The 10 Best Waterproofing Sprays for Shoes and Boots in 2023

Saphir's renowned, versatile Medaille d’Or Super Invulner is our top pick.

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There's nothing worse than wet feet when you're traveling. That's why you should consider waterproofing your shoes before you jet off on your next adventure, particularly if you're heading to a damp destination.

Overall, waterproofing sprays work by filling the pores in fabric — whether leather, canvas, suede, or otherwise — with a material like silicone that repels water. But each spray is not made equal. Some are designed with specific materials in mind, while others are better for light activity versus heavy-duty use. Picking the right waterproofing spray depends on your specific shoes and where you intend to wear them.

Our favorite product is the Saphir Medaille d’Or Super Invulner because it works across all types of fabrics, from high-end leather to fine silks.

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It can be used on any fabric — even silk.

Because of Saphir's long-standing reputation and this spray's unbeatable versatility, the cost is high.

If you're worried about ruining the material of your shoes — if they're made of high-end leather, for example — this is the best waterproofing spray to use, as it will not cause discoloration. It's made by the French company Saphir, which was awarded the Médaille d'Or in 1925 at the world's fair in Paris for its excellent leather-care products. Not much has changed since then, as the products are still of the highest quality. If anything, they've actually improved; this formula is so delicate that it's safe enough to use on silk. Beyond protecting your shoes (or handbags, accessories, or clothing) from getting wet, this spray also protects them from stains. Perhaps best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to dry.

Price at time of publish: $27

The Details: 6.56 ounces | 30 minute dry time | Best for Leather, suede, nubuck, textile

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It's silicone-free.

The can is rather small for the price.

Protect your leather goods — including boots and shoes — from water, dirt, and oil with this high-end waterproofing spray. While it's designed for leather, including suede and nubuck, it can be used on any fabric, from synthetics to canvas. One of the major pros of this spray is that the applicator produces a very fine mist, which makes the spray very easy to apply without fear of pooling. Another plus? The spray is silicone-free, which means it's even more breathable than other options. The only downside to this product is that the can is quite small. Buy two if you're using it for multiple pairs of shoes!

Price at time of publish: $17

The Details: 5.5 ounces | Best for Leather, suede, nubuck, nylon, polyester, canvas, synthetics

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It also works on furniture and clothing.

It should be reapplied regularly.

Scotchgard is a giant in the fabric-protection industry, so it comes as little surprise that its specialty waterproofing sprays are some of the best options out there. For canvas sneakers, we recommend Scotchgard's Fabric Water Shield, which is, as you might have guessed, formulated for fabrics. While it works well on heavier materials like canvas, it's also gentle enough to use on dry-clean-only fabrics like silk and wool. Bonus tip: We also recommend using this spray on backpacks and soft-sided luggage to help protect them from water — you never know when your suitcase might end up stuck in the rain on the tarmac.

Price at time of publish: $14

The Details: 10 ounces, 13.5 ounces | Best for Canvas, silk, wool, linen

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It doesn't discolor suede or nubuck.

It should not be used on other fabrics.

Suede is a form of leather, but because of its soft texture, it should be treated differently than regular leather. Some waterproofing sprays can actually affect the color of materials, and suede is definitely at risk — this formula, however, is specifically designed for suede and nubuck so that it doesn't discolor them. Not only does this spray help to repel water, but it also helps to prevent salt stains (those pesky white marks that appear on suede shoes if you wear them during the winter). Scotchgard recommends using this spray at least twice a year on your suede shoes but suggests that if you wear them regularly, you will likely need to touch them up more frequently.

Price at time of publish: $13

The Details: 10 ounces, 13.5 ounces | Best for Suede, nubuck

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It's also great for camping gear, from tents to clothing.

It may darken the color of your shoes.

For intense hiking or camping trips where your shoes (or gear) might get more than just slightly damp, opt for a heavy-duty waterproofing spray to ensure top levels of dryness. Kiwi has one spray that's specially formulated for camping use — hence the name "Camp Dry" — that uses silicone to create a durable barrier on your hiking boots (or tents, tarps, and outdoor apparel). The one important thing to note is that this product darkens materials, so you might want to avoid using it on street shoes, particularly light-colored ones. You should always spot-test this product before applying it to the full shoe.

Price at time of publish: $9

The Details: 10.5 ounces | 24–48 hour dry time | Best for all materials including leather and textile

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It also protects against dirt and stains.

It's water-repellent, not waterproof.

