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How to Waterproof and Protect Your Shoes

Winter is here, and it certainly hasn’t been a dry one so far. If you’re looking at the forecast and wondering when you’re going to get the chance to show off your newly purchased wardrobe additions, we have some waterproofing tips for you.

Whether it’s a slight drizzle or a poorly placed step into a shallow puddle, wet shoes are a fact of life. However, by taking the time to waterproof your footwear, you can extend their lifetime and save yourself some serious hassle and frustration.

From women’s ankle boots and lace-ups, to men’s sneakers and dress shoes – here’s a quick guide to waterproofing your shoes and protecting them in the wet winter months.

1. First, allow time for the fabric to break in

You’ve no doubt noticed that boots, shoes and practically every type of footwear flex and stretch slightly over time, regardless of what material they’re made from. While waterproofing your brand new shoes will certainly protect the fabric, it’s important to let these creases and seams reveal themselves before applying sealant, so that water (plus dirt and grime) doesn’t find its way into your shoe through these vulnerable spots.


Once the shoes have had time to conform to your foot’s unique shape, then you can apply waterproofing solution for a more comprehensive and impenetrable repellent against moisture.

2. Invest in a quality spray-on waterproofing product

These days, there’s no shortage of efficient and reliable waterproofing sprays that are specifically designed for footwear. Some are best for leather, others are better for suede, others for textiles and synthetics, etc.Be sure to find a product that is best suited to your specific pair of shoes.


While it might be tempting to opt for a cheaper brand, keep in mind that inferior waterproofing shoe sprays can leave fabrics feeling stiff and starchy over time, whereas a quality spray will pay for itself by prolonging the lifetime of your beloved new shoes without affecting the shape or flexibility.


DIY Tip: While we certainly don’t recommend trying this on any new or high quality footwear you’ve invested in, there’s a simple hack for creating your own waterproofing wax for older shoes and boots at home.
Use a hairdryer to heat some candle wax, and then rub the slightly melted wax into your shoes. Once you’ve applied the wax to the entire exterior of your shoes, you can use the hairdryer to melt the wax into the fabric, and this will prevent moisture from penetrating the material.
Again, this method is best reserved for older shoes that have already seen their fair share of wear and tear!

Shop Waterproof Care

3. Don’t forget to clean your shoes after heavy use, and dry upside down with shoe trees inserted

Whether you’ve been out hiking on the weekend or racing to and from work in the city all week, it’s important to clean your shoes regularly. Just a quick wipe down with a damp towel or a brush can do wonders for extending the lifetime of your favourite shoes. And when they do get wet (because hey, it happens), be sure to dry your shoes upside down – this helps any moisture naturally evaporate.


And finally, shoe trees are a fantastic way to maintain the shape of your shoes, which is often the first thing to go out the window when our favourite boots get soaked in the rain.

Enjoy warm, dry footwear all year round

We hope you found these tips helpful – for all the latest industry news, product announcements and exciting Peter Sheppard promotions, sign up to our newsletter today.

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