How to Waterproof Boots & Shoes

How to Waterproof Your Shoes

A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Footwear

Whether braving a rainy day or navigating through muck, keeping your shoes dry and protected is essential for comfort and longevity. In this guide, we'll explore the steps to waterproofing your shoes, starting with cleaning and polishing.

STEP ONE: Cleaning Shoes

Before applying any waterproofing treatment, start with cleaning the shoes. Remove any dirt or debris using a soft-bristled brush or damp cloth. For tougher stains, consider using a mild detergent or specialized shoe cleaner. Once the shoes are clean, allow them to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step. For a comprehensive guide to cleaning various shoe materials, see our article “How to Keep Shoes Clean & Looking Good.”

STEP TWO: Polishing

Once your shoes are clean and dry, polishing them enhances their appearance and provides additional protection. However, not all shoes need polishing. Certain materials, such as suede, rubber, fabric, most athletic shoes, and others made from synthetic materials or mesh, should not be polished as it can damage their appearance or material. Shoes made of leather are the primary shoes that should be polished.

Choose a high-quality shoe polish that matches the color of your shoes. Apply the polish in small, circular motions using a soft cloth or brush, covering the entire shoe surface. Allow the polish to dry for a few minutes before buffing the shoes with a clean cloth to achieve a glossy finish.

STEP THREE: Waterproofing

Now comes the most crucial step: waterproofing your shoes. Various waterproofing products are available, typically sprays, waxes, oils, and creams, each offering different levels of protection and application methods.

Before getting started with waterproofing your shoes, check to see if your shoes come with a waterproof liner. A waterproof liner, most typically found in boots, can limit the products you can use. Learn more about waterproofing boots with liners in our article “New Rules on Leather Boot Care.” Also, consider whether you need to address the seams of your boots or shoes, typically the first areas to leak. Applying a seam sealer to seams before waterproofing the shoes is an extra layer of defense.

In choosing the ideal waterproofing product for your shoes, select the best method for your needs and shoe material.

  • For leather, waxes are recommended to provide a durable moisture barrier while conditioning the leather. Another reliable option is waterproofing sprays, although sprays need to be applied more frequently, as often as every couple of weeks.
  • For fabric and suede, sprays and creams provide the barrier without altering the appearance or texture of the material. Shoes with Gore-Tex membranes are designed to be waterproof and breathable. However, with wear, they eventually require waterproofing treatment with Nikwax products to restore the chemical coating.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

  • SPRAYS
    • Waterproofing sprays are convenient and easy to apply, making them a popular choice, frequently preferred for smooth leather and fabric. As mentioned, a waterproofing spray must be applied more frequently than waxes.
    • How to Apply: In a ventilated room, hold the spray bottle at least 6 inches from the shoe and spray the entire outer shoe with a light, even coating, including the corners and seams. Apply a second coat, taking care not to saturate any part of the shoe. Allow to dry overnight.
  • WAXES
    • Waterproofing waxes provide a durable barrier against moisture and are particularly effective for leather and textured fabrics like canvas. Some waxes have dye in them, so if you care about the color of your shoes, be sure to choose a wax without dye or one as close as possible to matching the color of your shoes.
    • How to Apply: Rub the wax or beeswax across the shoe’s exterior in back-and-forth motions, working it into the heel, eyelets, seams, and toe. Once applied, warm the wax with a hair dryer at high heat, allowing the wax to liquefy and seep into the material. Once the entire shoe is covered with heated wax, sealing the surface, let it sit for an hour. Wipe away any wax residue.
  • OILS
    • While effective on leather as a base layer under waxes and sprays, oils provide deep conditioning but can discolor leather.
    • How to Apply: Use a dry, clean cloth to rub the oil into the entire outer surface of the leather, allowing it to dry for a few minutes before wiping away any build-up.
  • CREAMS
    • Like wax, cream waterproofers are ideal for leather shoes, penetrating the material and creating a water-repellent barrier.  
    • How to Apply: Using a clean cloth, generously apply cream to the shoe's surface, ensuring coverage of stitching and seams. Let it absorb for a few hours, then wipe clean. Reapply periodically for ongoing waterproofing maintenance.

Following these steps, you can effectively safeguard your shoes against moisture and prolong their lifespan. So, whether you're stepping out in the rain or embarking on an outdoor adventure, rest assured that your shoes are ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way.

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