Wet shoes are no one’s idea of a good time and you shouldn’t have to worry about getting a brand new pair of shoes ruined or damaged in the rain.
Waterproofing spray is one option that’s available for protection against rain and snow. It’s commonly used on hiking gear like boots and jackets, although it can be applied to many other products as well.
Many people wonder how well waterproof spray works, so I’ve decided to share my experiences as well as whether or not it’s worth it to use.
How Does Waterproof Spray Work?
One of the best ways to keep your shoes safe in wet weather is to use a special waterproof spray. The technique used in applying the spray is very simple. The whole process can be gone through in a matter of minutes. Once applied, you can enjoy waterproof safety for your shoes for a period of 3 weeks up to a month.
The process itself is easy. The first thing you need to do is decide which pairs of shoes you want to waterproof. Once you have done so, simply line them up. Make sure that you remove all of the laces from each pair of shoes. Give them a good cleaning with a towel. You want them to be shiny clean before you start.
Once you are sure your shoes are clean, you can then apply the spray. Do so in an even fashion across each shoe. Don’t apply it too thinly or with too much thickness. A little bit of waterproof spray goes a long way. Once each shoe has been coated with spray, back off and let them dry for 30 to 60 minutes.
How Long Does Waterproof Spray Last?
After applying the waterproof spray, your gear should have protection for a few months at a minimum. How long the waterproof spray will last mainly depends on the weather conditions and the frequency that the water-repellant gear is used.
In other words, if you want the effects of the spray to last longer you should avoid wearing your gear in the rain or wearing it every day.
One thing to note is that from my experience using wash-on products will last longer than the waterproof spray, but it costs more and takes longer to apply.
Waterproofing your shoes using a spray is only advisable during periods where the weather is wet. If you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall, it’s the best method you can use to keep your shoes safe and long-lasting. You should still do your best to avoid stepping in areas where there is a large amount of moisture.
Again, this should only be done during times of the year when you can expect a lot of rain. There is little point in doing it during other times when rainfall is much less common. For example, if you live in an area where the summer is hot and dry, there is no need to waterproof your shoes. You can put the spray away.
Should You Spray Waterproof Boots?
Boots that are designed to be waterproof will eventually wear down on protection. When you notice they’re less effective at keeping water out you should reapply a waterproof spray to the outside material.
Be sure to get a spray that matches the original protection provided by your boots. This will help your boots to maintain their breathability while also improving their water resistance.
You shouldn’t use sprays too often otherwise it could wear down your boots and prevent them from being breathable and light.
Can You Use Any Type of Spray?
The next question to consider when waterproofing your shoes is the exact type of spray that you can use. As it turns out, not all sprays are equal to the task. There are certain types of sprays that work well on boots or industrial work shoes. However, these same sprays won’t do as much to keep street shoes safe.
For this reason, you need to be sure that you are using the right type of spray for the shoes you want to keep safe. This is a move that requires a bit of research to get right. It’s well worth it because it will save you a great deal of time, energy, and money in the long run. Always check the spray that you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waterproof Spray Work on Shoes?
Most waterproof sprays like Gore-Tex and Scotchgard work well on the shoes as long as the instructions are followed correctly. If too much spray is applied it can negatively affect the water resistance and breathability of your shoes.
Does Waterproof Spray Work on Boots?
For boots that are already designed to be waterproof, adding more spray once it starts to wear down is the recommended action. The main factor is finding a waterproof spray that won’t clog up the material of your boots.
Does Waterproof Spray Work on Tents?
There are waterproof sprays that are designed to be used on outdoor equipment like bags and tents. Choosing a spray that refreshes the durable water repellent coating is the best option for keeping water outside of your tent.
