Best Waterproofing Sprays for New Work Boots

Have you ever thought of dragging your accessories or other apparel items into mud? No, right? But that’s how you treat your boots everyday.

Out of all your work gears, it’s your work boots that are exposed to the harshest of conditions. No matter old or new, they all go through the same condition everyday. That is why waterproofing boots becomes important.

Waterproofing your work boots using spray can make them more resistant to water. Using certain sprays like silicone spray sealants especially for new boots and newly resoled boots can make them more waterproof so that they are not damaged or stained by water.

Spraying your boots while they are new can make the “ water resistant” ones actually waterproof. And if you have got boots that are susceptible to water damage then by using sprays you can prepare them to have some sort of water resistance.

To help you with this, we have compiled the best waterproof sprays for your new boots which really work. We will also tell you how to make your boots waterproof using easy techniques.

On what materials can you use the spray?

Most of the sprays which are available in the market are type specific and most of them explicitly provide you with this information. The materials on which you can use these sprays include:

• • • Polyester
    • Cotton
    • Nylon
    • Suede
    • Synthetic leather
    • Nubuck

It is always recommended to use a spray on recommended shoe materials. Wrong spray will not only fail to make your boot water resistant but it might also damage them.

Therefore it is advisable that if you are going to use a spray that you are not sure of on your new boots then spray first on the swatch of the fabric that you plan to use the spray on.

Will spraying change your boots?

If you are using any product on the boots then it’s obvious that they might show some changes. One of them is that your boots will become waterproof.

After using the spray, you can witness your item to turn a darker hue. If you are using a nice spray then this shouldn’t be drastic at all.

Although if you are using a bad spray then chances are colour changes can be extreme. It may even damage material or fabric that you are using it on.

The sprays can also affect the breathability or flexibility of your boot. Make sure that you read the instruction carefully before application.

How to waterproof your boots using spray?

Before starting, make sure that you have got the right product for your boots. You have to follow these simple steps 

1.) Remove all the dirt and mud from your boots using warm water and soap. You can also use cleaning cream.

2.) Take the can and hold it 6 inches away from your boots. Start spraying in even directions with equal length. Make sure that you apply a few thin coats rather than one thick coat. Some boots require a second coat. It is mentioned on the can.

3.) After the treatment, let your boots dry out completely. You can place them in an area with average temperature, low humidity and good ventilation.

Avoid drying them in direct sunlight and never use direct heat since this can cause the glue of your boots to loosen or leather to crack.

Spray vs Oiling. Which is better for waterproofing?

Most people prefer oiling over spray for waterproofing the boots. While both of these are successful in doing their job, which one does it in a better way?

Well, oil or specifically mink oil is a great solution for waterproofing boots. Along with making your footwear resistant to water, it also restores the fibres of your leather boots.

Although oiling your boots can make the leather rot over time by locking excess moisture within them. Not just this, it may clog the pores of the material hence making them less breathable.

Therefore, according to me, silicone spray is the best and easiest way to waterproof your boots. Although, these might last a little shorter and you have to plan a frequent reapplication.

What are the pros and cons of using sprays on boots?

Pros:

• • • Sprays can make your boots more waterproof so that they are not damaged easily by the harsh elements.
    • They may also protect against salts which are mostly responsible for ruining your leather shoes.
    • Inhibits the entry of dirt in your boots.
    • Sprays also make sure that your boots remain protected from stains and oil.

Cons:

• • • Waterproof sprays are not versatile and are material specific.
    • Using spray on wrong material fails to make the boot waterproof and might even damage them. 
    • These might darker the colour of the boots.

Top Sprays Available in the market for your Work Boot

Now that we have seen how to use a spray, it’s time to purchase the best ones available in the market.

1. Kiwi Suede Protector

While there are a variety of sprays manufactured by Kiwi, this one is specifically designed for suede and nubuck leather. This impressive spray protects your work boots against water and stains.

