A pair of cold, wet socks can ruin your day quickly and cause uncomfortable situations for you. Additionally, blisters are most likely to form under these conditions. Waterproofing your boots could ensure those soggy feet are a thing of the past.
Waterproofing is the best way of ensuring that your boots remain in excellent shape. You can decide to waterproof boots at home by investing in a good spray or having a professional do the work for you. Your shoes might come with the initial waterproofing treatment on them; however, treating them regularly will ensure that your feet stay dry for the long term.
The frequency of waterproofing your boots will depend on how often you wear them. However, a good practice is to waterproof them whenever water stops beading on their surface or when they get extra dirty.
It will help if you know the material which your boots are made of before treating them. Every material requires a unique product during waterproofing. Read on to learn more about how to waterproof your shoes.
What Is the Best Way to Waterproof Boots?
Whether you want to waterproof your heavy-duty hiking shoes or leather boots, using a good waterproof boot spray is advisable.
The spray works by creating a protective layer, which repels water from the surface, hence, preventing snow and moisture from getting your shoes wet. Waterproofing also helps in avoiding stains by ensuring that they wipe off easily.
How to Waterproof Boots With Waterproofing Sprays
Waterproofing sprays are an excellent option if you are out of time or a bit lazy. All you have to do is to spray the shoes, and they will be good to go. You should choose an oil-based or silicone spray when dealing with leather boots or use acrylic copolymer if you have suede or nubuck shoes.
Procedure:
- Remove all dirt and mud from your boots. You can use soap and water or footwear cleaning cream to do this.
- Hold the can at least 6 inches away from your boots, then spray. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick coat.
- Allow the boots to dry overnight.
Here are some of the best boot waterproofing products that you can use to keep your shoes feeling dry and looking new:
Rust-Oleum 280886 NeverWet 11-Ounce Shoe and Boot Spray-Multipurpose Spray
Having a multipurpose waterproof boot spray is convenient, especially if you have several boots. The Rust-Oleum NeverWet Boot and Shoe Spray is perfect for your suede, canvas, leather, or nubuck boots. The spray ensures that your shoes stay dry regardless of the snow or rain. It is a worthwhile investment that will keep your shoes looking new.
KIWI Boot Waterproofer- For Hiking and Outdoor Shoes
If you love hiking or spend a lot of time outdoors, the KIWI Boot Waterproofer is perfect. The best part is that the spray is ideal for all materials, including leather. It also gives your boots a heavy-duty silicone coating, which prevents water from trickling through the fabric of your shoes.
Will WD-40 Waterproof Boots?
WD-40 is a water-displacing spray containing various hydrocarbons and has several household uses, including waterproofing multiple materials and fabrics.
You can use WD-40 to waterproof dark-colored leather boots to keep them looking new. You can also use the product to remove salt stains from your shoes and boots during the winter months.
WD-40 acts as a barrier; hence, water will not penetrate your boot’s material. All you have to do is apply a coat of WD-40 to your shoes, and the coat will create a water repellant barrier that will prevent water from seeping through your boots.
What Household Items Can I Use to Waterproof Leather Boots?
You can waterproof boots at home by using everyday household items, which will help you save money. Here are some of the household items you can use:
Beeswax or Candle Method
A cheaper way of waterproofing your shoes is to use the candle or beeswax method.
What You Need:
- A candle or beeswax
- Your boots
- A blow-dryer
- A clean cloth to clean dirty boots before starting the process
Procedure:
- Rub the beeswax or candle over your boots.
- Use the blow-dryer to seal in the wax and melt it all over your boot’s material.
- Let it sit for at least five minutes before testing or wearing the shoes.
Can You Use Vaseline to Waterproof Leather Boots?
If you’re looking for DIY waterproofing boots products, then you might consider using Vaseline. However, it’s best to understand that Vaseline will temporarily waterproof your leather boots superficially and that it’s a petroleum-based product that your shoes will not like.
Petroleum products will dry out and lead to the cracking of your leather boots.
Can You Waterproof Fabric Boots?
Waterproofing fabric boots is a bit challenging than leather ones due to the nature of the material. Therefore, you must take excellent care of them and avoid soiling them. Fabric boots could benefit from reproofing because they are less durable than leather, prone to decay, and have a shorter lifespan.
Here is you can reproof your fabric boots:
- Clean the fabric boots thoroughly-Start by removing any loose dirt, and use a cloth soaked in warm water to wipe the shoes clean. If the boots are heavily utilized, rinse them with lukewarm water; however, do not submerge the boots in water because it might lead to irreversible damage.
- Choose an aerosol reproofer or a waterproofing spray that’s specifically designed for fabric boots. Aerosol reproofers are more concentrated than waterproofing sprays, and you can quickly locate them as a coating on the boots; therefore, you have more control over reproofing.
- You can choose to reproof the boots while they’re dry or wet.
- Allow the boots to dry completely before wearing them.
How to Naturally Waterproof Suede Boots
Suede boots are typical among people from cold countries because they can add texture to any outfit and keep you warm. However, most people do not realize that suede is actually leather and should be cared for as such. You should handle suede boots just like any other leather product to ensure that they last longer.
You can naturally waterproof suede boots by using the following methods:
Candle Wax Method
Candle wax is a popular boot waterproofing wax that you can use on your suede boots. However, it would help if you understood that thin liquid might leave a mark on your shoes, although you can remove the spots using vinegar solution.
Procedure:
- Apply thick and dry candle wax on your suede boots.
- Ensure the candle wax is not leaving any marks on your boot’s skin.
- Gently rub the wax on the skin of the shoes and ensure that you don’t leave out any part of the shoes.
Finding the best products to waterproof your boots will ensure that they remain in excellent shape. Additionally, having waterproof boots will help your feet stay warm and prevent them from becoming wrinkly and waterlogged.