Your shoes are constantly exposed to harsh conditions in addition to supporting the weight of your body. Therefore, protecting them as best as possible is the least you can do given the amazing service they give you. This is why today we're looking at the best waterproof spray for shoes.

Although getting yourself a good waterproof spray will go a long way in ensuring that your shoes stay in tip-top condition, getting a high-quality pair of waterproof shoes is even better. One of the most popular brands known for their 100% waterproof shoes for men and women is Vessi.

If you thought that walking on water was a myth, think again because Vessi gives you waterproof shoes to conquer any liquid you come across on your commute, run or jog like a boss. Their waterproofing is built into the shoe's material, meaning that it will last throughout its lifespan. Their shoes are also 100% vegan and creature-free.

Nonetheless, if you can't get your hands on a good pair of Vessi footwear, working with one of these best waterproof sprays will still give you good enough protection. Let's dive in.

Best Waterproof Spray for Shoes

1. Scotchgard Suede and Nubuck Protector

Although wearing soft leather suede footwear is a dream, owning a pair of these babies means that you need to be careful, especially when dealing with water. Suede material absorbs water like a sponge. Therefore, getting a material-specific waterproof spray like the Scotchgard suede and nubuck protector is a great idea.

This leather suede and nubuck waterproofing spray makes your shoe less absorptive without damaging the material. This shoe spray also protects your shoe against stains from solvents containing water and oil. However, this shoe protector is not suitable for use on smooth, finished leathers.

2. Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent

According to experts, it's important to spray your new pairs of shoes with a protectant immediately you buy them. Great on all types of leather, Apple Brand is budget-friendly, which means you can get it without denting your pockets.

This waterproofing spray works with the mechanism that the silicone bonds to the leather on your shoe, creating a barrier that keeps droplets and moisture out. However, unlike Vessi with waterproofing throughout the shoe's lifetime, you'll need to reapply the Apple Brand spray every couple of months.

For your favorite pair, you'll need to spray it as often as every few weeks to ensure it stays water repellent. This best waterproof spray also protects your shoe from other liquids like wine and coffee.

3. Atsko Sno-Seal 1330 Original Beeswax Waterproofing 

This affordable water-repellent and shoe protector is great for the winter season, and you want to go rolling around in the snow. Also, if you like hiking snowy or muddy trails, you'll want to pack this water repellent for your hiking boots.

You'll love that this waterproof product dries as a solid wax on your hiking boots, ensuring no water passes through. This product works best on leather boots and can give the leather-treated alternative a run for its money.

4. Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent

This boot and shoe spray can be used as a stain repellent and is perfect for you if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. This is because it is highly effective as a water repellent and shoe protector and works on leather suede, full-grain leather, and nubuck.

Your shoes and leather suede will also be protected against dirt and stains, and you won't have to worry so much about scuffing or rub off. Perfect for footwear, you can also use this best waterproof spray and stain repellent on jackets, gloves, furniture, hats, coats, tack, car upholstery, luggage, and so much more.

The best part about this best waterproof spray is that it adds a strong layer of invisible protection to your leather suede shoe while also allowing the material to breathe. Therefore, you don't have to worry about sweaty feet as you use this shoe spray.

5. KIWI Boot Waterproofer

This waterproofer gives tough silicone protection for your outdoor and work boots. This waterproofing spray uses a formula that bonds leather to fabrics and creates a tough water barrier. You don't have to worry about sweaty toes because this waterproofing spray also allows materials to breathe.

Especially if you have dark-colored to black leather shoes, this water repellent will serve you well because it is silicone-based.

6. Fiebings Mink Oil Paste

Similar to beeswax, this paste used to protect your shoes is a heavy-duty protectant that you can use on shoes that you don't mind if they look different or not. Because it is a heavy-duty protectant for your shoes, this mink oil will change your shoe's finish.

However, note that this waterproof product will not damage your leather shoes as you protect your shoes. If you live in an area that has extreme weather, you can apply this waterproof paste once every two months for maximum protection to your shoes from water and stain.

In addition to protection from water and stain, this paste can also be used on horse saddles, boots, furniture, handbags, and so much more.

7. Skidmore’s Original Leather Cream 

Once you get a hold of this shoe protector cream, you'll never let it go. This best waterproof product smells amazing and has some beeswax in it that helps bring back your shoe's shine. It's also all-natural and melts deeply into your leather.

You can use this on your boots and other leather shoes.

8. Tarrago Nano Spray

This waterproof boot and shoe spray is more heavy-duty than most on this list, and you can use it on your less precious shoes. Tarrago is a Spanish leather-care company that uses nanotechnology. Nanotechnology in this waterproof spray works because the tiny particles in the spray fill tiny openings in the leather, ensuring that no water gets in.

