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From multi-purpose spray-on solutions to rub-on protection for leather and suede, this is the best way to protect your footwear from water damage. app sheet for waterproofing
If you’re looking to breathe new life into your favorite pair of hiking boots or simply want to add a layer of weatherproof protection to any kind of footwear, spray-on and roll-on waterproofing is the perfect solution. The best ones are easy to apply and provide genuine waterproofness without altering the color or the durability of the shoe’s uppers.
These products cover a wide range: some are ideal for supple leather and suede, others work with canvas and mixed textiles, and one in our round-up (the Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield Water Repellent Spray) even works on dry-clean-only fabrics like silk and wool. And though we tested these products by looking at how well they worked on footwear, most of these treatments can also be used on apparel, luggage, and even furniture. They work by adding a hydroponic layer to the shoe’s upper, which forces the water to bead and then roll off rather than sink in. This protective layer also works to fend off stains like the white residue that sometimes collects after tromping over a salt-covered sidewalk in the winter. These are the best waterproof sprays we personally use.
The application process was easy, it works on even light-colored suede without changing the appearance, and also provides stain protection.
It’s the highest-priced item on this list.
Though we focused the bulk of our testing on footwear, it’s worth noting that the Saphir Medaille d’Or Super Invulner Waterproof Spray also works on leather and suede apparel, making it a worthy investment for a variety of applications. It employs a longer-than-average dry time (30 minutes) to avoid the discoloration or the appearance of white marks that can be formed with faster-drying sprays. We found that the application lasted for more than four months, and we used the spray on all types of materials, including leather, suede, nubuck, and mixed textiles. In addition to providing waterproof protection, the spray also prevented picking up stains. The France-made spray also contains no silicone.
The Details: 6.56 ounces | Best for leather, suede, nubuck, mixed textiles
After two sprays and two ten-minute dry times, this spray protected shoes against water, stains, and grime, and there was no impact to the surface color or the fabric’s durability.
The can’s size is a bit small considering you have to apply it twice for maximum protection.
The Crep Protect Shoe Protector Spray is refreshingly simple to apply: simply shake the can, spray, and let dry for 10 minutes, then repeat for the best waterproof protection. The brand says the protection lasts for two weeks, though we found that it lasted up to three months. Made with eco-friendly ingredients like coconut extracts and aqua, the spray also provided solid stain protection, and, even after multiple uses, we didn’t notice any impact on the color or durability of the shoe’s uppers. We even found that the spray effectively created a protective hydrophobic layer against grime — whenever the boots picked up any dirt, we were able to wipe it away with a damp paper towel.
The Details: 5 ounces | Best for leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas
Easy to apply, the spray protects subtle suede quickly and reliably without any staining or discoloration.
The waterproofness only lasted for about two weeks, and the smaller-than-average can means you may have to purchase another one.
We loved how easily the Kiwi Suede and Nubuck Waterproofer Aerosol Spray went on and noticed no staining or discoloration on our suede shoes, though you have to be certain that you’re applying an even coat to maximize the waterproofness. Though we didn’t spray other items like apparel or suede bags in our testing, you can use this spray to waterproof a variety of different suede items in addition to shoes. As with most waterproof sprays, you also get the added bonus of stain protection, a great feature when navigating winter sidewalks strewn with salt.
The Details: 4.25 ounces | Best for suede, leather, and nubuck
This is the most versatile water-repellent spray available, and it works wonderfully on footwear as well as other fabrics.
Some buyers report that the odor is strong and can take a while to disperse, so always apply in a well-ventilated area.
If you want a spray that can create a waterproof barrier on all sorts of products, including upholstery, curtains, pillows, table linens, luggage, apparel, and footwear, go with Scotchgard’s Fabric Water Shield Water Repellent Spray. The spray doesn’t impact a product’s breathability, and it’s safe to use on dry-clean-only fabrics like silk or wool. And the can is large — the largest in our roundup — with enough spray to handle an average-size couch, two chairs, or five jackets. We didn’t notice any changes to the feel or color of the fabric we tested, and the water never penetrated the footwear.
The Details: 13.5 ounces | Best for all types of fabric
With a roll-on application, you don’t have to worry about finding a well-ventilated place to apply the waterproofing, and it works well on different types of fabrics, including a variety of waterproof textiles.
It’s one of the smaller sized solutions available.
