Are Leather Boots Waterproof? (No, But Here’s How to Wear Them in Rain)

Short answer: no.

Real leather is porous. If you submerge a leather boot, it will soak through. That’s not a design flaw—it’s what makes leather breathe.

But here’s what 10 years of making boots has taught us:

You don’t need waterproof boots for rain. You need the right leather, the right care, and one cheap tool.

1. Oil-tanned leather is your friend
It’s not “waterproof,” but it’s water-resistant enough for city rain. Most of our vintage-style boots use this. It ages better, too.

2. Buy a $8 horsehair brush
Rain leaves water spots. A quick brush when the boots are dry—not while wet—keeps them clean. That’s it.

3. Condition once before winter
Not after you get caught in rain. Before. A thin layer of mink oil or wax gives water something to roll off.

We don’t sell waterproof boots.
We sell boots that last 10 years, get wet sometimes, and still look good.

If you wear them in rain, they’ll be fine.
Just don’t step in a puddle up to your ankles.