How to Waterproof Leather Shoes/Boots

Unless you have an unlimited shoe budget, (which most of us don’t!), it’s important to keep up and maintain your leather shoes. Luckily it’s very easy to waterproof your shoes, and keep them looking great for a long time to come.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Store bought waterproofing spray/wax

1. 
    
   Make sure to thoroughly clean your shoes.

   Before you dive in and start applying the waterproofing product, it is important to start with a clean slate. Many products are available to pre-clean leather shoes; otherwise you can simply use warm water and a rag to wipe away dirt and oil.

2. 
    
   Remove the shoelaces.

   Once you have cleaned your shoes, remove the shoelaces so they don’t get stained or discolored. While you have your shoelaces removed it might not be a bad idea to wash them with mild detergent and warm water if you have the time.

3. 
    

   With your shoes clean and laces removed, you can now begin the waterproofing process. Many products are available at department and shoe stores everywhere for this specific purpose. You can choose to use a spray coating, wax-like product, or simply beeswax. The beeswax is one of the more effective ways of waterproofing leather, though this may slightly alter the general look of the shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are treating nubuck or suede shoes, you MUST make sure that you are using a waterproofing product made specifically for these types of leather.

[walker7]

on 11/6/2009 I need to do this...I do have new suede boots, to appreciate the tips.