How to Waterproof Shoes: When, How Often and With What

One rain shower or one muddy splash can already do real damage to a new pair of shoes. Waterproofing your shoes stops water and dirt from soaking into the material. It takes a few minutes and works on leather, suede, canvas and mesh. But when do you do it, how often, and does it really make your shoes waterproof? In this blog you will read how to waterproof shoes properly, how protector spray works and which spray suits you.

In short

• Protector spray lays a breathable, colorless layer over the upper. Water and dirt bead off.
• Your shoe becomes highly water-repellent, but not fully waterproof. Only a membrane in the shoe itself can do that.
• Treat new shoes before you wear them for the first time, then again after every clean.
• Always spray onto clean, dry shoes and let them dry for at least half an hour.
• Spray your laces too, so they stay clean for longer.

What does protector spray do to your shoes?

A protector spray lays a thin, invisible layer over the fibres of the material. Water can no longer soak into the material, but forms droplets that roll off. The same goes for dirt, mud and spilt coffee. They stay on the outside and are easier to wipe away.

The layer is breathable. Your feet can still get rid of their moisture and the shoe doesn’t feel any different. The color doesn’t change either. If in doubt, test first on a spot you can’t see, such as the inside of the tongue.

Does protector spray make shoes waterproof?

No, but highly water-repellent. That’s an important difference. In the rain, on wet streets and in puddles your shoe stays dry. Stand in the rain for a long time or walk through tall wet grass, and moisture will eventually get through, especially via the seams and the tongue. A shoe only becomes fully waterproof through the material itself, such as a waterproof membrane in hiking boots.

When should you waterproof your shoes?

The best moment is before your shoes get dirty. So treat new shoes straight away, before you wear them for the first time. After that, apply a new layer:

• after every big clean, because cleaning removes part of the protection;
• after about 8 to 10 wears, if you use the Collonil Carbon MaxX Protector;
• more often if you wear your shoes a lot in the rain.

If water no longer beads off your shoe but soaks in, it’s time for a new layer.

How do you waterproof shoes?

1. Clean your shoes first. Spraying over dirt seals the dirt in.
2. Let them dry completely.
3. Take the laces out if you want to treat them separately, or leave them in and spray them too.
4. Spray evenly over the whole upper. Hold an aerosol about 30 cm away and a pump spray about 15 cm away. Always follow the instructions on the pack.
5. Let the shoes dry for at least half an hour before wearing them.

Spray outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. An aerosol is flammable, so keep it away from flames and don’t leave it in the sun. On white mesh with colored accents, spray lightly and evenly so colors don’t bleed.

Which protector spray should you choose?

Spray	Type	Key feature
Jason Markk Repel Spray	Pump spray, 160 ml	PFAS-free, water-based, also safe on white suede. Refillable with the Repel Refill.
Collonil Carbon MaxX Protector	Aerosol, 200 ml	Fluorine-free, for leather, suede, nubuck, mesh and textile.
Collonil Carbon Lab Protecting Spray	Pump spray, 100 ml	No propellant, for those who prefer not to use an aerosol.

All three are suitable for smooth leather, suede, nubuck, canvas and mesh. We don’t recommend Repel on untreated or vegetable-tanned leather. If you have a whole collection of shoes, the 5-packs are better value. You’ll find them in protection.

And the sole?

A protector spray protects the upper. The rubber or plastic midsole gets little benefit from it. For that there’s the Collonil Carbon Lab Midsole Sealer, which stops dirt from soaking deep into the sole.

Read on: the best laces for hiking boots and how to refresh old shoes in 6 steps.

Frequently asked questions

Can you waterproof suede shoes?

Yes, and with suede it’s especially important, because water quickly leaves stains and hard patches. All the sprays above are suitable for suede and nubuck. Also read our blog on how to clean suede shoes.

How long does protector spray take to dry?

At least half an hour before you wear the shoes. To be sure, leave them overnight.

Should you treat laces too?

You don’t have to, but it helps. If you spray the laces as well, dirt and moisture soak in less quickly and they stay looking good for longer. Are your laces already dirty? Read our blog on how to wash shoelaces first.

Will protector spray discolor my shoe?

No, the sprays dry colorless. If in doubt, test first on an inconspicuous spot, especially on light suede or unusual materials.

See all sprays and sealers in protection or everything for your shoes in shoe care.