How to waterproof shoes?

Your shoes are one of your most important pieces of gear when it comes to weathering the elements. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or just a lot of puddles, you need to make sure your feet are protected. You might be using a pair of shoes that's made of waterproof materials, but if you're not, there are a few different ways to make your shoes water resistant. Let's have a look at the most common methods.

Using a water resistant spray

A common way of waterproofing your shoes is using a water resistant spray. There are many different kinds of shoe protector sprays available on the market. Do some research to find one that will work best for your particular type of shoe. Using a water resistant spray is a straightforward process:

1. First, give your shoes a good cleaning with soap and water.
2. Once they're dry, apply the waterproofing spray evenly to the surface of the shoes. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
3. Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them again. And that’s it!

To maintain optimum protection, it's important to reapply waterproofing spray regularly – depending on how often you wear your shoes outdoors. This will help extend their lifespan and keep them looking great for longer!

Using waterproof wax

Waterproof wax is especially recommended to protect knit trainers against moisture. This is because the wax can penetrate the woven fibers and completely seal the shoe against water. You can use a specialised product, or just use plain beeswax or paraffin wax.

1. Start by ensuring that your shoes are clean and dry before you begin.
2. Apply the wax evenly across the surface of the shoe, using a brush or cloth. Make sure that you get into all of the nooks and crannies, as this is where water can most easily get in.
3. Allow the wax to dry completely before wearing your shoes.

You can easily wash off the wax with soap and water.

Using shoe covers

Protecting your shoes with waterproof covers it’s the easiest method to keep moisture away from your feet. These covers are made from silicone, PVC or other water-impervious materials. They are slip-on, elastic and completely waterproof. This makes them especially useful in heavy rain, snow and slush. Shoe covers are also equipped with treads, to prevent sole slipping.

Tips and tricks for waterproofing your shoes

There are some tips and tricks when it comes to waterproofing your shoes, to ensure you achieve the best results.

1. Use a damp cloth to clean your shoes before waterproofing them.
2. Be sure to check that the spray or wax you want to use is suitable for the material of your shoes.
3. Do not use a waterproof treatment on new shoes. The fabric moving to adjust to your feet might compromise the coating. Wait until your shoes are broken in to waterproof them.
4. Don’t try to use a cheaper alternative such as cooking spray or wax polish – these won’t give you the same level of protection from water.
5. Protect any leather parts of your shoes with a leather conditioner first. Some waterproofers can dry out leather if not applied correctly.

With just a little bit of effort, you can keep any pair of shoes looking great and feeling comfortable, even when the weather is less than ideal.