Want to waterproof your running shoes? If so, your search ends here. Because this article hosts the best ways of waterproofing your shoes.
No matter how much you enjoy running and leaving the world behind, it will ruin all your day if the water soaked into your feet. You need waterproof shoes to avoid such situations.
So we’ve got you covered and brought the best ways to make your shoe water-resistant. Let’s get started.
What are the Materials that You Can Use For Waterproofing Your Running Shoes
The first step is looking for the material that repels water away from your running shoes. You’ll find a few materials here that can resist water and will keep your shoes dry even if you’re running during rain or in the mud.
Using wax as a waterproofer is the best material that lasts longer. You can apply wax on any leather or cloth shoes. But this method requires more time and effort. While an effortless and time-friendly process is using a spray.
Though there are many types of sprays available, and cost more compared to wax, it’s an easier way for making your shoe water-repellent. Sprays have short-lived performance, and you’ll need to apply it again and again.
Not only sprays, but you’ll need to reuse wax as well after some time to keep your shoes dry for a longer time – will come to the process in detail ahead.
Test The Material Before Putting It On The Shoes
Double-check the material you want to use before applying them to your running shoes. If you want to use wax, spray, or any other element, test it beforehand. Because some products may affect your shoes.
They may discolor your shoes or damage the appearance of the leather shoes. You can check the products’ description as well to see whether it’ll alter the shoes’ look. But the ideal way is to try it yourself on an unnoticeable spot on your shoes – heel or toe. Leave the sprayed area for a few minutes to dry out and then check whether it discolors your shoe or not.
How To Clean Your Shoes Before Waterproofing Them.
Now you know about the materials you should use to weatherproof your shoes. Before taking a deep dive into applying any of these materials, you’ll need to clean your shoe first. Since you’re waterproofing your running shoes, mud, or any dirt would be covering the sole or upper parts of the shoes, it’s essential to clean them to get maximum outcomes.
If you put any of the product on the dirt shoes, or if the shoes haven’t been cleaned for a long time, the technique we’re about to show you won’t benefit you. You’ll just spend your time and the material and will not get the end product. That’s why cleanliness is vital before using wax or spray.
Below are a few ways for cleaning your shoe that will show up like brand new:
Cleaning Cloth or Fabric Shoes:
If the shoes’ upper part you want to waterproof are made of cloth, you need to clean them using this process. First make a paste of water, laundry powder plus baking soda. Keep your shoes in the paste and rub them with your hand. If you have a spare toothbrush, that will be a great help for cleaning them, especially for shoe seams.
Cleaning Leather Shoes:
You can use saddle soap for cleaning your leather shoes. This material is specially built to clean and protect the shoe leather or any type of leather. Apply this soap using a brush. Clean all of your shoes so that no dirt remains on them.
Using other detergents or soap will clean your shoes but they’ll affect the quality of the leather. So, it’s recommended to use only saddle soap for cleaning them.
Cleaning Suede Shoes:
For removing dirt and grime from your suede shoes, apply suede cleaner on them. Just like saddle soap is for leather shoes, suede cleaner is for suede shoes.
Dry out your Shoes:
Once the cleaning part is done, leave your shoes to repel all the water and become dry. When they become as dry as if they were not washed with water then the next stage comes – waterproofing.
Which Type Of Shoes You Can Waterproof
Before we walk you through the steps on waterproofing your running shoes, it’s essential to know whether your shoes can be waterproofed. If you start waterproofing your shoes that are made of porous cloth, you’ll waste your time and get nothing in the end.
This is the reason you need to know what type of shoes you can make them water-repellent and what you cannot. If you got leather or non-porous clothing shoes, you can waterproof them. The following heading will further disclose the types of shoes you can waterproof.
Shoes That You Cannot Waterproof
You can waterproof the mentioned few shoes. Now let’s see what other running shoes you can waterproof. The shoes other than the following could be waterproofed. So below are the shoes that you cannot make them damp proof:
Mesh Panel Shoes, Can You Waterproof Your Running Shoes:
Since such shoes have a mesh covering, they disallow you to waterproof them. Because water could easily find ways to steep through the mesh, no matter what type of material you use. So if you want to waterproof any mesh sneakers, leave them as it is. You won’t make them impermeable.
Porous Shoes:
Some running shoes have small holes for airflow, which keep feet cool during running. These types of shoes are also part of this list. Several leather shoes also have pores for ventilation purposes, which you cannot fill with any waterproof material.
They are some of the shoes that you cannot waterproof. But if you got any of these shoes and still don’t want water to steep into your feet, stay with us. We’ve got a hack for that as well.
How to Waterproof Your Running Shoes? Can you Waterproof Your Running Shoes?
The wait is over. Here are the two ways to make your shoes impermeable. As your shoes are now clean and dry, let’s get into applying the waterproofing material on them.
Using Wax As A Waterproofer
The first and the best way to waterproof your shoes is by using wax as a waterproofer. This is an inexpensive method that will take a little time but will cost almost zero bucks.
Look for a Wax:
Find some wax. If you already have colorless candles, you can use them for waterproofing your shoes. Otherwise, you should look for beeswax in a nearby hardware store. Make sure that the wax you’re using should be colorless.
Using colorful wax will leave stains on your shoes. So, apply colorless wax so that it does not affect your shoe’s appearance and color.
Apply the Wax all over your Shoe:
Now that you’ve found some wax, rub a piece of the wax on the shoe’s outer surface. Take a deep look and apply the wax on the shoe front, back and sides. Don’t forget to rub the seams with the wax so that no spot remains out of wax.
If a small hole remains non-waxed, moisture could pass through that hole. The wax should make a thick layer and should completely cover the outer surface – the toe, heel as well. This will disallow a single drop of water to soak into your feet.
Use Hair Dryer for melting the Wax:
After rubbing wax on the shoe, use a hairdryer to melt the wax so that it fills all the pores to stop water from penetrating. The higher the temperature of the dryer, the faster the wax will melt. And it will completely occupy all the holes.
Using Spray As A Water-resistant material
The next method you can use for waterproofing your running shoes is using a spray. It’s an expensive yet easier way. The following few steps will guide you on how to spray your running shoes.
Grab a Spray
Buy a silicone spray that helps block all the moisture and water from passing through. You can find it in any shoe store. There are many brands available in the market. So just pick the right and effective spray that leaves no pores unfilled.
Spray on all the Shoe Surface
After you’ve selected the product, now let’s apply it to your shoes. Hold the spray a few inches away from the shoe and apply it on all upper surfaces. It’s better to hold your shoes by laces so that you can easily spray them, and no part remains un-sprayed.
Leave the Shoes Dry Out
After the spraying process, leave your shoes to dry out for about 24 hours. Once the shoes become dry, you can test them. You’ll need to spray them again and again after a specific time to keep your shoes waterproof.
More Ways for Waterproofing Your Running Shoes
Following are some of the other options for waterproofing your running shoes. With these alternatives, you don’t have to make your shoes impermeable, but all it needs is to think out of the box and try out other methods that might be better than waterproofing your shoes.
Waterproof Shoes
Even before buying running shoes, you can opt for impermeable shoes that are made for running in the rain and water. This is the ideal option if you want to spend a few bucks and get real weatherproof shoes.
Waterproof Socks
Another inexpensive method you have is to buy some waterproof socks. It will cost less compared to the first option yet will keep your feet off the water and won’t disturb you while on the run.
Conclusion
You’ve gone through the best ways for waterproofing your running shoes. You can use either wax or spray for this purpose. But what works for you and is available, opt for that method. Follow the steps mentioned and get your shoe waterproof.
