Collection: Nikwax

Nikwax is one of those rare outdoor brands that genuinely changed the industry. Founded in the 1970s by British climber and backpacker Nick Brown, the company was born from frustration with traditional wax treatments that softened leather boots and reduced their breathability. Nick developed the original waterproofing wax by hand, initially melting it on his kitchen stove and testing it in the mountains himself.

Long before sustainability became fashionable, Nikwax became the first outdoor aftercare company to completely eliminate PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals) from its waterproofing products. PFCs have been widely used in outdoor clothing and footwear for their water-repellent properties, but they don’t break down naturally and can persist in the environment for decades. Over time, these chemicals can enter rivers, groundwater, wildlife, and even our own bodies.

Nikwax chose a different path — developing high-performance waterproofing products without the use of harmful fluorocarbons. Today, their products remain water-based, non-aerosol, and designed to extend the life of your footwear and outdoor gear rather than replace it.

At The Barefoot Shoe Box, we love brands that combine performance with genuine environmental responsibility, and Nikwax has been quietly leading the way for decades.