waterproofing mocs?

[dsrtfox1942]

Ok, I have been thinking about this for a little. How do you waterproof your moccasins? I know smoked brain tan hid is naturally waterproof....but that can only go far I imagine. So, how do you waterproof them for the long haul? Tallow? Snoseal? Last thing I want are wet feet when I go hunting.

[William]

From what I've read lately you shouldn't try to waterproof them as they will still let in water around the seams and once they do get moisture inside they never dry out.  Best to take two pair, one pair for the trail and one set for camp, letting them dry naturally overnight before wearing again.  Plus, things like Sno-seal on the sole makes for a very slippery footing.  Better to line your mocs with wool or sheepskin which you can remove for faster drying.  After a day of wet treking or hunting I would be inclined to use some kind of conditioner on the leather so they will remain supple.  I'm no expert in this area, just passing info on, so maybe someone else has other advice?

[DEADDAWG]

Trying to waterproof mocs is an exercise in futility. The best you can do is try to reduce how wet they get inside next to your feet. This starts when you make your mocs. I put my seams together with Bards Glue I get from a shoe repair place near me. Next, keep your stitches close and tight and sew them while the Bards is still wet so it can seep into the stitch holes. I then treat my mocs with a mixture of Neatsfoot oil, lanolin and bees wax. Wetness still gets through, but at least I'm not pouring water out of my mocs at the end of the day.

[dsrtfox1942]

I am getting ready to venture into making my first pair and am saying to myself....thats an awful lot of stitching that will let water in. I was thinking the same thing about the soles being slippery if sealed. There has to be a practical way. I realize that mountain men and Native Americans had access to more than 1 pair, but still... as soon as your feet are wet, they are cold. Even in warmer weather. I have a spray silicon treatment which I have used on my hiking and combat boots. I guess that would be my first try. I know it still wont help with the stitching though. Guess perhaps a combination of sealing the seams and spray. I'd still like to find a period method though.

[DEADDAWG]

Don't use the commercial spray, it take the leather longer to dry. Mocs are always slippery, get use to it and learn to walk in them. Don't walk on your heels, walk on the balls on your feet.

[dsrtfox1942]

That should be an easy transition for me, since when I walk in socks or barefoot, I walk on the balls of my feet.

[beowulf]

tried all sorts of things and came to the conclusion that water proofing mocs is a lot like herding cats ! an exercise in futility !