protect work surface.
- Apply generously to wet footwear; spray from a distance of 2in (5cm) or sponge on.
- Carefully remove excess drips or runs and allow to dry naturally.
Note: Light/coloured fabric and/or leather may darken after treatment. Test on a hidden area first.
Always allow footwear to dry naturally...
Leave footwear to dry at room temperature.
- Leave footwear to dry at room temperature.
- Paper can be stuffed into the toes to absorb excess moisture, this should be replaced when wet.
- Keep footwear away from fires and radiators, drying too quickly can crack leather and cause bonded soles to peel.