Alpina Alaska Boot Treatment

[johral]

]

Does the Nikwax discolor the leather similar to the Hydrobloc?
Fisheater's photos show a pretty drastic darkening using the Hydrobloc.
Thanks

Yes it does. Only a spray type treatment will keep the color from darkening.

[lilcliffy]

If the treatment doesn't darken that split leather on the Alaska it is not conditioning it and the leather will dry out and eventually crack.

[yoyoing]

If the treatment doesn't darken that split leather on the Alaska it is not conditioning it and the leather will dry out and eventually crack.

Makes sense - good to know!
I got the Nikwax since that's what was available locally.
I'll let you guys know how it works out this season.

[lilcliffy]

Thanks for doing this test!

The hydrobloc is quite greasy. I avoided the nikwax because I thought it was waxy. I have done ONE alaska boot in Hydrobloc. Maybe I'll do the other in Nikwax!

I probably don’t need to add this comment, but, Mr. Woods mentioned “waxy,” so just want to reiterate that I was told by a Nikwax rep that, even though the Nikwax product has “Wax” in its product name, it does not contain wax.

This is correct- I have asked this same question of Nikwax (many times over the years )- Nikwax "Waterproofing Wax for Leather" is not a wax-based product (I know- VERY confusing):
https://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/w ... r-leather/
Read the subtitle- "WaterBased waterproofing cream"-
For deep treatment- get the leather wet.

[trinacu]

I put my boots in towels and am waiting for them to soak - how do I know how much HydroBloc to put on? Any indications or something I should be aware of?

[lilcliffy]

The leather just needs to be damp for it to increase absorption.
I leave them overnight with a new boot-
A couple few hours on an older maintained boot-

If one stays on top of regular touch-up maintenance the boot will get to the point that you may never need a full treatment.

[trinacu]

Ah, I'll leave them to soak well then. What I was asking is how do I know when I have used enough cream? Does it stop being absorbed by the leather? Then wait a few minutes and rub the excess off with a towel?

[lilcliffy]

Oh-
Well the split leather will take a lot on the first thorough treatment.
I use it "sparingly"- adding a pea-sized amount at a time so as not to wast any.
I keep adding more until it won't absorb any more.

[Genoah77]

I conditioned my Alaskas last year with hydrobloc as per Gareth's suggestion, but I have a question: I bought some Steger mukluks made of moose hide that came with a water-based spray bottle called Snow-Proof Water & Stain Repellent. I don't know what's in it, but the manufacturer says it's non-greasy. This is recommended to use by the boot manufacturer, but I am considering using my hydrobloc. Any suggestions?

[trinacu]

I have been out with my pair a couple of times now. Every time I am done the leather at the tongue (? the part that covers your shin) seems to be cracking or is just super dry? It happens where the laces go over it - am I tightening it too much? The laces appear to pull water (and this cream) out of the leather? Every time I finish I use some more cream at this spot and also lower at the crease between the rivets. Should i have used more cream in the first place?
Attaching picture after run and after another application. Should the whole boot be as dark as this spot is in the after photo?