Does waterproof spray work on leather shoes?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 14, 2026
The footwear waterproofing product is designed to work on all types of footwear material – including full-grain leather, nubuck, suede, and fabric. The simple spray-on proofing product is suitable for all types of footwear and repels water and stains.
How do you make leather shoes waterproof?
If you're having problems with your leather shoes, you can always use Vaseline to waterproof your shoes temporarily. You will need to clean your shoes beforehand, then simply coat them in a layer of Vaseline and it'll do the job just as well.
Can you spray shoes to make them waterproof?
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; Scotchgard Suede and Nubuck Protector. Rust-Oleum NeverWet Boot and Shoe Spray.
What is best to waterproof leather?
Best for Leather: Apple Brand Garde Rain and Stain Water Repellent. Best for Canvas: Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield. Best for Suede: Crep Protect Universal Protector. Best Multipurpose: Rust-Oleum NeverWet Boot and Shoe Spray.
How can I get my leather boots waterproof again?
Apply a small amount of dubbing wax to a dry cloth and rub all over the leather. Don't use too much wax as this causes the boots to harden. Start by rubbing in a very modest amount and use more for secondary coverage if needed. If the wax is too solid to be rubbed, gently melt it using a hairdryer.
18 related questions foundDo waterproof boots need to be sprayed?
To waterproof your shoes, thoroughly clean the shoes and allow them to dry naturally, before applying a layer of wax or covering with a waterproof spray, depending on the material of the shoe.
Is silicone spray good for leather?
“What will hurt the leather is silicones and waterproofers,” he says, noting that waterproofing sprays are typically silicone-based. “That adds a coating and it's very difficult to get off once it's on because it penetrates into the pores.
How can I waterproof my sneakers?
The most common way to waterproof a pair of tennis shoes is to buy a silicone spray(buy one on amazon) and spritz your shoes down. Once they're sprayed, just leave the spray to dry for a couple of hours. Silicone deters water and fills in the gaps in your shoes while maintaining breathability.
What can you put on leather to protect it?
Oils like mink oil, essential lemon oil, leather honey oil, coconut oil, and virgin olive oil are some of the available options. Other conditioning agents include beeswax and natural baby soap.
Can you use silicone spray to waterproof boots?
Silicone spray is the easiest way to waterproof boots, but it is also the least durable. Plan on frequent reapplication as the coating will degrade over a week or two if wearing daily...if not faster. You'll notice when it's worn off. It's also a good idea to apply a seam sealer.
Is Scotchgard good for shoes?
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.
How long does waterproof spray last?
Most water repellent sprays currently on the market will last from three weeks to three months.
Do you need to spray leather shoes?
Apply a protective spray every few weeks
It's popular and well-advised to apply a protective spray to leather shoes, especially if you plan on wearing them every day. Plenty of products can block water from getting in and prevent stains, without changing the look or the feel of the shoe.
Should you waterproof your leather shoes?
Do I Need to Waterproof My Leather Boots? You don't have to waterproof every pair of boots you own, but you should consider waterproofing a leather work boot or hiking boot because these are the types of shoes most likely to come into contact with water – and nobody wants wet feet!
Does Vaseline waterproof leather?
Yes, Vaseline can waterproof leather.
If you're always working outdoors and scared that water may harm your boots, you can always use Vaseline to waterproof your shoes temporarily. However, you need to ensure that your shoes are clean before you coat them with a layer of Vaseline.
Does Scotchgard work on leather?
In general, Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield can be used on cotton, cotton blends, leather, suede, nylon, canvas, and polyester.
How do you preserve leather shoes?
Here are 6 steps to care for your leather shoes.
- Don't wear your shoes every day.
- Clean them after each wear.
- Store leather shoes with a shoe tree in them.
- Avoid inclement weather.
- Polish them every 6 wears.
- Store shoes in a dust bag when not in use.
What can I use on leather shoes?
Conditioning. Using a horsehair brush or soft cloth, apply a leather conditioner such as Angelus Lustre Cream to the shoe's uppers. A neutral conditioning cream is convenient and can be used on all of your leather shoes, but a color-matched cream will help cover small scratches, scrapes and scuffs.
How do I make my shoes stain resistant?
One of the best ways to protect your shoes from dirt and stains is to spray a thin layer of Scotchgard Fabric Protector on your new pair of shoes. Be sure to spray thinly and evenly, and let the shoes dry in a clean area before wearing them out into the world.
What is silicone spray good for?
Silicone spray lubricant lubricates metals that fasten together and move, including cables, bearings, springs, hinges, hoses, latches and much more. Silicone sprays are an effective way of lubricating metals from friction.
Is beeswax good for leather?
Beeswax provides just enough lubrication to prevent hardening of leather in typical use. By adding essential oils to the leather, you can waterproof and preserve leather at the same time. Beeswax and pine resin are the two essential ingredients to make your boots truly waterproof.
Is mink oil silicone based?
Mink Oilcontains silicone, which is an artificial substance - but it certainly has its merit and has hard-earned its position in leather care.
Does WD 40 make shoes waterproof?
Cover your shoes with WD-40 and rub the oil into the material to make them water-resistant. (This method obviously only works for shoes with a smooth surface! Don't ruin your suede loafers or best sneakers by trying to waterproof them.)
Can I use waterproof spray on Uggs?
Using a waterproofing spray is the easiest and quickest way to waterproof your Uggs. However, not any ol' waterproofing spray will do! You need to use a product that's specifically made for suede. I personally use Nikwax because it adds water repellency to my Uggs without damaging their texture.
How often should you waterproof leather boots?
A good rule of thumb is to waterproof your boots whenever they get extra dirty or when water stops beading on their surface. This may equate to waterproofing them once every couple of months. It's important to know what your boots are made of before you treat them.