Boot guys need advice on wet boots

[Tannerm]

Got a pair of ariat boots that got wet. Wet to the socks. I pulled the soles out and have them setting next to the boots as a fan is blowing air into the boot. Set on low, with NO heat source. Is this sufficient? They were always a bit loose on me so a little shrinking is ok. I jus worry that me using a fan is bad. Once there dry, mink oil will be applied again.

[Tannerm]

The soles are ariat's ATS foam/gel inserts. Rubber sole with cowhide boot leather construction.

[grove rat]

i thought you were supposed to wear them till they dried so they conformed to your foot better. if they are already broken in i would just hang them upside down and let them air dry with no additional heat. could dry out the leather

[Tannerm]

Ok good call. They were broken in IMO. I'm going to bed now so I can't really just wear then till dry... I would if I could! Ill go take then away from the fan and set em outside.

[Tannerm]

Oh eff it... I'm wearing them to bed.

[YALE]

Definitely wear them until they're dry, then mink oil them.

[Snatch Napkin]

Well, was she put in her place after this little episode of cunt kickin'?

[black2002ls]

I sent you a PM. Sorry I was out running errands and didn't notice I had a PM.

For future reference, as someone else stated, never put them near a heat source to dry, that will cause the leather to dry out. Stuff them with news paper, that will help pull some of the moisture out of the leather, though you will need to change the paper frequently (every couple of hours). Once they are dry, treat them with a leather conditioner to put back any "good moisture" that the water and drying process sucked out of it. I usually recommend bick 4, but any good leather conditioner will work. Once the conditioner has had a chance to absorb into the leather, follow with mink oil. Make sure to apply liberally to any seams and stitching, this is the first place a boot starts to leak if you are worried about water-proofing. IIRC that particular boot has a saddle vamp correct? (saddle vamp is a piece of leather that is stitched over the top of the foot, instead of one solid piece of leather from the toe to the heel counter). Make sure you apply the mink oil liberally on that seam, as well as the seam between the vamp and heel counter (where the piping is), and finally treat the stitching around the welt as well (primarily if you see a lot of moisture). This will help keep that stitching from drying out and coming apart.

As for wearing them until they dry. Not entirely necessary. Will they fit differently when you put them back on, probably. However, you are saving your feet the trauma of being bottled up in that nasty wet atmosphere. If they got as wet as you say they did, or wet enough for the water to soak through the leather, they are going to dry MUCH faster with something on the inside to absorb that moisture.

[SMKR]

Get a boot dryer, worth their weight in gold

[stephen4785]

I always use snow seal on new boots so water never gets inside. Iv stood in water deep enough to cover y boots up to the tounge and the inside has never gotten wet. These are work boots though and I replace them every year.

[naynay]

i just buy new boots

chhhooooo $$ chooooooooo$$$

[mikec]

i just buy new boots

chhhooooo $$ chooooooooo$$$

I saw a boot thread, your name as the last reply, wondered wtf, now I know.

Carry on!

[naynay]

fwiw i buy Georgia mud boots $89 at academy.. water proof a bit and insulated but when you're as in shape as i am you hardly feel the weight. they're definately no heavier than my white oppressors/oversee'ers!

[Johnny Armijo]

fwiw i buy Georgia mud boots $89 at academy.. water proof a bit and insulated but when you're as in shape as i am you hardly feel the weight. they're definately no heavier than my white oppressors/oversee'ers!

lmfao

[Silverback]

fwiw i buy Georgia mud boots $89 at academy.. water proof a bit and insulated but when you're as in shape as i am you hardly feel the weight. they're definately no heavier than my white oppressors/oversee'ers!

What shape is that? Boney? Straight line? Bird chested?