Last week, me and my university friends went for a mountain hike. The weather was beautiful, the sky was clear, and the hiking track was delightful, but suddenly rain poured down.
By the time, we reached our car, my favorite leather shoes were completely soaked in rainwater. Surely, you also have faced a similar situation once in your life.
Therefore, I will share three practical hacks to waterproof your beloved shoes. Moreover, I will also describe some useful tips to save them from moisture in the future.
Detail Guide of 3 Hacks for Shoe Waterproofing
You can waterproof your shoes in various ways. However, I have listed here the three most useful hacks such as applying waterproofing spray, Bootwax, or using Mink Oil. You can choose any one of these methods after reading their complete application methods.
1: Using Shoes Waterproofing Spray
The first hack to waterproof your shoes is to apply a good waterproof spray. I have listed these easy steps for shoe waterproofing with the spray:
Step 1: Select the Best Spray
Choose the best waterproofing spray after reading the material restrictions and safety measures mentioned on the label. I will recommend you to use Leather Hero Sneaker Protector Spray.
It is suitable for various types of shoes and sneakers, including suede and leather. Moreover, you can use it for multiple colors to have long-lasting protection against water, stains, and dirt.
Step 2: Clean Your Shoes
Next, remove the laces of your shoes and lift the shoe tongue. After that, thoroughly clean the shoe surface with a wet cloth to remove dirt and water stains. It will help you to have a good finish at the end of the water spray.
Step 3: Test the Spray
Test the spray by applying it on a hidden part of your shoe, such as the tongue or inside the heel. Wait for 30 minutes. If you did not find any discoloration, then this spray is good to use on the rest of your shoes.
Step 4: Apply the Waterproof Spray on Your Shoes
Now, generously put the waterproof spray on your shoes by holding the spray bottle 6-8 inches away from the shoe's surface. But do not use it excessively. Do not completely saturate them in the spray. Only an appropriate coating is required.
Step 5: Remove the Excessive Spray From the Surface of the Shoe
Wipe out the excessive spray from the shoe's surface with a microfiber cloth or a wet towel. Note: Do not use paper towels as they can destroy the final finish by excessively absorbing the spray material.
Step 6: Leave the Shoes to Dry
Leave it to air dry after completely spraying the shoe surface. It can take 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the spray. You can read the dry time on the spray label. Note: Do not use an air dryer to dry the shoe's surface. It can damage the shoe's surface, destroy the final finish of the spray, and even cause a fire.
2: Waterproofing of Shoes with Boot Wax
Another way to waterproof your shoes is to apply a good bootwax. You can do this task by executing these simple steps:
Step 1: Chose Your Boot Wax
The first step is to pick the best boot wax that matches your shoe's requirements. There are lots of boot waxes in the market, so it becomes difficult to single out the best one. I will help you in this task by endorsing the Eagle Boot Wax. It is made with beeswax, offering natural protection to your leather shoes.
Step 2: Make Your Shoes Ready
Next, make your shoes ready by cleaning dirt and water stains with a wet cloth. Remove the shoes laces to clean the shoes thoroughly. Note: Please do not put your shoes in the washing machine for cleaning. It can damage the structure of your shoes.
Step 3: Test the Boot Wax
Before applying to the shoe surface, check the wax on the hidden part of your shoe, such as below the tongue or heel. Leave it for half an hour and see if it gets discolored or not. If does not show discoloration, then process to the next step.
Step 4: Apply the Boot Wax
Now, apply the boot wax with a spatula or the fingers of your hand. Thoroughly cover each section of your shoes with a thin layer of wax. Note: Some boot waxes need to be melted manually, and others do not. However, the Eagle Boot Wax does not need to melt separately. It will melt itself as you put it on the shoe surface.
3: Applying Eagle Mink Oil for Shoes Waterproofing
Using Eagle Mink Oil for Leather Boots is another way to waterproof your precious shoes. You can do this by following these easy steps:
◈ Remove the shoe laces and clean the shoe surface with a wet cloth to remove dirt and other stains.
◈ Next, Apply the Eagle Mink Oil on the boot surface by spreading it evenly. You can apply it with a horsehair brush or an applicator available within the kit.
◈ After that, leave your shoes in the open air to absorb the mink oil and dry them for some time.
You can do waterproofing of your shoes with any method I have described here. It is better to consider your budget and experience while choosing one of these methods.
Also Read: 3 Different Ways to Revive and Protect Leather with Eagle’s Mink Oil
Tips to Maintain Shoe Waterproofing
Once you have done waterproofing with any method, then maintaining its finish is important. You can follow these practical tips for this purpose:
Apply Again: Regularly apply the waterproofing spray on your shoes. Apply the spray after 7-10 wears especially during winter or a rainy summer.
Additional Coating for Suede and Nubuck: Apply 2-3 coats of waterproofing spray or mink oil on the materials with uneven texture, such as suede and nubuck.
Proper Storage: Store your shoes in a dry and aerated place after waterproofing. It will help to maintain its original finish.
Care for Harsh Weather: Use shoe protectors or covers made with polythene or soft plastic to save your shoes from harsh weather conditions.
Following these tips will increase the shelf life of your shoes and help you to wear them in a better way.
Conclusion
Whether you choose Leather Hero Sneaker Protector Spray, Eagle Boot Wax or Eagle Mink Oil to waterproof your everyday shoes. These methods are practical, cost-effective, and easy to execute.
Do you know any other shoe waterproofing tricks? If yes, then share with us in the comment section. We would love to adopt and develop products on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best waterproof spray for shoes available online?
The Leather Hero Sneaker Protector is the best waterproof spray. You can order it online at this link.
Q2: What is the best wax product for waterproofing shoes?
You should use Eagle Boot Wax for shoe waterproofing. It is the best product available online.
Q3: What are the benefits of beeswax for shoes?
The beeswax provides a waterproofing cover to your shoes and makes them supple by providing essential oils.
Q4: Does beeswax burn or melt?
Beeswax has a higher melting point. So, it does not burn easily but melts first.
