Leather is one of the most coveted materials used to make boots, known for its superior durability, sleek look, and (let’s be honest) feisty attitude. But can this fashion-forward material be a reliable option for cold-weather footwear? When the winter season’s first flurries start to hit, are leather boots good for snow?

In short, it is possible to wear your leather winter boots out in light snow conditions but is leather waterproof? Although durable, it is not completely waterproof, so you’ll need to equip your boots with a weather-resistant, extra warmth membrane by treating them first.

With this quick guide, we’ll teach how to ensure your leather boots can stand up to snow, sleet, and icy temperatures and what to consider before taking them out for a proper snowy romp.

Tips for Wearing Your Leather Boots in Snow

For most standard leather boots you’ll buy off the shelf, snow and winter weather is a no-go. If you wear them in the snow without treating them, moisture and cold weather can cause:¹

• A rough, dry, or inflexible texture

• Cracked, puckered, or warped material

• Reduced ability to retain warmth

That said, there are three techniques you can use to help your doc martens boots, timberland boots for men and women, or any of your favorite leather boots brave the elements if you need to take them out for a quick walk in light snow.

Treat with A Weatherproofing Solution

There are quite a few curing products available that you can use to keep deep snow and moisture leeching into leather boots. 

We recommend two solutions for treating them for water resistance:

• The SNO-SEAL Beeswax Waterproofing Leather Protector. This weather-resistant coating, derived from beeswax, protects against the moisture that comes with snowy weather and can help turn your leather boot into a waterproof boot. However, if you rely solely on this method to make your leather boots water-resistant, you may notice the solution leaves a tacky residue on the leather boot.

• The Burleigh Water Repellent. This provides a light weight repellency to help avoid staining leather boots, sheepskin, and suede products while leaving minimal residue on the shoe. If your sheepskin does get stained, you will want to read up on how to clean sheepskin slippers, shoes, or boots.

Keep Leather in Good Condition

Water-resistant treatments work by creating a buffer between your boots and the elements. But to optimize their efficacy, you’ll need to take care of the leather itself by:

• Dressing boots with conditioner – Conditioner serves to keep leather supple, ensuring your boots will last for longer throughout the seasons. You can use high-grade leather conditioners to care for a variety of leather items, from boots to backpacks and beyond.

• Treat boots with oil – Mink oil is a premium option for helping your leather boots resist cracking and dryness caused by freezing temperatures. This step is particularly effective for leather boots that do double-duty as a work or occupational shoe—plus, they’ll make them more comfortable in the long run.

Remove Salt Stains

If you live in a city or small town, you probably know that streets are often treated with salts to melt icy sidewalks during the winter season. Unfortunately, salt can also diminish the lifespan and look of leather boots by degrading their material.

To remedy existing salt stains, take these steps:²

1. Start by mixing equal parts vinegar and water.

2. Use a soft cloth, cotton ball, or paper towel to sparingly apply the solution to the affected area.

3. Once the stain appears to be gone, dry the area with a towel.

This solution can help to restore the visible condition of minor salt stains. That said, leather boots will fare best if you weather-proof them before trotting out onto freshly salted streets.

What Types of Boots Are Best for Snow?

If you live in or frequently visit an area that sees frequent snow and winter weather, a pair of dedicated snow boots may be a wiser investment. In comparison to a standard pair of leather boots, snow boots often feature:

• Thinsulate or shearling insulation to keep your feet warm

• Waterproof treatment to maintain a dry footbed

• Rugged tread to ensure grip and stability on slippery, uneven surfaces

• More substantial construction to stand up to intense weather

That said, there are some styles of leather boots with a built-in waterproof membrane to repel moisture. Similarly, many types of snow boots are constructed from materials that resemble the look and finish of leather (like faux leather)—without their susceptibility to inclement weather.

When in doubt, consult with an experienced boot specialist before your purchase. They can help you get the best of both worlds: the rugged look and feel of leather, with the textiles and synthetic insulation you can rely on to keep your toes dry and toasty.

A common misunderstanding for some people is that a rain boot can work as a substitute for a snow boot, when in reality, they’re quite different. To understand the difference between rain boots vs. snow boots, make sure to check out our blog to see which ones are the right fit for you.

Gear Up For the Winter With Boot World

From snow to steel-toed, Boot World has the boots you need for any weather condition. Whether you’re planning a trek through the mountains or hiking a snow-laden trail, we’ll make sure your boots are up for the task and can help answer any questions you may have regarding your winter footwear, like “should winter boots be a size bigger?”, to boot insulation tips and tricks.

After over 40 years in the footwear business, Boot World remains a family-operated West Coast firm—and we treat our customers like family. We take pride in advising and outfitting our customers with the best boots for their lifestyle, so use our store locator to find your local Boot World today.

Sources: 

1. Business Insider. Here's how to expertly repair the damage this horrible winter did to your leather shoes. https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-repair-your-leather-shoes-2015-4
2. Leathercare USA. Salt Stains on Leather - Removing Road Salt Stains. https://leathercareusa.com/blogs/news/salt-stains-on-leather
3. MyOpenCountry. 7 Benefits Of Wool Socks For Hiking. https://www.myopencountry.com/benefits-wool-socks/