Skip to main content

9 Tips on How to Waterproof Shoes Ahead of Winter Weather

As fall clouds start rolling in, the rain, snow, sleet, hail and anything else Mother Nature can think of isn’t too far behind. And, if you were smart, you took advantage of the off-season sales and bought yourself a quality pair of winter boots at a cut-rate price.

Why waterproof? It’s protection of your investment. As boots/shoes flex in regular use, grit and grime gets into the fabric and can cut the life of your new purchase significantly.

Recommended Videos

A good-looking and worn-in pair of boots can complete a look and save your feet from hours of drenched unpleasantness. We’ve sifted through dozens of options and come up with 9 of the best ways to waterproof and protect your shoes/boots whether they be leather, suede, fabric or otherwise.

How to Waterproof Shoes

As You Begin Wearing Your Footwear

puddle
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  • Allow time to break in the fabric – Once the shoe conforms a bit to your foot, the fabric will reveal unique creases and any waterproofing solution will be able to get into those seams and prolong extra wear.
  • Clean after heavy uses – Don’t leave mud and grit on the tread after a day on the trails (or in your favorite metropolitan area). Simply keeping shoes clean with a damp towel or brush preserves the finish.
  • Dry upside down and invest in a shoe tree – Drying boots upside down will help moisture naturally evaporate and the horn will keep the shoe’s shape over time. REI says you can use a piece of yesterday’s Times inside the shoe to help wick moisture away too.

Commercial Products for Those with Little Time

rainproof products
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  • Scotchgard – Easily one of the most popular products on the market, 3M’s spray-on line has a regular and a “Heavy Duty” option depending on your needs and it works on every fabric. It’s also a simple application: spray on a coat, let it dry, spray on a second and in an hour, bam, waterproofed.
  • Rust-Oleum Never Wet – Another spray-on liquid, but specifically developed for boots and shoes (they even claim their product works on tennis shoes). As opposed to Scotchgard, which can make fabrics feel starchy and stiff over time, Rust-Oleum won’t change the flexibility and feel of your footwear. However, Never Wet is more chemical-based, so it is a good idea to use gloves when applying.
  • Dry Guy Footwear Waterproofing Spray – This spray is one of the few that claims to be environmentally friendly, using water as its “main dilutant”. Also, Dry Guy doesn’t require multiple applications, so it’s a “one and done” product.

DIY Options for Craftier Folks (or Cobblers in Training)

How to make Extremely Affordable Waterproofing - DIY Step by Step Instructions-Leather, Canvas, Etc.
  • Wax n’ Dry – With candle wax and a hair dryer, you can apply a very basic waterproof buffer to your shoes. Barely heat the wax, then rub it into your footwear. Then, use a hair dryer to gently melt it into the fabric. Do not leave the dryer on any particular spot at too high of a heat for too long or else the fabric may crack due to rapid moisture loss. This applies to just about any fabric outside of synthetics.
  • Boil N’ Brush – Using just a couple ingredients and a heat source, you too can make your own waterproofing liquid for pennies on the dollar and can apply to just about anything. It will also make you long for the prairie and potentially protect every piece of clothing you own.
Geoff Nudelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…
JJJJound and PUMA drop two chic, dark suede Mostros
JJJJound and PUMA update the Mostro sneaker
puma x jjjjound sneakers

While the Mostro has become the star of Puma’s recent releases, it’s been hard to classify the sneaker as anything but a statement design. Made to be seen, the Mostro’s often chunky silhouette is far from the slim look of its competitor, Adidas’ Samba sneaker. However, in its newest release, Puma has partnered up with JJJJound for a new minimalist look that delivers a subdued design to this iconic silhouette. JJJJound is no stranger to remixing iconic shoes, having done so in the past with other iconic brands like ASICS and New Balance. True to their brand, JJJJound has introduced a new minimalist look for the Mostro, making it a versatile option for Puma footwear fans. 

JJJJound and Puma bring minimalism to the Mostro

Read more
Oliver Peoples and Alex Israel release charity eyewear for L.A. wildfire relief
Oliver Peoples and Alex Israel unite for Los Angeles
pairs of oliver peoples x alex israel

After devastating wildfires that plagued the Los Angeles area in January 2025, it didn’t take long for brands to jump in on the action. These wildfires, which burned over 180,000 acres according to Cal Fire, brought massive destruction and fatalities to the areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and more. While the wildfires are long gone, residents of these locations are still reeling to get back on their feet. 

In response to the devastation, Oliver Peoples has collaborated with contemporary artist Alex Israel on a special edition of the brand’s Oliver Sun frames. To help aid victims, 100% of sales will be donated to the Steadfast LA Foundation’s Modular Housing Initiative, which is currently assisting underinsured residents in getting back on track in their communities. With an accompanying campaign featuring Miranda Kerr, DJ Diplo, and Eric Nam, this project highlights what makes Los Angeles a home to these artists. 

Read more
KEEN reimagines the Targhee hiker as a rugged American-built work boot
Keen releases a new stylish work boot
Keen utility boot

While Keen has made its name for its durable and rugged sandal options, its newest release is an ideal fit for all workmen looking for safety and versatility. Based on their hiking shoes, the latest release reimagines the model into a work boot that can efficiently function on and off the worksite. Crafted with Keen’s outdoor-ready technology and features, the newest boot continues the trend of versatile options that you can wear at work and as a casual option for your time off. Built in Keen’s United States-based factory, this work boot is unlike the traditional silhouettes you’re used to. 

Keen Utility reimagines the work boot with style and comfort

Read more