Have you got a favorite pair of shoes that, no matter how long or how much you’ve worn them, you can’t imagine the drama of them being damaged by rain or water? Water can soak through your shoes and ruin your day, whether it’s spring rains, winter snows, or pools and creeks on a hike. One outside trip results in a full day of misery, complete with soggy socks and freezing feet. Is there a way to keep your feet dry at all times?
Waterproofing shoes can be accomplished using various materials, including wax, spray waterproofers, and improvised methods. Follow this guide to keep water out of your shoes no matter how wet it is.
What are the benefits of waterproof shoes?
If you want to know why you should get the best waterproof shoes for walking or running, then here are a few reasons:
Keeps blisters at bay
If your feet are wet, you will most likely develop blisters. This will make you feel uneasy and reduce your productivity at work, resulting in unpleasant hiking or running experiences.
Keeps your feet dry
Although this is self-evident, many people, particularly those involved in sports, do not consider it a major issue. Running, for example, is an example of an outdoor sport. Gore-Tex is used to make waterproof running shoes. This is the material that keeps it dry.
Is it possible to waterproof your shoes?
At the very least, any shoe can be made water-resistant. Some shoe styles, such as leather boots, are easier to waterproof than others, but even lightweight ones, such as simple canvas trainers, can be effectively waterproofed. Some shoe types may require more frequent application of spray and wax products, whereas others may remain waterproof for a longer period.
However, as long as you use the right product for your specific shoe choice, you should be able to keep your feet dry and comfortable while also avoiding overspending on advanced products and flashy new shoes.
Waterproof sprays for shoes
There is no one best waterproof shoe spray, just as there is no best pair of shoes. Different materials have different properties, and spray options that work perfectly well for shoes like trainers may not affect the water resistance of leather boots, for example.
Using the wrong product on your shoe will get you nowhere and may result in your nice dry feet becoming unexpectedly wet, ruining anyone’s day! Different sprays have different best uses, so make sure you use the right one for the type of shoes you’re trying to keep dry.
How to Make Leather Shoes Waterproof?
If you are looking for waterproof leather shoes, most spray product options won’t do much more than enhance the leather’s natural water resistance. On the other hand, brands like Nikwax offer a variety of gels, waxes, and other options that are ideal for leather shoes. These act as strong water repellents while polishing the leather surface and making your shoes look brand new.
How to Make Canvas Shoes Waterproof?
A simple beeswax application is one of the most effective waterproofing canvas shoes. This can be found in various stores, ranging from craft stores to shoe care stores to candle stores.
You only need a solid chunk of beeswax to get started. Rub a piece of beeswax onto the surface of your canvas shoes until you see a layer of beeswax build up. Then, using a hairdryer on low heat, gently melt the beeswax into the shoes to work it into the canvas fibers.
What is the best way to waterproof Suede Shoes?
Most standard spray options are ideal for canvas or suede shoes but are far less effective for leather shoes. These sprays will provide high water resistance to your canvas or suede shoes, but they may need to be resprayed regularly, as any sprayed coating is very thin and will wear out quickly.
Sprays are the only true option for waterproofing suede shoes. Suede is a delicate material, and most waterproofing solutions will damage the surface, potentially ruining your shoe.
However, most sprayed waterproofing products should be fine. Just read the label before purchasing anything to waterproof suede shoes!
Things to remember while waterproofing your shoes.
- It is critical to remember not to dive headfirst into waterproofing shoes until thoroughly tested your chosen product.
- Test it on a small area before you apply it to your entire pair of shoes. This is because some of the options available may slightly alter the color of your shoes, so be cautious and test them out first if you don’t want to risk discoloring your shoes.
- You should make certain that your shoes are completely clean. Remove the laces and clean them, then gently scrub every surface of your shoes clean. Dirt will prevent your chosen waterproofing method from bonding properly to the materials of your shoes, so be thorough.
- Take your time, and proceed slowly and methodically. Any gaps in your coverage will not be waterproof, so make sure you cover every inch of your shoe’s surface.
Final thoughts
It’s never too early to waterproof your shoes because you never know when buckets of rain or snow will fall. Make certain that you and your shoes are always prepared for wet weather. Whichever method of waterproofing your shoes works best for you, repeat it every few months to stay dry no matter what the weather throws at you.