What do you recommend? They are the denier nylon/cordura material... I think? :help: They deal with water fairly well, but they haven't been worn in a while and probably need treated before they hit the woods again.
Just spray them with silicone like campdry, if there not Gortex they will leak no matter what you do to them.
You can always try Nikwax Fabric and leather proof. Their products actually work as advertised. I use the TX.Direct spray-on stuff on all my gore-tex gear and it keeps'em dry and breathable.
I'm not big on Gore Tex at all, having had 3 pairs of Danner boots with it and they all leaked badly. I also have some Gore Tex gaiters and they will soak through in wet foliage after a few hours. I do want to second the Bean boots though. They are my favorite. If it is really wet, you cannot beat good old rubber boots.
I got some Vasque boots that are gortex, and after a few years, they started to leak. However, I have used Snoseal and Nikwax with good results.
just a heads up the term "water proof and breathable" is a marketing ploy that has done really well for many companies but if you want something truely waterproof it wont be breathable. Air molecule is smaller than a water molecule so if it lets air pass thru water will get thru as well good luck with the boot hunt once you find a pair you love best off buyin two or three pair
For a boot that is waterproof, comfortable and durable, I have found and been testing alot. I found that the Muck boots are both waterproof and comfortable. They are rubber bottoms, and neoprene top. They fit and wear like a running shoe, have 1,000 grams of insulation. I have big calves and love them because you can fold down the neoprene like a fireman boot, come up on water and pull it up to cross creeks. MY FEET HAS NEVER BEEN WET OR COLD IN THESE BOOTS!! I have used various boots with the Waterproof/breathable liner and they just suck, as guys stated above. I bought a pair of LL Bean Maine hunting boot couple years ago and love them, don't know why took me so long. The Schnee's are right there or better. I just Proofed the Leather with Montana pitch pine, twice. In spring before turkeys come in, I wipe them down (get all the mud and dirt off) Then coat them again.
Water proofing leather can help with dew but thats all in my experience. I dont bother any more. I either try to watch where I step or wear LL Bean boots.