Waterproofing shoes: How to give your shoes a long life!

Regardless of whether you are wearing new shoes or shoes you have already worn, you should waterproof them so that your feet do not get wet. But it is not just your well-being that is improved by the additional protective film. The sensitive materials also benefit from a few thin layers of waterproofing agent. Because we can tell you one thing in advance: with the right product, your favorite shoes are not only protected against wind and weather. The colors also stay vibrant for longer and the durability of the material is increased by this measure. You will now find out what methods there are and why waterproofing is so important.

Why is waterproofing important?

External influences really take their toll on our shoes. If they are not adequately protected, the material absorbs moisture and all kinds of dirt like a damp sponge. This not only creates an unhealthy climate inside our shoes, but the material also suffers. The end result: wet feet and smelly shoes that are ready for the bin after just a short time.

With the right waterproofing, which is applied in the form of a spray, cream or wax, you can get rid of these problems. The external protective layer prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the material. In addition to the perfect protection against moisture and the dirt-repellent properties, you can also benefit from other advantages with the right waterproofing.

The fact is: the longevity of your favorite shoes is increased many times over by the nano-sealing. This measure is especially good for leather shoes. If the natural material is not cared for regularly, it becomes brittle and cracked. The attractive feel of natural leather is then quickly lost. But as I said: with the right care, your shoes will survive any kind of influence and still look beautiful.

Waterproofing new and worn shoes: These are the options!

If shoes get wet frequently, this affects the breathability of the material. Particularly sensitive materials such as leather suffer from the effects of regular bad weather. This is due to the open pores, which are not closed during the manufacturing process in order to improve the wearing comfort and shoe climate.

Unfortunately, these advantages also come with a few disadvantages. Because of the open-pored properties of the material, leather shoes are not waterproof or resistant to dirt. This is exactly why you should waterproof your shoes before you wear them for the first time and then at regular intervals. Sure, your new shoes have usually already been waterproofed by the manufacturer. However, you can't be sure about this. So it's better to do it once more than not at all.

There are several options when it comes to waterproofing. The products differ primarily in terms of their consistency and therefore also in how they are applied.

Waterproofing spray for shoes

Most people use waterproofing spray to protect their shoes from external influences. This is probably because this method is extremely easy to use and can be done in no time at all. This protection is particularly suitable for rough and suede leather, as the product can be applied evenly and a little carelessness will not cause stains. This can happen quickly if you want to waterproof your cozy UGG boots.

But waterproofing spray is not only suitable for suede shoes etc. The liquid consistency of a spray is also better suited to shoes made of Gore-Tex or textiles than a cream or wax.

Shoe wax

Impregnating with wax is a little more complicated. But it's worth it. Shoe wax is a better protective measure for smooth leather than an impregnating spray. In addition, it provides adequate protection and optimal care at the same time. Don't be surprised if the color of your shoes changes slightly due to the wax and becomes a shade darker. This is normal and will even out again.

Since shoe wax is usually made from beeswax or other natural ingredients, it not only provides optimal care for your stylish shoes, but you are also on the right side when it comes to environmental protection with a nourishing wax.

Waterproofing cream for shoes

Special shoe care products that come in the form of a cream are also a perfect protective shield against weather influences and dirt. They are considered an optimal alternative to wax and are therefore suitable for the same types of leather and are also used in the same way.

Important: Not all home remedies that are circulating on the Internet are suitable for waterproofing. Two examples are candle wax or hairspray. We recommend that you avoid experiments of this kind. In the worst case, they could irreversibly damage the material and shorten the lifespan of your shoes.

How often should you waterproof your shoes?

How often you need to waterproof your shoes depends on the external influences they are exposed to. It is therefore certain that those shoes that you rarely wear definitely need to be waterproofed less often than your favorite shoes that carry you from A to B almost every day. So you can say that refreshing the protection every two months is sufficient for shoes that are in regular use. But exceptions prove the rule! If you are caught in a downpour and not only you but also your shoes are soaked, then you should definitely waterproof them again after they have dried again.

Impregnation sprays: What about environmental protection?

For years, waterproofing sprays had a bad reputation. This was partly justified due to the dubious ingredients used by some manufacturers. Fortunately, today we have a choice as to which products we put in our shopping cart. Sustainable products do not contain any chemical ingredients at all. Instead, they work on the basis of natural ingredients that are completely harmless to humans, animals and the environment. You will also not find dangerous propellants, which are alarmingly already found in our oceans, in the sustainable alternatives. So it can be said that conventional products cannot hold a candle to the sustainable alternatives. They should not be the first or last choice, but should not even be considered.