When it comes to protecting Uggs, no one knows how to do that better than Ugg itself! The lifestyle brand makes a protector spray specifically for its sheepskin boots, which helps to repel water, prevent stains, and keep the boots looking like new. If you're applying the spray to already-worn boots, Ugg does suggest washing and conditioning the boots before application, which will help the product adhere better to the suede. Once you spray your Uggs, you'll need to let them dry for at least 24 hours before wearing them. Interesting notes: the product is nontoxic, biodegradable (for reference, silicone is not), and free of animal products.

Price at time of publish: $15

The Details: 6 ounces | 24 hour dry time | Best for Leather, suede

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One treatment lasts 12 months.

t's a small amount of product.

This product is specifically designed for sneakerheads, according to its manufacturer, Forcefield. While the durable coating protects shoes from water, stains, and dirt, it also offers UV protection to help prevent yellowing or other discoloration due to sunlight. All it takes is one application a year to keep your kicks looking as good as new, though it would be wise to add a fresh coat if you wear your shoes frequently. On the plus side, it takes just 23 minutes for a coat to dry (yes, it's that specific). You can also use this product on backpacks, hats, and outerwear.

Price at time of publish: $15

The Details: 6 ounces | 23 minute dry time | Best for all footwear

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It offers heavy-duty protection that stands up to mud submersion.

It's not multipurpose, and it can darken materials.

For waterproofing work boots, hiking boots, or snow boots, this is the product to use. It offers heavy-duty silicone waterproofing to keep your boots dry, no matter how wet or muddy the terrain. But a word of caution if you plan on using this product on street shoes: The silicone may cause some materials to darken, which makes it better for dark-colored boots than lighter ones. You should also use two coats of this spray for maximum coverage. Apply the second one four hours after the first, and wait one to two days for the boots to dry before wearing them.

Price at time of publish: $9

The Details: 10.5 ounces | Dry time: 24–48 hour dry time | Best for all materials

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It also works on Gore-Tex.

It has a very strong odor.

This waterproofing spray is designed to be used on a combination of leather and fabric, which is perfect for sneakers. The product can also be used on Gore-Tex, which is already waterproof in itself, but an extra layer of protection isn't a bad idea. You can use this spray on any products that combine fabric and leather, from hats to camping gear. The spray itself is biodegradable and free of fluorocarbons and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it gentler on humans and the environment. Note that the spray pump is manual, and that there's also a sponge-on version.

Price at time of publish: $12

The Details: 4.2 ounces | Best for Leather, synthetics

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It lasts up to 24 months.

It requires two coats.

This is a pretty handy dandy waterproofing spray. It can basically be used on any shoe material (it won't cause discoloration, nor does it affect a fabric's breathability) and in any sort of environment, whether you have kids or pets in the house. It's made with a water-based formula and contains no aerosols, but it'll protect your shoes from water, dirt, oil, and other stains all the same. The spray is designed to last through multiple uses: its manufacturer claims it can last up to 24 months without reapplication, though we always think it's better to touch up regularly for maximum protection.

Price at time of publish: $20

The Details: 12 ounces, 24 ounces | 4 hour dry time | Best for all footwear

When waterproofing anything from boots to bags, it's important to read all of the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some waterproofing sprays dry in under an hour, while other sprays need to be left alone for more than a day before they are affective. Allow the proper time for drying so you don't ruin your gear or find it's too wet to wear when you need to head out for the day.

Waterproofing sprays aren't just for shoes — you can use them across many products, from clothing to gear to furniture. So if you're planning on waterproofing your shoes, consider what else you might be interested in protecting. That way, you can buy a single spray that covers multiple products.

Water isn't the only enemy of fabric. UV rays from the sun can cause discoloration on some fabrics, so that might be a factor to consider when buying a waterproofing spray. And dirt can be an annoyance, too — some sprays can help protect against grime.

Most waterproofing sprays should be applied outdoors so that the smell doesn't permeate a room. If that's not an option, consider buying an eco-friendly spray that's nontoxic to both people and pets, and don't get something known to have a strong chemical smell if you’ll have to apply in a small apartment.

This varies between products but usually ranges between a few weeks to a year. It also varies based on your usage. If you wear your waterproofed shoes daily, the waterproofing will rub off faster than if you only wear them a few times a year. Some waterproofing sprays suggest reapplying after each use.

It depends on the ingredients in each product, but typically speaking, waterproofing sprays fill the pores of a fabric with a material that repels water, thus preventing water from permeating those pores.

Waterproofing sprays generally become effective once they're dry, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to a full day after application.

For this article, travel writer Stefanie Waldek read dozens of customer reviews and incorporated her own experience with waterproofing sprays during her years as a travel writer.

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