How to Use Vaseline for Waterproofing Leather

...
Gabriel Garcia/Demand Media

Perhaps, you're walking uptown in leather shoes under an umbrella as the rain comes down in buckets. Before you get three blocks, the toes of your right foot and then left foot get that familiar, uncomfortable coldness. The rain has soaked through your shoes; your feet are wet. Soaked shoes and wet feet are an annoyance and a distraction and, though no porous and stitched material like shoe or clothing leather can be completely waterproof, Vaseline can help you delay the moment when you feel that familiar, uncomfortable coldness.

...
Gabriel Garcia/Demand Media

Buy a jar of Vaseline, also called petroleum jelly, at any drugstore or supermarket.

...
Gabriel Garcia/Demand Media

Clean shoes or boots with a soft, bristle brush to remove any clinging dirt, especially around the seams.

...
Gabriel Garcia/Demand Media

Rub 1 tbsp. of Vaseline into the leather of the shoe, boot or article of clothing using your fingers or a soft cotton rag or paper towel. Use a circular motion as you rub.

...
Gabriel Garcia/Demand Media

Wipe excess Vaseline from the shoe or boot or article of clothing with a clean cotton cloth or paper towel.

...
Gabriel Garcia/Demand Media

Buff the leather to a shine, if you wish, by rubbing with a clean cotton cloth.