How to Waterproof Sneakers? | Dry Feet, Clean Shoes

Few things ruin a walk like cold, wet socks. The fix is a 30-minute job that keeps shoes dry and looking new, and it protects your investment from the elements.

There are two routes to keeping your sneakers dry: you can buy shoes designed for wet weather, or you can treat the ones you already own. Our picks for women’s waterproof sneakers cover the buy-new route. This guide covers the treatment route, and it works on just about any shoe you own.

The Prep Work: Clean and Dry First

Skip the cleaning step and you are wasting your time. The treatment traps whatever dirt and grime sits on the shoe, and it can reduce how well the coating sticks to the material. Soap and water works for most sneakers; a stiff brush helps on soles and heavy soil.

Everything needs to air-dry completely before you apply anything. Damp shoes will not take a good coating, and you risk sealing moisture inside the shoe instead of keeping it out. Remove the laces first, too — you get better coverage of the tongue and eyelets, and you avoid stiffening the laces.

Choosing the Right Product for the Material

The single biggest mistake is grabbing any spray and hoping it works. The upper material decides the right treatment:

• Leather: Wax, cream, or a sealant works well. Rub a thin layer on with a cloth and buff. A bonus of wax and cream is that they condition the leather at the same time, and they generally have UV protection built in.
• Suede: Use a dedicated suede protector spray. Heavy oils or waxes will change the texture and darken the nap. Brush the suede first, and use a suede eraser on stains before you spray.
• Mesh, knit, or canvas: A general-purpose waterproofing spray is the right call. Avoid overapplying, because moisture-wicking materials can develop residue or patchy spots.

One thing to note: waterproofing treatment is not permanent. Expect to reapply every few months if you wear the shoes regularly. The exact timeline depends on how often you wear them and how hard you are on them, so treat reapplication as routine maintenance rather than a one-and-done fix.

Applying the Waterproofer the Right Way

Sprays are the most common option, and the technique matters as much as the product itself.

• Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors; the smell from aerosol cans is strong.
• Hold the can about 6–8 inches from the shoe, and apply an even, light coat over the whole upper — including seams, stitching, the tongue, and the toe cap.
• Let the first coat dry, then apply a second light coat. Two thin coats beat one heavy one, which just drips and spots.
• Let the shoes cure fully before you wear them. Drying windows run from several hours to a full 24 hours, so check the label and give it overnight if you are unsure.

The one area to skip: the shoelaces. Your laces stay more flexible if you leave them out. Rubber soles and logos do not need the treatment either, and some products can leave a slick film on them.

When Waterproofing Is Not Enough

Treatment only gets you so far. On heavy rain days, waterproofing alone won’t keep your feet dry. Water can still get in over the collar, and deep puddles will overflow the upper.

For genuinely wet conditions, consider the other approach: a shoe built with a waterproof membrane. Those designs handle the elements better than any spray you can buy.

Best Waterproofing Products for Sneakers

Here is a quick comparison of the product types and what they each do best:

For most sneakers — mesh, knit, canvas, and even leather — a waterproofing spray is the right starting point. It is the easiest to apply and works across materials. Runner’s World’s guide to waterproofing shoes covers the spray technique in detail, including the reapplication mistake most people make.

If you have suede, brush first, then use a suede-specific protector. If you have leather, skip the spray and go with a wax or cream — the conditioning benefit is worth the extra minute of buffing. The New York Times’ Strategist section on the best waterproofing sprays and protectors is a good resource for comparing specific products.

The whole process takes about half an hour of active time, plus overnight drying. That is a small trade for keeping your shoes dry all winter.