Waterproofness

[nautilus]

Not sure if that's a word, but anyway....

With textile clothing,if it gets really mucky,e.g. after a heavy downpour, it starts to leak. Something to do with the pores of the waterproof membrane getting clogged & wicking water through instead of keeping it out. A wash and reproofing with Nikwax products soon sorts it. Now a couple of weeks ago when we got utterly soaked in Spain, for hours on end, my wonderful Daytona boots, that haven't let in a drop of water in 5 years leaked big time . It took 2 days to dry them out!

Question: Does this mean they are now going to keep on leaking like a textile jacket would? I can't wash the waterproof membrane like I would with clothing, only wax or Renapur the leather which helps in showers but not heavy rain. Has anyone any experience/ advice??