When I have just purchases some new shoes I hard to see them get dirty. If it’s raining outside I also want my feet to stay warm and dry. The nice thing about many shoes is that you can waterproof them and others you can keep dry using accessories.
To protect shoes from the rain and stains, shoes need to be protected. You can use a waterproofing product on your shoes that acts as an invisible umbrella for your shoes. These kinds of products protect shoes from the rain and from other contaminants.
Here a list of 10 Links to waterproofing products from Amazon.com. Continue reading for information on each product and tips you can use for getting the best results.
- Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector
- Huberd’s Shoe Grease
- Sof Sole Mink Oil
- Atsko Sno-Seal Original Beeswax Waterproofing
- Crep Protect Universal Protector
- KIWI Boot Waterproofer
- Rust-Oleum NeverWet
- Collonil Carbon Pro Waterproofing
- Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray
- Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing
If you walk in the rain frequently, having a waterproof / water resistant shoe can make a big difference. I often get my socks wet when I encounter a deep puddle while walking to work. The next day I make sure to wear my shoes that are water-resistant and seal out the water better.
Which Shoes Can You Make Rain Resistant / Waterproof?
The shoes that work best with waterproofing products are smooth leather, nubuck and suede, synthetic leather, canvas, and fabric. Some waterproofing products may say do not use on: plastic, vinyl, and rubber. These materials are usually waterproof already though. For best results read all the instructions on the waterproofing product.
Some types of shoe you might consider waterproofing are:
- Sneakers (& similar styles)
- Boots
- Dress or business Shoes
- Hiking Shoes
- Some high heels
When using shoes in the rain you want to either get a shoe that is already waterproof, like a waterproof boot, or use a shoe that covers the foot completely and has no way for the water to enter. Then all you do is apply the spray, wax, or oil to the shoe and it will keep your shoe dry.
Almost any shoe can be made to be rainproof. You can even put waterproofing sprays on shoes that have mesh if you want to. It won’t keep your feet as dry in the rain but it will protect your shoes from dirt and liquid stains much better than not using anything.
Shoe waterproofing will work from a few weeks to a few months depending on the product. You’ll need to continue reapplying it to get the best results.
What to Do Before Rainproofing
Once you know the shoe you want to waterproof you can start preparing your shoe and choosing a waterproofing product. Make sure your shoes have most of the following attributes.
- A consistent type of leather or fabric on the entire outside of the shoe will give you the best results.
- Your shoe needs to be clean and dry. Do any cleaning and drying before applying any product.
- Test on a small area if you’re concerned about color changes that might occur. Usually, the product will let you know of this possibility.
- When you’re ready to apply the waterproofing product, place your shoes outside in an open area or use some newspaper on a table in a well-ventilated area. Then you won’t get the spray, oil, or wax on anything except your shoes.
- Be aware that some sprays have a strong smell and use chemicals that can be irritants.
There are also some things to consider and things not to do so you can get the best results.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Shoes with holes or mesh will be less likely to prevent rain from entering even if you use waterproofing spray.
- Double-check that there are no holes. As seen In the shoe above there are no holes, yet there is lots of mesh. While there is material under the mesh, It may not block water very well. The fewer holes the better. This allows you to ensure your waterproofing can effectively repel rain and water.
- Don’t put leather-only products on faux leather. Your shoes could be fabric or leather, so double check to see it is real leather or imitation leather. Leather may feel softer and smoother.
- Check the tongue of the shoe to see what material the upper part of the shoe is made of.
CAUTION. Make sure to read the label of a waterproofing product before applying it to your shoes. Some are specifically made for leather, suede, and other materials. Some are made of silicon and some water-based. Check to see if they can discolor your shoes.
Choose the Right Rainproofing Product
Choose the best product for your shoes. If they are leather, a leather waterproofing product or wax is usually best. They can pernitrate the leather with oils, wax, or other chemicals. Some will help soften and condition the leather so it will look better and stay protected longer.
All-purpose waterproofing sprays can work on most leathers and fabrics. They have various chemicals that work to repel water and create a layer of protection on the surface of your shoe.
Check out the various features of each product so you’ll know which one will work best for your needs. Here is a list of the products I would recommend for waterproofing your shoe so they can stay dry in the rain.
Waterproofing For Leather Shoes
1. Scotchgard – Suede and Nubuck
When you have a suede shoe you want a product that will protect it and still allow it to retain its natural look. This spray will protect your shoes from the rain with a clear layer to stop rain and snow that might stain your suede or nubuck.
Attributes:
- Size: 6 oz spray.
- Duration: Can last up to six months.
- Spray info: Colorless and odor-free. Color safe. Your shoes won’t change color. Does usually smells bad. Quick-drying.
- Used on: Any suede or nubuck item.
