Alpina Alaska Boot Treatment

[johral]

What is the go to treatment for boots like the Alaska? I typically use Nikwax, and I don't care if the rough out leather gets matted down, as I typically grease my rough out work boots.

Thanks.

[Woodserson]

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=1725&sid=74604f77e ... 64574963bc

[fisheater]

John, I have been using the Zamberlan on my Ski March and Alaska BC. I have had zero water issues, and the leather is in fantastic condition. I use Gareth’s method with wet towels in the laundry tub to get the leather wet, or just go skiing in wet snow!
My wife did say it made my Alaska BC ugly. The leather is in great condition, however they are dull and dark when sitting next to my new, pretty, and yet unused Alaska 75 mm. I might ski the new ones at least once all pretty and bright like Rudolf’s nose. They will be getting treated soon.

[Stephen]

I had searched and searched and asked, and sent emails and, made phone calls, and the answer was not clear until I read Gareth’s write-up.
So glad I found this before I put the Nikwax wax product on my boots!

EDIT:
I double-checked the Nikwax product. Even though it is called:
Waterproofing Wax for Leather™

It is described as:
WaterBased waterproofing cream for smooth leather footwear.

So, being water based, I assume it is not really a wax product, but don't know for sure.
Confusing.

I sent them an email asking for clarification.

[fisheater]

Stephen, let us know how Nikwax replies. If you read Lilcliffy’s thread, he does place Nikwax in the list of products similar to Zamberlan.

[Stephen]

Stephen, let us know how Nikwax replies. If you read Lilcliffy’s thread, he does place Nikwax in the list of products similar to Zamberlan.

Update:
Called Nikwax and was told that the Waterproofing Wax for Leather does not contain any wax.

On a per-ounce basis, they are about the same price.
It would be interesting to know how similar this product is to the Zamberlan HYDROBLOC.
If anyone has done a comparison, I would be interested to know the results.

[johral]

I'll see if I can compare them when my Hydrobloc arrives.

[johral]

I have both of these in hand know, and did a quick comparison. The Hydrobloc is definitely more greasy feeling. The Nikwax is more like a hand cream. The Nikwax also dissolves in water more readily. In fact, the Hydrobloc doeasn't appear to dissolve at all, and if it didn't say water based on it, I would have assumed otherwise. I was able to work all of the Nikwax into the leather by adding a bit of water to the surface as I continued to rub it with my fingers. The Hydrobloc seems like it just sits on the surface of the leather, no matter how much you rub it. I buffed the surface of both and let them dry.

Afterwards, I put a drop of water on each piece, and there appeared to be no difference in their ability to keep water from penetrating into the leather.

[Stephen]

I have both of these in hand know, and did a quick comparison. The Hydrobloc is definitely more greasy feeling. The Nikwax is more like a hand cream. The Nikwax also dissolves in water more readily. In fact, the Hydrobloc doeasn't appear to dissolve at all, and if it didn't say water based on it, I would have assumed otherwise. I was able to work all of the Nikwax into the leather by adding a bit of water to the surface as I continued to rub it with my fingers. The Hydrobloc seems like it just sits on the surface of the leather, no matter how much you rub it. I buffed the surface of both and let them dry.

Afterwards, I put a drop of water on each piece, and there appeared to be no difference in their ability to keep water from penetrating into the leather.

Did you use lilcliffy’s / Gareth’s tested and recommended technique of getting the boots really damp (I think he actually says “wet”) by leaving them wrapped in soaking wet towels for several hours before applying the HydroBloc (and the Nikwax, also)? He says that is what actually allows the HydroBloc to soak into the leather.

[johral]

I have a leather shop, so I used a piece of Boot Leather that I soaked in warm water. I wanted to determine which one I wanted to use on my boots with this test. I am going to run one more test to see if I can determine which penetrates better. After application (and allowing the leather to fully dry) I will test to see if I can get the leather to wet through from the back side. If it will wet through, then the treatment hasn't penetrated past the surface.