The reason this spray works is because leather is porous and gets wet when water enters its pores. Therefore, nanotechnology ensures that water doesn't get in by coating the shoe surface and sealing the pores.

9. Saphir Medaille d’Or Super Invulner

This waterproof boot and shoe spray can work on your suede, high-end leather, nubuck, and delicate textile shoes made of cotton and silk. You also don't need to worry about your shoes getting discolored once you use this waterproof spray.

The slow-drying formula and neutral color of this waterproofing spray ensures that the spray won't discolor your leather shoes or leave any white marks.

10. Skidmore's Premium Beeswax Waterproofing

Your leather work boots will have a field day with this waterproofing product. We've looked at Skidmore's leather cream, and this one is a step higher with its ability to protect your shoes and prevent water damage.

This waterproofing material deeply penetrates your suede leather shoes and leaves a potent waterproof seal. You can also use this protector to shield your boots, bags, gloves, hats, jackets, and pants from rain and water, and stain. The best part about this waterproofing product is that it's almost pure beeswax as it contains no chemicals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Waterproof Spray for Your Shoes

1. Type of Shoes

Your shoes are going to largely dictate the type of water and stain repellent you choose. We've looked at some great spray options for your shoes and boots, with some particular items for suede shoes and other shoe types.

Because each spray we've looked at has its pros and cons, the choice of the waterproof spray and stain repellent will be up to you. For example, drawbacks such as the scent, discoloration to your shoes, and the spray's toxic nature are some of the cons of some of these spray options.

Another factor under the type of shoes is the fabric that your shoe is made of. When waterproofing your shoe, you need to choose a spray that works well with your shoes. For example, if your shoe is sheepskin, leather, cotton, or suede, you can use a spray that works well with that.

2. Wax or Beeswax

We've looked at some great options for wax-based products. Whichever brand you choose, you want a protector to handle any weather conditions and protect your shoes from stains. The difference between wax and beeswax is that with wax, you have to apply it severally to your shoes to keep the waterproofing.

Using wax will still allow you to have shiny and healthy shoes even after you use the protector. On the other hand, using beeswax does not allow your shoes and boots to keep their shiny look. Nonetheless, a protector made of beeswax provides a better barrier than its wax counterpart.

3. Level of Waterproofing

Different waterproofing sprays provide varying levels of waterproofing.

• A water repellent. This type is the most basic level of waterproofing that keeps your shoe from absorbing any water. When water falls on your boots or shoes, it forms beads that can easily fall off because this type repels water.
• A water-resistant. These sprays are not as effective as the water repellent above. Using a water-resistant will protect your boots and shoes from a certain amount of water and stains.
• Waterproof shoes. These are the shoes that are made of waterproof materials, such as Vessi footwear. This is the most effective type as these shoes can handle any water level and rain.

4. Extra Benefits

Some of the sprays above protect your shoes and boots from water damage along with snow, salt, stains, and oil. Therefore, choosing these sprays will give you an upper hand and keep your shoes free of water and other elements.

5. Change to Your Shoes

Some sprays cause your shoes to change once the waterproofer is applied. However, if you choose high-quality sprays, you won't have to worry about this happening. Also, applying the spray in the wrong way can cause damage to your boots and shoes and cause them to wear out faster.

Therefore, ensure that you read the instructions well and choose a high-quality spray like any of the ones we've mentioned above.

6. Safety

The last thing you want is to get a reaction because the spray has landed on your skin. Although the spray bottle is made to minimize the risk of this happening, accidents happen. This is why it's advisable to use gloves while carrying out the spray painting process.

Because of the formula that some sprays use, they may irritate your skin should you get a few drops or a layer on your skin. Also, some sprays emit a strong odor that can fire up your nostrils because of the strong chemicals they contain. Therefore, you can choose a spray that does not have numerous chemicals and will not hurt your skin after contact.

7. Ease of Use

We've seen above that applying the waterproofer in the wrong way can damage your shoe. Therefore, how easy it is to use the spray is a factor to consider when buying one of these handy stains and water repellent sprays.

8. Duration of Protection

You don't want a spray that you have to keep on applying to your shoes. The length of time a spray protects your shoes and boots varies from brand to brand. Some last days, weeks, and even months. Therefore, you can choose a waterproof spray that protects your shoes for months and not mere hours.

Conclusion

Going for 100% waterproof shoes like Vessi is the way to go. But, if you already have a favorite pair of shoes and all that's missing is waterproofing, you can choose from our fantastic options above. Let us know which best waterproofing spray for shoes you love most.