Congratulations!
You just bought yourself a new pair of Timberlands.
I must say that even though I don’t know you, the fact that you just bought yourself a pair of these boots tells me you know a thing or two about style and a great boot.
However, shortly after arriving home from your shoe shopping spree, you may have wondered: Should I waterproof my Timberland boots? What should I do to keep my new boots looking new?
In this post, we hope to answer those questions for you. We will also talk about some great products that Timberland offers to keep your kicks looking fresh.
Table of Contents
Should I Waterproof My Timberland Boots?
The answer is yes you should waterproof your boots. In fact, I recommend doing so before taking your first step outside. But I thought my Timberland boots were already waterproof? Yes, most of the Timberland footwear does offer that high-quality waterproof design. But in order to understand why it is so important to waterproof your boots, let’s briefly talk about the differences between waterproof and water repellent.
Differences Between Waterproof and Water Repellency
When we mention the term waterproof we are talking about the fact they are designed to keep the water out and keep your feet dry. To know whether or not your boots are waterproof or not, you might see such features as that it is made with full-grain or nubuck leather. In addition, you could also see such terms as seam-sealed construction.
So in this sense, waterproof means that no water is going to enter the boot and get your feet wet.
Now let’s talk about water repellency.
Another term closely related to waterproof is water repellency. This is where water, as well as other liquids, aren’t able to enter the material and thus they are not able to leave a watermark or a stain.
No doubt you have seen a commercial where someone spills wine on their pants and rather than leaving a mark, the wine kind of just slides off the pants. That is water repellency.
Why is it important to know the difference between the terms waterproof and water repellency?
Well, most Timberlands are waterproof. This means that if you were to walk into a puddle, by design water isn’t going to enter the boot and get your feet wet. In addition, right out of the box most Timberlands offer a good amount of water repellency. So, if you were to spill some water on them, the water will just slide right off the boot.
With that being said and the reason, it is so important to waterproof your Timberlands is because over time they can lose their water repellency. In other words, if you don’t waterproof them regularly you will start to notice liquids penetrating the surface of the fabric. This can lead to unsightly watermarks or even stains.
So, in order to protect your boots from spills and other stains, I recommend that you spray them from the get-go. This will give them added protection to ensure that they stay looking fresh.
What are the best products to waterproof my boots?
(Important note about waterproofing sprays: Sometimes waterproofing sprays can change the color of the boots. Always make sure to apply the product to an inconspicuous spot first before applying it to the rest of the shoe.)
The first product that I would recommend to protect your boots is Timberland’s very own Balm Proofer. This is a water-based spray that is specifically designed to restore your boots water repellency. To use, first make sure your boots are clean and then simply spray them with the Balm Proofer. Allow to dry and you to go. (Please be careful when applying to nubuck as it may change its color).
Another product that seems to be taking YouTuber’s by storm is a product called Crep Protect. In fact, you may have seen some people spraying their boots and then dunking them into the water. If you haven’t I recommend you do so, it is pretty cool how this stuff works.
Like the Balm Proofer, Crep protect is designed to repel liquids and prevent stains from seeping into your boots. Now while I could go into a lot of detail in how great this product is, but rather then telling you, why don’t I show you by means of the following video:
How Often Should I Spray My Timberland Boots?
To keep your boots looking fresh, I recommend that you spray them first thing right out of the box. This will give them that added layer of protection. After that, it really depends on how you treat your boots. If you are always using them under strenuous working conditions where they get a lot of beating than I would recommend you either spray them or take a look at them every 3 months.
In all other cases, I would recommend spraying your boots every 6 to 12 months depending on the
Recommended Products To Keep Your Timberlands Looking Fresh
(Important note when applying cleaning products to your shoes: As we mentioned earlier, cleaning products can react differently to different fabrics. For best results, always be sure to test a small area before applying to the entire boot.)
Often times it seems that cleaning our boot is more of a hassle than what it is worth. However, that is not the case with Timberland’s Dry Cleaning Kit. As the name implies, you no longer need to use a lot of water to keep your boots looking great.
In fact, because your shoes don’t get wet and it is so easy to do, you can use this product right before you head out the door and your boots will look great. Gone are the days when you are waiting for your boots to dry.
To get the best results with this product, simply use the eraser directly on the areas that need the extra attention. Next, use the brush to bring the material back to life. It is that easy.
(Insider tip: For those difficult hard to get out stains, apply a little water to the bar and then use it on the affected area)
Are you looking for something to make your Timberland classics like new again? If so, you need to check out their Renewbuck Suede & Nubuck Cleaner.
This cleaner is a foam cleaner that is specifically designed to fight those hard to get out stains. To use this product, simply apply it to a clean cloth and then apply it to your shoe. Then with a different cloth wipe away any remaining foam.
Lastly, use a brush to bring your shoe back to life. (Please note: this product is specifically designed for suede and nubuck leather boots)
Final Thoughts…
So, should you waterproof your Timberlands?
I say yes!
Remember, over time your boots can lose their ability to repel water. Prevent that from happening by giving them a quick spray with the products mentioned above.
