Waterproofing shoes - how to do it? Instructions for waterproofing shoes
Waterproofing footwear significantly prolongs its life and provides us with comfortable use. The process is not complicated, nor does it require a lot of work or time. However, you need to know how to go about it so that you don't make a mistake that will undermine your efforts or, worse, damage the material. We explain how to waterproof your shoes so that you can walk in them for as long as possible.
What does 'impregnation' mean?
Let us start by explaining this term, which appears not only in the context of footwear. Impregnation is the process by which we saturate certain materials with solutions and chemicals to protect them from the damaging effects of moisture, but also from mould, insects or fire. It is used, for example, on wood, concrete, plaster, canvas, paper or leather. The waterproofing of footwear, which will be discussed in this article, is intended to prevent them from getting wet and being damaged by water or moisture. For this purpose, we use various types of, shoe polishes and creams, as well as foam sprays for shoes.
It's safe to say, then, that waterproofing footwear is not just an emergency measure to keep our feet dry in bad weather. Proper protection of footwear will ensure that we can enjoy it for much longer. It is worth to impregnate shoes, especially if they are made of leather, nubuck or suede. These materials require special care. It is also worth waterproofing trekking boots, for example, even if they are made of synthetic materials.
When should shoes be impregnated?
It is often the case that we only think about waterproofing our footwear when it is raining outside the window and we just have to leave the house. Unfortunately, this is not the moment to reach for protective foams and sprays for shoes. Preparation, in whatever form it takes (this also applies to products such as shoe polishes and creams), does not have time to soak into the material, let alone dry and protect it properly. This mistake can cost us a lot and risks damaging footwear that will be difficult to repair.
For this reason, waterproofing shoes should be a process that we undertake at least a few days before putting on a new pair of shoes. We can do this, for example, immediately after buying them. Preparations such as shoe foams and sprays must be given sufficient time to dry. Sometimes this is even a whole day. Shoes that have been in service for some time can and should also be treated. It is best to protect them at the beginning of each season in which you intend to use them, and then repeat the shoe impregnation once a month. On the other hand, we should use shoe polishes and creams regularly - after every cleaning or before the next outing.
Why is shoe waterproofing so important?
Natural leather is considered to be a very durable material, as are some of the plastics from which shoes are sewn. And if this is the case, shouldn't they be sufficiently protective against moisture? Unfortunately, this is not the case. These materials will perform their protective function perfectly well if we provide them with proper care. Otherwise, we have to reckon with the fact that after one or two seasons, the shoes will be damaged and may even be suitable only for throwing away.
We do not only waterproof shoes that we wear in the autumn/winter season or put on for field trips. Protection is mandatory for all shoes made of leather, suede or nubuck, even if we only wear them in spring or summer.
How do I waterproof my shoes? Step-by-step instructions
Waterproofing shoes is not a complicated activity, yet it is easy to make a mistake. Below we explain how to waterproof different types of shoes:
Leather footwear
Impregnation of leather shoes starts with their thorough cleaning. Without this, no shoe foams or sprays will help. Dirt, such as mud, is removed with a brush and then the shoes are washed with a damp cloth. It is better not to use soap, as it leaves stains on the leather. Leave the shoes to dry naturally. Placing them too close to a heater can harm the leather. An even worse idea would be to use a hairdryer, for example, to speed up the process.
Make sure that the finished waterproofing product is designed for a specific type of leather (e.g. grain leather). If you use leather shoe polishes and creams, rub them in with a soft cloth in a circular motion. Allow to dry for at least two hours. If you prefer shoe foams and sprays, spray the shoe with this product from a distance of about 15 cm and also let it dry naturally.
Suede and nubuck footwear
These are softer types of leather and therefore also require different cleaning. Remove dirt from suede and nubuck with a special rubber brush or dry cloth. If there are stains, it is worth using a specialised preparation. Only after they are completely dry can we begin to impregnate the footwear. You can also put rolled up newspaper inside, which will absorb excess moisture faster.
For the impregnation of suede and nubuck footwear, we only use products designed for this purpose. Shoe polishes and creams have the wrong consistency in this case, which could damage the material. Instead, we choose shoe foams and sprays. Simply spray them onto the footwear and let them dry.
Footwear made of ecological leather
Artificial materials, however hard-wearing, are also exposed to the harmful effects of the weather. It is therefore advisable to waterproof footwear in this case too. This applies particularly to trekking and mountain boots. They should be cleaned as in the previous cases - with a brush, cloth and water, preferably without soap. In the case of heavy soiling, we use specialised cleaners. Once dry, you can apply a protective product. Choose foams and sprays for shoes made of synthetic leather or other materials. Leather shoe polishes and creams are unsuitable and will not work.
Which shoe treatment should I choose?
Footwear waterproofing will only be effective if the right product is chosen. It should be matched to the material. Manufacturers indicate on the packaging whether a particular product is intended for grain leather, eco leather, nubuck or suede. The formulation of the preparation is somewhat less important. On the market, we have both leather shoe polishes and creams, as well as foams or sprays. Only nubuck and suede should be treated with more care, as shoe polishes and creams can be harmful.
5 tips to avoid waterproofing mistakes
Let's summarise the most important elements of footwear waterproofing that will allow you to enjoy your favourite shoes for a long time:
- Clean shoes before securing,
- Do not clean your shoes with soap and water, use specialised products,
- Let the shoes dry before you get down to waterproofing.
- Remember to choose a footwear waterproofing product designed for your specific material,
- Remember that shoes are only protected from moisture once they have dried, so don't leave the house in them beforehand.
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