Can I Use WD-40 to Waterproof My Boots?

Short answer: Yes, but you really shouldn’t.

WD-40 will give your boots a temporary bit of water repellency. It’s called "Water Displacement" for a reason. Spray it on, water beads off — for a while.

But boots aren’t a quick-fix item. They’re a long-term investment. And WD-40 isn’t made for leather, suede or fabric care — it’s made for rusty hinges.

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Why WD-40 Isn’t a Good Idea for Waterproofing Boots

Here’s what happens when you use it:

Problem	Why It Happens
Wears off quickly	It’s not designed to bond to leather or fabric
Dries out leather	It contains solvents that remove natural oils
Leaves residue	Sticky feel = attracts dirt
Can darken boots	Especially light leathers
No conditioning benefit	Doesn’t nourish the material

If you’re in a pinch? Sure. But long-term? Get the right gear.

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What Should You Use Instead?

1. Waterproofing Sprays

Great for suede, nubuck, fabric. Easy to apply. Look for silicone-based options.

2. Wax-Based Products

SnoSeal, beeswax, or similar — brilliant for leather. Provides a thick, lasting barrier.

3. Leather Oils & Conditioners

Mink oil or neatsfoot oil add waterproofing while keeping the leather soft.

4. Seam Sealers

For extreme conditions — apply before other products for extra protection.

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How To Waterproof Your Boots Properly

1. Clean them (warm water & a soft brush).
2. Let them dry naturally (never by the radiator).
3. Apply your chosen product evenly.
4. Leave them to fully cure before wearing.
5. Reapply every few months — or sooner if water stops beading.

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Or... Buy Waterproof Boots Built To Do The Job Right

At Xpert Workwear, we design boots to stay dry from day one — without shortcuts.

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Featured Boots We’d Trust In Any Weather:

• Forge Waterproof Dealer Boot — A rare waterproof dealer with Dry-X™ tech. Built for farming, site work, and harsh conditions.
• Raptor Honey Waterproof Safety Boot — Heavy-duty, full-grain leather, serious waterproofing.

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Final Word

WD-40 is for squeaky doors — not serious work boots.

If you want dry feet for the long haul?
Start with the right product. Or better yet — start with the right boots.

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Sources & Further Reading:

1. https://www.northwestoutlet.com/blog/waterproof-hiking-boots/
2. https://www.overlookboots.com/blogs/boots/how-to-waterproof-leather-boots-and-keep-them-dry
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jydFXKc_YU
4. https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/68zxna/lpt_spray_wd40_on_darkcolored_leather_shoe
   s_it/
5. https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/4ajfzy/what_do_you_recommend_for_maintaining_leather/
6. https://bushcraftuk.com/community/threads/wd40-to-waterproof-boots.156750/
7. https://www.reddit.com/r/WorkBoots/comments/k6dvm7/is_wd40_ok_to_use_to_oil_your_leather/
8. https://thorogoodusa.com/how-to-waterproof-leather-boots/
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/Tools/comments/79knw8/silicone_spray_versus_wd40_versus_lithium_grease/
10. https://www.reddit.com/r/lifehacks/comments/9ix8aq/squeaky_leather_boots_wd40_solves_that_as_wel
    l/
11. https://www.reddit.com/r/RedWingShoes/comments/z2030n/concrete_ironworkers_what_do_you_do_to
    _maintain/
12. https://www.akasotech.com/blogs/how-to-waterproof-hiking-boots

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