Rather than using a spray, Nikwax’s Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing features an easy-to-apply, sponge-on application that works with all types of fabric, which is great for someone who wants to weatherproof a pair of canvas sneakers and their leather boots. It also works with footwear that already has waterproof/breathable membranes like Gore-tex, eVent, and Bdry without impacting performance, so it’ll resonate with people who prefer technical footwear as well as the casual traveler. Leather doesn’t soften when it’s applied, and we didn’t witness any staining or impacts to the color of our uppers. With average use, we found that the protection lasted up to four months.
The Details: 4.2 ounces | Best for all fabric
In order to cast a wide net in terms of products we considered, we polled our T+L team to find the go-to sprays they’ve personally used over the course of the last year so that we could gain some real-world insight into the ease of application, duration of effectiveness, and whether or not any of the sprays caused discoloration or damage to their footwear. We then collected feedback across a range of applications (active footwear, casual shoes, snow and hiking boots), and asked each participant to rate how the spray performed across its key characteristics: effectiveness, value, and satisfaction. We noted any drawbacks experienced, highlighted changes they’d like to see (if any), and validated that nothing unexpected happened when using the product.
We also took note of applications beyond footwear, including whether the spray can also be used on apparel, luggage, or furniture to assess the versatility of each product. That’s also where sizing came into play — how many coats are required for waterproofing the product, how long that waterproofing lasts, and how much material each product covers. Then we collated that feedback and narrowed our selection to our top picks.
In order to avoid the chance of changing the color or causing damage to the fabric of your shoe, be sure that the product is rated to handle your footwear’s fabrics. Some specialize in providing waterproof protection specifically for leather, suede, and nubuck, while others work with a variety of fabrics, including mixed textiles and canvas. Some can even be used to waterproof wool or silk.
It may seem self-evident, but it bears repeating: always follow the instructions when applying a waterproofing spray. It’s actually a good idea to first start with a small part of one shoe to assure that it doesn’t stain or discolor the uppers. After that, follow the suggested method of application as well as the sit time in the instructions so that the spray properly dries. If it calls for multiple applications, follow that guidance to get the best waterproof protection.
In addition to providing waterproof protection, most waterproofing sprays also work against other stains because the spray forms a protective layer over the shoe’s fabric, which also helps you wipe off any dirt before it has a chance to penetrate the fabric. But if you’re wearing performance-oriented footwear like hiking boots or shoes, also be sure that the product doesn’t impact the footwears’ breathability. Some sprays also provide a bit of abrasion resistance or UV protection.
Waterproof sprays can be an effective way to protect shoes from moisture, but their performance will depend on a few different factors. Some materials, like suede, leather, and other synthetic fabrics, work better with waterproof sprays than others. Some sprays are designed to work with some fabrics and not others, so be sure to check your product before buying. It's also important to follow the instructions for proper application — even the best waterproof spray won't do much if it's applied wrong. When used correctly on the right materials, these sprays can create a solid barrier against moisture.
First be sure your footwear is clean and dry before applying. Then you shake the can, hold the can about six to eight inches from your shoes or boots, and spray to coat evenly. After that, let the shoes dry completely, per the instructions (anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes). And, if the instructions indicate, apply a second coat and let the shoes dry completely. It’s smart to do this in a well-ventilated area (or outside), and you should plan on re-applying the spray after a few months of rigorous use.
The duration of protectiveness depends on the product, but you should at least get two weeks of solid protection if the footwear is in heavy use, though our testing indicated that most products stop being effective after about four months.
If, for whatever reason, you want to remove the spray after you’ve applied it, you can either wait until its effectiveness runs out (upwards of four months), or you can try applying ether or rubbing alcohol (apply it with a rag, let it sit for two to three minutes, and then wipe off with a towel). But there’s a good chance that those chemicals could also have an impact on the color or durability of the shoe’s uppers. You can also wipe the shoes with a microfiber cloth, which mimics the wear-and-tear the protective layer endures over time as it starts to break down.
Nathan Borchelt is a lifelong outdoor and travel enthusiast. He’s also been testing, rating, and reviewing outdoor and travel products for decades, including more pairs of footwear than any one person should be allowed to own. In preparing this article, he collated feedback and ratings from a group of expert travelers at T+L who have all used these sprays for years on a variety of footwear (hiking shoes and boots, casual sneakers, winter boots, etc.) to assure that the above recommendations meet our exacting standards.
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