Moreover, it is effective on any colour and almost all kinds of suedes and nubucks. Best part of this spray is that it doesn’t discolour the suede at all.

Made with a special polymer formula, it gives your boots an invisible protective shield saving them from all kinds of damages.

Pros:

• • • Easy to use 
    • Effective on every colour and material
    • Doesn’t discolour the leather

Cons:

• • • It has a very strong odor

2. Sof Sole Water Proofer 

If you are looking for a spray that can protect your boots along with giving them some breathability then this Sof Sole water proofer is just the right choice for you.

It works well on various boots including your leather and athletic shoes. It is also effective against various stains and helps in removing them.

Pros:

• • • Gives long lasting protection
    • No side effects
    • Works on many kinds of work boots.

Cons:

• • • You need to try it first to see if it works for your shoes.

3. Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Spray 

Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Spray x 125ml. Transparent

• Maintains breathability, support and texture
• Quick and easy to apply to wet items
• WaterBased, non-flammable and fluorocarbon-free

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Recommended for special materials like Gore-Tex, Nikwax is a water based spray which is designed to maintain the texture, support and breathability of your work boots.

While using this spray, it is always recommended to clean the boots using Nikwax Footwear Cleaning gel.

One of the fascinating qualities of this is that it takes less time to dry out and you can use it in no time. The spray is nonflammable and doesn’t contain dangerous compounds.

Pros

• • • Easy to use
    • Very safe formula
    • Meant for suede and nubuck

Cons

• • • May turn your suede item darker
    • May not be best for other materials

4. Crep Protect Ultimate Rain & Stain Shoe Spray

Crep Protect Ultimate Rain & Stain Shoe Spray

• Fabric sole Easy-use 5 oz aerosol spray bottle.
• Works on Suede, Nubuck, and Canvas.
• Repels liquids and prevents stains.
• Protects footwear with an invisible barrier.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Composed using nanotechnology, the Crep Protect is designed to provide a barrier that protects your boots from rain and stain both.

This single can of spray can last upto 4 weeks and is a waterproof spray. The synthetic spray is available in aerosol spray bottles and works on suee, nubuck and canvas. It’s free from mineral oil.

Pros:

• • • Easy to use
    • Repels most liquids
    • Month-long protection

Cons:

• • • Makes boots water-resistant but not completely waterproof

5. Cadillac Select Premium Water Repellent & Stain Protector 

This spray is quite versatile and can be used on suede, sheepskin, nubuck and other tanned leather.

Available in 6 fluid ounce spray bottles, Cadillac spray is one of the best products as it is environmentally friendly and is free of dangerous chemicals which might harm your work boots.

Pros:

• • • Versatile and can be used on nearly any type of leather.
    • Silicon free hence does not change the colour of the leather.
    • Spray creates an invisible, waterproof barrier that blocks water and other types of stains.

Cons:

• • • Only available in spray containers therefore application can be a little as compared with cream based waterproofing products. 

How long does a waterproofing spray last?

To be very honest, how long will waterproofing coating last on your boots will depend entirely on how often you expose your boots to water. In general, if you wear your boots everyday to work where the boots get drenched in water, the waterproofing coating will last not more than 2 weeks.

But, if your work boots remain dry for most of the days and get exposed to water only for a day or two in a week, the coating will last for nearly 4 weeks.

However, it is mandatory that you spray your boots with the waterproofing spray twice a month depend on your wear.

This is to ensure that your boots are not out of the waterproofing coating when there is a need be. What happens is, with regular contact with water, the waterproofing coating fades away and you might not notice it. 

Final thoughts

Water can turn out to be really dangerous for your work boots by breaking their fibres over time and hence making them loose. Not just that, even the stains can make your beautiful boots look terrible.

Therefore, take my advice and protect them with some waterproofing sprays. It is certainly a good idea to protect your expensive shoes from possible damages and increase their life. So, are you ready to spray?