- Protection: Stops rain, snow, sleet, and help minimize salt stains
2. Huberd’s Shoe Grease – Leather
If you have old or new leather shoes and want to make sure they are conditioned and protected from the elements, this product can help. It has been used for over 100 years for waterproofing and preserving leather.
Attributes:
- Size: 7.5 oz. can.
- Duration: Can last a month but longer if reapplied often.
- Qualities: Made of pine tar and beeswax. Darkens the color of your shoes. Smells like burnt pine pitch. Takes a day or more to dry with a thick application.
- Used on: Leather only. Leather shoes, boots, saddles, baseball gloves, etc.
- Protection: Resists rain and snow, but eventually rain may soak through if shoes are outside for long periods.
3. Mink Oil – Leather
Sofsole Mink Oil is made from mostly animal fats and glycerol according to several customer responses. This conditioner is applied to leather shoes as an excellent way to preserve and waterproof leather products. It can help prevent stains from water, perspiration, and salt.
Attributes:
- Size: 3.5 oz. tin.
- Duration: Can last a long time because it soaks into the leather. I estimate 1-6 months depending on conditions.
- Qualities: Made of mostly animal fats and glycerol. May darken the color of your shoes. Has little smell but some say it has various pleasant smells. Absorbs in a few minutes with a thin application.
- Used on: Leather only. Leather shoes. boots, saddles, baseball gloves, etc.
- Protection: Resists rain other forms of moisture. Water may eventually soak through if exposed to long periods of rain.
4. Atsko Sno-Seal – Leather
Sno Seal is a wax that is used to seal out moisture from leather-made items. It helps protect shoes from rain, sun, snow, and salt. It has been around since 1933. It helps allow moisture to escape, such as in Gore-Tex lined boots. It should last for long periods and provide a layer of rainproof protection for your shoes.
Attributes:
- Size: 7 oz. container.
- Duration: Can last a long time to stop moisture before it touches the leather. I estimate it can last 1 month if used daily, to 1 year if used occasionally.
- Qualities: Made mostly of beeswax. May darken the color of your shoes. Has little to no smell. Allows leather to breathe. Lubricates and conditions leather. Has California’s Proposition 65 warning.
- Used on: Leather only. Leather shoes. boots, gloves, etc.
- Protection: Does a good job of waterproofing shoes so no moisture gets in. Rain and snow stay off of the shoe unless the product has worn off.
5. Crep – Suede, Canvas, or Nubuck
Crep is a spray that works on suede, nubuck, and canvas shoes. It helps protect liquid spills including rain. It creates a clear barrier on top of your shoe. It used nanotechnology to stop stains on your shoes.
Attributes:
- Size: 5 oz. Spray.
- Duration: Can last up to two weeks.
- Qualities: Creates a clear layer of protection on top of your shoes. Mostly likely will darken the color of your shoes. Likely little to no smell when applying. Dries fast.
- Used on: Use on suede, nubuck, and canvas.
- Protection: Protects from rain fairly well, but the produce asks you to apply two coats of spray to protect. To get a waterproofing effect make sure to apply at least two good coats or more.
Waterproofing For Most Shoes
6. KIWI Boot Waterproofer – Fabrics and Leather
KIWI Boot spray is a silicon-based waterproofing spray that bonds to leather and fabrics. Your shoes can breathe yet be protected from all sorts of moisture including rain. It helps protect shoes from rain and snow. It helps to allow moisture to escape, so the leather can dry easier.
Attributes:
- Size: 10.5 oz. Spray.
- Duration: Seems to work well for waterproofing. I estimate it can last 1 month if used daily to 1 year if used occasionally.
- Qualities: Made of silicon. Ingredients include prallethrin and cyfluthrin. May darken the color of your shoes. Likely smells bad when applying but no lingering smell. Best to apply in a well-ventilated area. Dries in 4 hours after 1st coat. After the 2nd coat let dry 24-48 hours before wearing.
- Used on: Use on regular leather and fabrics.
- Protection: Does a good job of waterproofing shoes. Make sure to reapply when water starts to soak into fabric or leather.
7. Rust-Oleum NeverWet – Fabrics and Leather
Rust-Oleum NeverWet Boot & Shoe is a spray used to treat leather, suede, nubuck, canvas, and more. Your shoes will be protected from the rain and their color will not change once you apply the spray. This is an easy spray waterproofing bottle that gives your shoes protection and allows them to breathe.
Attributes:
- Size: 11 oz. Spray.
- Duration: Should reapply seasonally. Should last about a week with regular shoe use. May last longer with a thicker coat.
- Qualities: Clear spray that creates a hydrophobic coating on your shoes. It should allow your shoes to look and feel the same. Likely smells bad when applying but no lingering smell. Allows shoes to breathe. Best to apply outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Apply one coat and let dry 24 hours before wearing.
- Used on: Use on most shoes including leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas.
