More than any other accessory or apparel item, shoes are constantly exposed to the harshest conditions. While you’d never dream of dragging your favorite handbag through the muck, that’s exactly what shoes go through each day. That said, one way to protect shoes is to waterproof them. Fortunately, this lesser-known but useful wardrobe hack is simpler than it sounds. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up eight of the best waterproof sprays for shoes that really work.
Some of the best waterproof sprays for shoes are made by Kiwi. This brand is basically devoted to protecting footwear. In addition to warding off rain damage, this spray also protects against other liquids (think spilled wine). According to reviewer Cory Safreed on Amazon, “I use this on all of my shoes and it extends their life without a doubt.”
This is an excellent product to guard against the elements for sneakers and canvas shoes. It sprays on clear so it won’t alter the appearance or breathability of the shoes.
Made to work equally well on suede, canvas, and nubuck materials, Crep Protect is the perfect choice for a range of weather conditions. Amazon reviewer Hanna Huang says, “So happy with the result—I wore my boots in Iceland and they survived both ice and rainy days, as well as totally dry conditions.”
Don’t be fooled by the heavy-duty name—this versatile spray is ideal for some of your most delicate footwear. It’s silicone-free, sprays on clear, and is one of the best waterproof sprays for shoes made with natural and synthetic materials.
Another great product from Kiwi, this protector is designed specifically to work on leather and suede. We love the product’s easy application and appreciate that it’s made to work on everything from hiking boots to designer loafers.
When it comes to suede and unfinished leathers, this product from Scotchgard is one of the best waterproof sprays for shoes. In addition to repelling water, it’s also designed to repel oil-based stains, which makes it a necessity for boots that see a lot of wear.
If your shoe collection includes non-traditional fabrics, few products can compete with the versatility of Bickmore Gard-More. This spray is also a great fix for other accessories like bags. According to Amazon reviewer K. Michel, Gard-More’s spray is the “best spray for handbags. I have a lot of high-end Florentine leather bags and this is the best spray. It will not color change the leather and is also great on leather and canvas shoes.”
True to its name, this product is one of the best waterproof sprays for shoes made from nubuck and suede. Whether you’re plotting your next outdoor adventure or hoping to extend the lifespan of your favorite boots closer to home, this water-based, biodegradable product is the perfect addition to your arsenal.
Now that you know how to protect your shoes, stay comfortable with some of the best insoles for shoes, including heels and sneakers.
This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.