DIY: How to Waterproof Your Shoes

Section: Men's Footwear - Blog

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Your dress shoes are an expensive investment and prone to damage by water exposure. However, you have the solution at your fingertips when you learn how to waterproof them.

Why Weather proof Your Footwear?

Your shoe's leather can withstand several thousands of flexes. However, when it encounters water, it loses its suppleness, which impacts the life of the shoe. Leather comes from animal skin and hence, comprises fat and proteins that retain a set amount of moisture after being tanned.

The fibres that criss-cross each other in the corium give leather its unique strength. However, if neglected, they are prone to drying out and cracking. To keep them in the best condition, minimise rapid influxes, releases of moisture, and exposure to acids or alkaline solutions. Acids and alkaline solutions, in particular, can damage leather permanently.

Additionally, salt and harsh chemicals can stain leather. Once they permeate the leather, they can be difficult to remove. They can discolour and/or weaken the shoe's top layers or even damage the finish. The best remedy? A layer of wax polish to serve as a buffer between the leather and these harmful elements.

Making Shoes Water Resistant

No amount of polish or waterproofing spray will keep water out of your shoes, if they are continuously subjected to the elements. However, the tips can provide useful, short-term remedies for those times when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Wax-based Polishes

Shoe pastes and creams nourish the leather. Wax-based polishes create a shine and in doing so, create a thin, protective layer that provides light resistance to water and salt.

If you choose this option, you'll need to reapply the polish after every few wears or if the weather is inclement, after every wear.

Specialty Waterproof Compounds

These compounds have a longer "sticking" life than polishes when applied properly. Unlike polishes, these compounds seal out moisture and can be used in conjunction with a polish, once the seal has been set.

Spray-on Waterproofing Compounds

The water and stain protectors produced by many companies are safe for use on leather and suede. They usually dry in about 30 minutes, and then you can wear your shoes. Use them liberally as they lose their efficacy after a few wears. These compounds form a protective coat on the leather; they do not permeate it.

DIY Waterproofing

Test first: If the shoes you are waterproofing are any colour except black, test the material in an inconspicuous area to make sure the waterproofing compound won't change the shoe's appearance. Here's what to do:

• Remove the shoelaces; clean the shoe thoroughly with a rag and a brush.
• Choose an unexposed area of the shoe, such as the tongue (under the laces).
• Apply a small amount of compound and see how it reacts.
• If the reaction is satisfactory, apply the compound to another area like the inner back of the shoe.
• Apply the water resistant compound evenly; make sure it forms a barrier.

The difference in application between applying a waterproofing compound or a shining compound is paying attention to forming an unbroken seal.

Spot shining is also an option. However, when waterproofing shoes that have been spot shined, you must make sure a water tight barrier is formed if the process is to prove effective.

Choose the Right Men's Footwear

Some men wear old or worn out shoes when facing adverse weather conditions. However, this method is ineffective when they need to look professional.

It's better for your image to have the right equipment than to sacrifice your look by wearing an unattractive pair of shoes, whose sole purpose is to combat weather conditions. Here's some other options:

• Specialty Footwear: Buy footwear made of water-resistant materials such as gortex and synthetic leathers or those with non-slip rubber soles. Their design and durability make them functional favourites although they do not offer as much protection as galoshes.
• Boots: All-purpose boots are a great choice for inclement weather, since they protect the ankles and can reach to knee-height as well. Unfortunately, you can't always wear them with a wide variety of clothing, and wearing them with anything dressier than odd trousers may look awkward. Dress boots are more versatile and can be worn withtailored suits but may provide less protection since they have smaller heels and delicate soles. Dress boots are not designed for wading through puddles; treat them as you would dress shoes. Treat functional boots regularly with waterproofing compounds depending on your environment and frequency of use.
• Galoshes: These slip over shoes and protect them from the elements. They are available as both over-shoes and over-boots. Since they encapsulate the feet completely, your feet remain dry. Additionally, they also provide excellent traction. The downside to galoshes? They must fit properly and it can take some time to get used to their additional weight.

What if Your Shoes Are Already Wet?

• Use a dry rag or towel to remove excess water from the outside of the shoe.
• Pull the moisture from inside using a small dry towel or a newspaper. Draw the moisture out and replace the moist paper with dry paper, on an hourly basis.
• Let the shoes dry at room temperature rather than placing them near a heat source. Heating them can cause the moisture to leave too quickly, thereby leading to the development of cracks on the leather, which can never be fixed.
• Once the shoes are dry and moisture-free, clean and condition them with a leather balm or cream and polish them normally.
• Thereafter, clean and polish the shoe after each use.

Now that you know how to waterproof your shoes, you'll never have to worry about a predatory puddle ruining them. Speaking of protecting your investments, is it time to protect your career by making an investment in an image upgrade? Schedule a personal consultation with one of the men of Montagio and learn how to take your wardrobe to the next level.

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