- Protection: It does well at keeping the rain off of shoes, but may wipe off easily. Be sure to check on the rainproof effectiveness regularly. Apply more when needed.
8. Collonil Carbon Pro – Fabrics and Leather
Collonil Carbon Pro can protect your shoes from the rain and allow them to breathe. Used to treat leather, suede, textiles, and fabrics. Your shoes will be protected from the rain and their color will not change once you apply the spray.
Attributes:
- Size: 300 Milliliter or ~10 oz. Spray.
- Duration: Should last about 2-3 weeks with regular shoe use.
- Qualities: Clear spray that may darken the color of your shoes. Likely smells bad when applying but no lingering smell. Allows shoes to breathe. Best to apply outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Used on: You can use it on leather, suede, textiles, and fabrics.
- Protection: It does well at keeping the rain off of your shoes. Leather may require two coats for effective waterproofing.
9. Sof Sole – Fabrics and Leather
Sof Sole spray is used to treat most shoes including nubuck and suede. It coats the outside of your shoes with a clear layer that allows your shoes to breathe. It protects from rain and other things that might stain.
Attributes:
- Size: 7.5 oz. Spray.
- Duration: Should last about 2-3 weeks with regular shoe use.
- Qualities: This quick-drying spray is a clear and fluoropolymer compound. It shouldn’t darken the color of most shoes. Likely smells bad when applying but no lingering smell. Allows shoes to breathe. Best to apply outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Used on: Use on most leathers or canvas shoes. (Not recommended for vinyl or patent leather.)
- Protection: It does well at keeping the rain off of your shoes.
10. Nikwax – Fabrics and Leather
Nikwax Shoe spray is used to treat smooth leathers, fabrics, and Gore-Tex. Your shoes will be protected from the rain and their color will not change once you apply the spray.
Attributes:
- Size: 4 oz. Spray.
- Duration: Should last about 2-3 weeks with regular shoe use.
- Qualities: This spray is clear and is water-based, biodegradable, and contains no PFCs, VOCs, optical brighteners, or added scent. It may darken the color of your shoes. Likely smells bad when applying but no lingering smell. Allows shoes to breathe. Best to apply outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Can apply to wet or dry leather, providing instant Durable Water Repellency (DWR).
- Used on: Use on smooth leather, fabric, or GORE-TEX shoes, boots, and gloves.
- Protection: Does well for protection from the rain.
What to do When Rainproofing Shoes
As with all waterproofing products, if you apply it to the surface correctly and with the necessary amount, it should be effective at keeping rainwater off of your shoes.
Applying sprays, waxes, and oils isn’t always so easy though. Once you’ve applied some on your shoe, you may wonder if you put enough on to coat the shoe properly.
Watching a video on how to apply shoe waterproofing may help some get a better idea of how it’s done. For wipe-on waterproofing products be sure to learn about helpful tips on applying those as well.
10 Waterproofing Tips
- Using shoes that have only one material can give you better results when you are waterproofing your shoes. If canvas or fabric, insure it is tight-knit material.
- Clean your shoes first. If you want your shoe to look their best clean and condition shoes before applying a waterproofing product.
- Use shoes with no holes or mesh. For consistent waterproofing protection, your shoe should not have any openings.
- Apply two coats for the best waterproofing protection. Some people fail to apply enough protection to their shoes or do it incorrectly. Take the time to apply enough protection.
- Read the product description and details thoroughly. Not all of the product information may be available online, so once it arrives read all instructions carefully before applying to your shoes.
- Decide if slight darkening of your shoe is OK or not. Most waterproofing products tend to darken shoes a bit, but not all of them.
- Spray your shoes outside or in a well-ventilated area. Most sprays have smelly chemical fumes. Many of the sprays are also flammable. Use caution around heat sources and make sure you can breathe properly while spraying. Some chemicals in certain sprays may be slightly toxic if inhaled.
- Test spray for practice. Applying sprays can be tricky. Test on a newspaper or something you want to waterproof but don’t care how it looks. With even smooth sprays you can get good results. Be careful not to get too close or go too slow. (See video above for example)
- Let it dry for the specified time and wipe off any excess spray. For some shoes, the spray will sink into the leather or fabric and there will be no excess spray. The harder you with the more likely the waterproofing will come off. So it’s best to let it dry and then wipe lightly to remove any excess waterproofing.
- Read reviews, watch videos, and look at articles. There are likely many resources for information about the specific waterproofing product you are using.
Final Thoughts
You are adding value to your shoes when you use a waterproofing product. If you have new or old shoes, you can expect them to look better for longer when you treat them regularly with a protective spray or coating. You will be able to have good-looking shoes for years to come with proper care.
I have seen the difference that regular care can have on shoes, and making them rainproof is a great idea to prevent rain or dirt stains on your shoes. I hope you can find the right product that works best for your shoes.
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