How to Waterproof Shoes | Vessi Footwear (2024)

Tired of getting wet socks and still refuse to wear clunky waterproof boots instead of sneakers? Are you constantly asking yourself how to waterproof shoes? It's probably time to make the switch to Vessi the 100% waterproof shoes made every weather, sun, rain, snow, mud - you'd never expect these sneakers to be actually waterproof.

Additionally, you can also try out a few hacks to make your current set of shoes temporarily water-resistant. If you wonder what types of materials you can transform into all-weather shoes, this article has the answer for you. You can waterproof your tennis shoes, canvas shoes, hiking boots, suede shoes, leather shoes, dress shoes, and almost all sneakers or boots.

What are the Benefits of Waterproofing Shoes?

Making your shoes waterproof means you walk around with dry feet in the rain or snow; time to worry less about the forecast ruining your style. But that's not all; the following are additional pros;

1. You will prevent blisters. When your feet are wet, your skin softens, and you tend to lose some control when walking, which leads to awful blisters.
2. You will prevent cold feet. Not only can your feet get wet if you develop cold-feet, but you also become susceptible to cold-related health problems, even conditions such as arthritis that could affect your quality of life.
3. You will observe good hygiene. Waterproof footwear protects your feet from filthy floodwater that could be carrying any bacteria, contaminants, and other things that could cause you discomfort.
4. You will be more comfortable carrying out your activities.

Can You Make Your Shoes Waterproof?

Yes, you can make your shoes waterproof at home, using natural products or waterproofing treatments. The following are some of the best materials to use to make your footwear water-repellent.

1. Beeswax
2. Waterproofing Sprays
3. Other waterproofing products such as polish for leather shoes.

How to Waterproof Shoes

1. Using Wax

You can either decide to use beeswax or a clear candle's wax to treat your shoes. However, before using just any wax, ensure it is either colorless or matches your shoe's hue. Wax is best used for canvas shoes or other fabric shoes as it melts and integrates into the fabric. Follow the following steps for best results;

1. Clean and dry the shoes. This is a vital step. After all, you don't want your shoes to show stains once you waterproof them because you also won't clean them after the fact.
2. Try the wax on a small part of the shoe upper. It is best to be sure the wax won't stain or discolor your shoe.
3. If no discoloration occurs, rub the wax all around the shoe upper to form a thick layer. Double-check that you have applied to all parts; the easiest way to confirm is by checking the wax layer's uniformity.
4. Once you've applied the wax evenly on both shoes, you need a heat source to melt the wax into the fabric. You can use a hairdryer for this step, setting it to high heat. Once the dryer is hot, wave it toward the shoe and go over all waxed areas until it all melts.
5. Once you've heated the pair, you can then perform a moisture test by pouring water on the upper to see if it will repel it. If not, you can reapply the wax again until the shoes are entirely waterproof.

2. Using a Waterproofing Spray

These protectant sprays are ideal for shoes with an absorbent fabric, such as suede shoes and canvas shoes. These are a few of the best waterproof sprays you can use on your shoes;

1. Scotchgard Suede and Nubuck Protector
2. Rust-Oleum NeverWet Boot and Shoe Spray
3. Kiwi Rain and Stain Protector
4. Bickmore Gard-More Water and Stain Repellent

Once you've settled on the best spray for your suede or fabric, the following are the steps to follow to waterproof them;

1. Clean the shoe upper. It would be best to ensure it's free of any dirt, mud, or stain before waterproofing it, as you will not be able to clean it after the fact. Let the shoes dry in a cool, dry place, and insert shoetrees to prevent forming creases.
2. After the shoes dry, hold the can at least 6 inches away and spray the whole upper. Ensure you apply to every part of the upper, including the seam. To make sure you miss any portion, apply at least two layers.
3. Once you are done spraying, use a dry microfiber cloth to blot the extra away. Avoid using paper towels as they can shed fibers that stick to the fabric.
4. Leave the shoes to dry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for at least 24 hours. Because these sprays are not very durable, you might need to repeat the process quite often if you wear the shoes a lot.

3. Using shoe polish and waterproofing spray to waterproof leather shoes and boots

If you have a pair of genuine leather shoes or boots, you want to be careful when waterproofing them. The following is the best waterproofing treatment for leather.

1. Wipe the shoe with a damp cloth to remove any bit of dirt or mud. You can also clean the shoe or boots with saddle soap to remove any persistent scuffs. Avoid dipping the leather shoe or boots in water or using harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
2. When you have cleaned the shoe, avoid drying it in the sun, but give it several minutes to dry in a cool place.
3. Using a dry cloth, gently apply a few layers f polish to the clean shoe. When done, you can use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess polish.
4. In this step, pick a gentle waterproofing spray on leather and spray it all around the upper. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on the best way to spray leather.

How to Maintain and Store Waterproofed Shoes

Once you have waterproofed your shoes in readiness for the rainy season, you need to do the following vital tips;

1. Store the shoes n a cool, dry place with sunlight and moisture protection.
2. Break in the shoes before wearing them outdoors. This step is vital because shoes tend to stiffen after waterproofing application.
3. Reapply the waterproofing product after several uses or after you notice the waterproof layer wearing off.

What are the Cons of Waterproofing Shoes?

While waterproofing is excellent to keep moisture away, it also comes with the following cons;

1. Shoes may become stiffer thanks to the extra coat of waterproof products.
2. It may be unbearable to wear waterproof shoes in hot weather because of reduced breathability.
3. The waterproof product could reduce the shoe's flexibility.
4. Feet can still get wet if the shoes are entirely submerged in water.