Are Mukluks Waterproof? Yes, Some of Them Are

Mukluks are warm and comfortable winter boots that will keep your feet warm even when temperatures are way below freezing point. There are many footwear brands that are selling Mukluks boots. However, choosing the right pair of Mukluks for you is not an easy task especially if you want the boots to be waterproof.

Are Mukluks Waterproof?

Most Mukluks are made of leather and natural suede which is porous and lets water seep through. But there are also waterproof Mukluks available on the market which are made of waterproof leather and soles and have been treated with waterproofing solutions.

For example, Manitobah offers many models of both adult and children’s Mukluks that are waterproof. All the boots from their Waterproof Collection have been treated with the company’s own waterproofing system.

Keep in mind that regular Mukluks are not waterproof. The models that are indeed waterproof are tagged as such.

Initially, these boots were primarily designed for keeping your feet warm under extremely low temperatures. The waterproof models were manufactured much later following the market’s demand for more versatile Mukluks.

As a result, nowadays, there is a plethora of Mukluks models available on the market, each suitable for a particular type of usage.

You can buy tall Mukluks to walk through high snow, wool mukluks to keep your feet warm when temperatures drop below -20°C, or boots with a funky design to stand out in the crowd.

What to Do if Your Mukluks Got Wet

If you bought the wrong pair of Mukluks for your needs or the waterproof coat got damaged, then your boots may get wet following long exposure to water or rain.

If this happens and the suede or leather does get wet, use a clean towel to soak up excess water and then allow your Mukluks to dry naturally.

Don’t use a hairdryer or any other quick solutions as they may permanently damage your boots.

⇒ Learn more: How to waterproof suede boots [Step-by-step guide and FAQ]

Why Are Not All Mukluks Waterproof?

Boots need to breathe in order to protect their feet efficiently in extremely cold temperatures.

Natural materials such as suede, sheepskin, and deerskin (regularly used for manufacturing Mukluks) need to stay porous in order to keep your feet warm.

How to Waterproof Mukluks Boots

The good news is that you can make your Mukluks waterproof by using a high-quality leather or suede protector. This solution helps you to improve your boots’ water resistance as well as protect them against accidental scratches.

If you’re looking for a good waterproofing spray for Mukluks, you can use a silicone-based snow-proof and water-repellent spray.

Simply spray your boots with one of these two solutions and let them dry overnight. As always, don’t forget that waterproofing spray is toxic.

Make sure to apply it in a well-ventilated room. If you have the possibility, it’s best to use waterproofing sprays outside the house.

Keep in mind that this solution only makes your boots water-repellent not fully waterproof.

Can You Wear Mukluks in the Rain?

While many Mukluks are treated to be water-resistant, it is not recommended to wear them in direct snow, rain, or standing water.

This caution is especially important for knit/sweater boots, as exposing them to snow and rain may stretch the knit, affect the fit, or damage the sole.

Don’t walk in the rain wearing your Mukluks — not for hours on end. After a while, your boots will lose their impermeability.

Moreover, using your boots in rainy, dirty, or muggy weather may permanently damage the material they’re made of.

My piece of advice to you is to use rubber boots when it’s raining or you have to walk through slush or mud.

⇒ Learn more: Can You Waterproof Shoes and Boots with WD40?

How to Take Care of Your Mukluks

Since we’re talking about Mukluks, let’s see what are the best tips and tricks on how to care for your boots. Follow the instructions listed below and your boots will look brand-new for a long time.

Apply a coat of waterproofing spray

After you bought your pair of Mukluks boots, buy a high-quality spray that protects suede against water damage and stains. Keep in mind that not all the spray solutions available on the market may be compatible with your boots.

Some may color the leather.

Before using any waterproofing spray on your boots, test on a small patch first. If there is no visible discoloration or stains, you may spray the entire surface of the boots.

Store your Mukluks in a well-ventilated place

The leather needs to breathe. Don’t store your boots in plastic bags or plastic containers. The best solution to protect your boots from dust is to use a pillowcase.

When traveling, use cotton shoe bags. Again, I know it’s simpler and cheaper to place your Mukluks into plastic bags, but please don’t.

Store your Mukluks in a dark place

Sunlight may fade the color and cause the skin to crack. Also, keep the boots away from damp conditions.

Since they’re made of suede or leather, dampness may trigger the growth of mold and mildew and thus damage the material.

Let your Mukluks dry naturally

As stated before, if your Mukluks got wet, wrap them in a towel to soak up excess moisture. Then leave the boots to dry naturally. This may take a few days, so be patient.

If your Mukluks have got dry mud on them, use a soft brush to take it off.

You may also use a nail file but make sure to use delicate strokes otherwise you may damage the leather.

Use a dedicated spray to recondition your sued Mukluk boots from time to time.

If you can’t take out certain stains, ask for professional help.

Can you wear Mukluks in the snow?

Mukluks are designed to be worn in the snow. However, keep in mind that these boots are generally made of suede or leather and neither is fully waterproof. So, don’t step with your Mukluks in slush.

Are all Manitobah Mukluks waterproof?

Not all Mukluks are waterproof. The company does offer a series of waterproof models that are made of waterproof suede and are sealed 4″ from the bottom. Look for the ‘Waterproof’ label when buying a pair of Manitobah Mukluks.

Are Mukluks machine washable?

It is not recommended to wash your Mukluks in the washing machine. If you soak the suede or leather entirely, you will permanently damage the boots.

You can clean your Mukluks by wiping them off with a dry cloth, soft suede brush or a sponge. You can also spray your boots with a special cleaning solution and then wipe them clean with a sponge.

Are Fitflop Mukluks waterproof?

Many fit flop Mukluks are naturally water-resistant thanks to the thick shearling they’re made of. They should stand up well to water but you should nevertheless avoid wearing them in heavy rain for long periods of time.

There you go, I hope this guide was useful to you. If you have any questions or suggestions about this topic, let me know in the comments below.

⇒ Learn more:

References:

Manitobah Mukluks Frequently Asked Questions.

Last updated in July 2023 to add additional information.