Waterproofing shoes is a simple process that can be done at home. Over time, this will help your shoes last longer and keep your feet dry in the rain!
It’s easy enough to do on any pair of leather or suede shoes, but if you’re unsure how it works, you’ll want to read along with this article.
I’m going to break down exactly how waterproofing works, what products are best for each type of shoe material, and give you an idea about how much better these methods work than nothing at all.
Non-slip shoes are one of the most effective strategies to avoid a costly and potentially fatal accident.
We’ll start with water repellent sprays because they are quick and easy. This blog post will teach you how to Waterproof Shoes s with great shoe products!
These products are easy and inexpensive, so if you want to protect your investment in excellent footwear, then read on!
Is it possible to make waterproof shoes?
Yes, using some remedies or products, you can make your shoes waterproof at home. The materials listed below are some of the best for making water-resistant footwear. Following are some best products:
- Beeswax
- Waterproofing Spray
- Other waterproofing products such as polish for leather shoes
Also read: Stop Shoes from Squeaking
How to Waterproof Shoes using wax?
There are many natural and synthetic fabrics, and shoes made from these fabrics will have to be waterproofed differently.
Waxing leather is a good choice for suede, which cannot become fully waterproof without affecting the material’s breathability.
Waxing fabric is a more difficult proposition–although it can be done with great success.
The same method may be used for shoes made from both leather and material, but there are limits to how much water these fabrics can take before they start to stretch or tear.
For the best results, follow the procedures below:
Step 1:
If the shoes are not already clean, give them a good cleaning using soap and water or shoe cleaner. Ensure the shoes are completely dry before continuing; if necessary, use a hairdryer to speed up the process.
Step 2:
Cut a small piece of wax off the block using a sharp knife or grater; shaving it off with a butter knife is not recommended.
Melt this piece in a double boiler (a pot placed inside one full of hot water). Use low heat and frequently stir until all of the wax has melted.
Step 3:
Dip the paintbrush into the wax and liberally coat it with wax; make sure that there are no dry spots on the brush, or it will be more challenging to apply the wax later.
Dab off any excess wax on a piece of paper until you have an amount about equal to a pinhead’s worth of wax on the brush.
Step 4:
Starting from the bottom of the shoe and working up, paint a thin, even coat of wax onto your shoes, ensuring that you don’t miss any parts.
It can be helpful to divide each shoe into sections as you go. Let the wax dry for about 15 minutes before proceeding with step 5; if you are worried about it drying too quickly, use a hairdryer to help speed up the process.
Step 5:
Take another small piece of wax and apply it precisely as you did in step 4. repeat until the shoes are entirely coated with wax; do not paint on any more layers than is necessary to get good coverage.
Step 6:
Let the wax dry for at least 4 hours before trying to wear your shoes. This will ensure that the resin is completely solidified and prevent it from flaking off prematurely.
Step 7 :
After 4 hours, use a sharp knife or grater to shave off excess wax, which can then be melted down again and reused on the next shoe.
After you have removed as much excess wax as possible, use a clean rag to buff the shoes until they shine.
Also read: Shoes to Wear with Red Dress.
How to make waterproof shoes using a waterproofing spray:
Protective sprays for shoes made of absorbent fabrics, such as suede and canvas, are suitable. These are some of the best waterproof shoe sprays on the market;
- Scotchgard Suede and Nubuck Protector
- Rust-Oleum NeverWet Boot and Shoe Spray
- Kiwi Rain and Stain Protector
- Bickmore Gard-More Water and Stain Repellent
Following are the steps to waterproof your suede or fabric once you’ve decided on the right spray for it:
Step 1:
Clean the upper of the shoe. It’s advisable to make sure there’s no dirt, mud, or stain on it before waterproofing it, as you won’t be able to clean it afterward.
Allow the shoes to air dry in a cool, dry location, and use shoetrees to avoid creases.
Step 2:
After the shoes have dried, spray the entire upper with the can held at least 6 inches away.
Make sure to cover the entire upper, including the seam. Apply at least two layers to ensure you don’t miss any areas.
Step 3:
After you’ve finished spraying, dab any excess with a dry microfiber cloth. Paper towels should be avoided since they can shed fibers that adhere to the fabric.
Allow at least 24 hours for the shoes to dry in an excellent, dry location away from direct sunshine.
Because these sprays aren’t extremely long-lasting, you may need to repeat the process if you wear your shoes frequently.
Also read: Buy Running Shoes
Other waterproofing products such as polish for leather shoes
If you have natural leather shoes or boots, you should use caution when waterproofing them. The best leather waterproofing treatment is as follows.
Step 1:
To remove any dirt or mud, wipe the shoe with a moist cloth. You may also use saddle soap to clean the shoe or boots if there are any stubborn scuffs.
Avoid soaking your leather shoes or boots in water or using strong chemicals to harm the leather.
Step 2:
When you’ve finished cleaning the shoe, don’t dry it in the sun; instead, let it air dry for a few minutes.
Step 3:
Apply a couple of layers of polish to the clean shoe with a dry cloth. When you’re finished, wipe away any extra polish with a clean towel.
Step 4:
Choose a moderate leather waterproofing spray and spray it all over the top in this stage. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for spraying leather.
Also read: How to Buy Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
How to keep waterproof shoes in good condition and store them:
After you’ve waterproofed your shoes in preparation for the rainy season, you should follow these essential guidelines:
Step 1:
Keep the shoes in an excellent, dry spot away from direct sunlight and dampness.
Step 2:
Allow the shoes to break in before wearing them outside. Because shoes stiffen after being waterproofed, this step is essential.
Step 3:
After many usages or when the waterproof layer begins to wear away, reapply the waterproofing product.
FAQs
Do waterproofing shoes work?
Yes, waterproofing shoes work. Rainy weather is a definite problem for anyone who gets their feet wet without the help of a shoe.
When you wear shoes, your foot doesn’t have to be submerged in water to get wet, so the key is getting it from outside onto inside or from dry skin to inside.
Waterproofing spray will not protect against a flood, but it should still do an excellent job of protecting your footwear against everyday hazards–mainly if you use it on insoles and toes.
One option that could also prove helpful during storm season is simply storing one’s footwear in airtight plastic bags that can then be tied shut tightly before being stored away in cupboards or closets.