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These spray-on solutions protect winter footwear from damage and keep feet dry. Shoe Polish
Theresa Holland is a writer and editor specializing in travel, lifestyle, beauty, apparel, and more. She has contributed to numerous digital publications, including Byrdie, People, The Spruce, TripSavvy, The Financial Diet, Thought Catalog, and Elite Daily.
If you're looking to safeguard your UGGs from the elements, protect your favorite winter booties from rainfall, or breathe new life into your broken-in hiking boots, a waterproofing spray is where it's at. These solutions are easy to apply and offer moisture protection with a temporary water-repellent shield (how often you need to reapply varies by formula).
Travel + Leisure editors are expert product testers and footwear aficionados who know not only what shoes to bring on trips but also how best to care for them or prep them for a new climate. The team has tried some of the best waterproofing sprays for boots and other footwear, using them to protect their kicks in various weather conditions, reapplying them, and coming back to them for months or even years. Check out our top picks below.
This reliable spray safeguards leather, suede, and nubuck footwear from stains and moisture damage for up to a few months.
The aerosol can't go in a carry-on, and the price per ounce is high, but the value is undeniable.
If you're working with leather boots, we highly recommend Saphir Medaille d'Or Super Invulner. Associate Editorial Director Morgan Ashley Parker has been using this product for upwards of 10 years, initially buying it for a leather jacket, then applying it to various other items, from bags to footwear. It works well on all types of leather, but you'll want to use a brush or block when applying it to suede or nubuck — we like this rubber block from the brand.
Parker has used this spray on more than 30 pieces over the years, and it's never discolored her leather. Everything dries within about 30 minutes, and you can confidently wear your boots knowing they won't ruin if it starts to rain. The protection from moisture and stains seems to last a few months.
This waterproofing spray is great for prepping footwear with a repellent coating before a trip. But since the can is aerosol and over 3.4 ounces, you'd need to put it in a checked suitcase if you pack it. The price per ounce is higher than other options, but if you want to protect your investment in high-quality leather footwear, we think it's worth it.
The Details: 6.56 ounces | Best for leather, suede, nubuck
Scotchgard works on boots, outerwear, hats, and housewares, offering long-lasting waterproof protection from stains and discoloration.
The smell is strong, and it's meant for fabrics, so if your boots are leather, we recommend a different solution.
Scotchgard can create a waterproof coating on everything from sneakers and slippers to denim jackets, felt hats, and upholstered furniture. Parker has used it on canvas sneakers and textile boots with stretchy sock-style uppers, noting that they look as good as new after months of frequent use. "This helps them stay drier when I'm walking in wet weather," she says. "I feel like it also protects them against discoloration."
This spray is only meant to be applied to clean materials, so it's best to use it when your boots are new or after cleaning them. Hold your shoes about 6 inches away from the nozzle, evenly coat the uppers, and let them dry for about an hour or so. You can do this over a sheet of newspaper, in a bathtub, or outside. If you use it indoors, open a window because the smell is strong.
The decently-sized can will last a while if you only use it on boots. You can waterproof your shoes and outerwear before a trip, but if you bring it along, it'll need to go in your checked luggage.
The Details: 10 or 13.5 ounces | Best for textiles
This spray creates a hydrophobic barrier on boots to repel water, spilled drinks, and other liquids.
The can is small, and you'll need to reapply the solution often.
T+L Testing Editor Jackie Cucco tried Crep Protect on her boots to prevent stains and discoloration. "I've ruined many pairs of UGGs and similar suede boots from water stains and want to better protect my shoes," she says. This waterproofing spray does its job in keeping marks and moisture damage off of leather, suede, and canvas footwear.
It's easy to use — just thoroughly coat the uppers of your boots, let it dry for about 15 minutes, and repeat to get an even hydrophobic (water-repellent) barrier. "Then you have that peace of mind that your boots or sneakers will be protected against splashes or drizzles," says Cucco. If you have a covered outdoor area or dry weather, you may want to use it outside to avoid breathing in the fumes.
The can is small — but unfortunately not under the TSA's 3.4-ounce size limit for carry-on liquids. And you'll need to reapply every four to five weeks, so you may need to rebuy it for ongoing waterproofing needs.
The Details: 4.39 ounces | Best for leather, suede, nubuck, canvas
This fuss-free solution sets in 2 minutes, allowing you to wear your boots right after waterproofing them when you're in a pinch.
The spray nozzle may leak, so be careful when packing or storing the can.
If you're looking for a no-fuss solution for waterproofing your boots, Nikwax might be the one. A single coat is all you need. After spraying it on, let it set for 2 minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
"I like how easy it is to use and how quickly it dries," says T+L editor Taylor Fox, noting that you could spray it on your boots, hat, jacket, or backpack right before heading out the door if you're short on time.
Though the formula is technically only meant to offer waterproof protection, the repellent barrier it creates seems to keep dirt, dust, and stains off, too. One thing to note is that the nozzle may leak a little between uses, so make sure to place the cap back on and store it upright or pack it in a plastic bag if you're traveling.
The Details: 4.2 ounces | Best for textiles
To find the best waterproofing sprays for boots, we polled our editorial team to see which products they've used and swear by. All products have been thoroughly tested and vetted by T+L editors over multiple months and even years.
Each solution was used in real-life settings on boots, footwear, and other items we actually own to see how they performed in terms of moisture protection, stain prevention, and keeping the materials looking clean and new. We also assessed the sprays based on how easy they were to apply and whether or how often they required reapplication.
Some waterproofing sprays can be used on various materials and items — from suede boots and leather jackets to canvas sneakers and upholstery. But some formulas are better suited (or specifically intended) for certain materials, so look for the intended use before buying anything.
To avoid discoloring or otherwise damaging your boots, do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area (like the inner ankle or heel). If the solution dries thoroughly without changing the color or texture of your shoes, you can go ahead and coat the entire uppers.
We generally recommend a multipurpose formula that can be used on various footwear materials. That way, you won't have to worry about damaging your boots. What's more, this versatility allows you to apply waterproof protection to all your travel essentials before a trip — think shoes, outerwear, bags, hats, you name it.
In many cases, waterproof sprays work wonders for protecting boots and other shoes from moisture, spills, stains, and discoloration. They usually create a hydrophobic barrier that keeps wetness out, kind of like a waterproof rain jacket. That said, some are better suited for specific materials than others. And how-to-use guidelines can vary — a waterproofing spray may call for two coats per use, for instance. Your best bet is to carefully follow the directions on the bottle, allow your boots to dry entirely, and reapply as needed.
All waterproofing sprays work a little differently, so following the directions on the can will give you the best results. But generally speaking, you can start with clean, dry boots. Then, holding the can 6 to 12 inches away from the boots, spray on an even coat. Let your boots dry in a ventilated or covered outdoor area (15 minutes to an hour, sometimes longer). Depending on the formula, you may need to repeat this process with a second coat.
How long waterproofing spray remains effective after applying it depends on the formula and how often you wear the shoes. But let's say you waterproof a pair of boots you wear regularly out in the rain (at least a couple times a week). In that case, you can expect the water-repellent coating to hold up for about 3 months before needing another coat.
T+L contributor Theresa Holland is a shopping writer covering footwear, apparel, accessories, and travel gear. Living in the Pacific Northwest her entire life, she's keenly familiar with the need for waterproof boots and has used many water-repellent sprays to protect suede, leather, nubuck, and textile pairs over the years. Theresa likes not having to think or worry about ruining clothes and shoes when traveling and has waterproofed items before a trip on more than one occasion.
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