How to Waterproof Boots? 6 Super Easy Steps

Are you wondering, how to waterproof boots? Well, it is something every boot owner should know before the rain hits. If you’ve ever felt water soaking through your boots, you already know how uncomfortable that is. The good news? You can stop it from happening again.

To waterproof your boots:

• Start by cleaning your boots. Remove all dirt, mud, and dust with a soft brush or a damp cloth so the waterproofing product can actually stick to the surface.

• Let your boots dry fully.

• Pick the right waterproofing product for your boot material. Leather needs a cream or wax. Suede and nubuck need a special spray that will not damage the texture. Fabric boots usually work best with a water-based spray.

• Apply the product slowly and evenly.

• Leave your boots to dry for several hours.

• Add a second coat if you want extra protection. Repeat the waterproofing every few weeks or after a heavy rainy day.

This guide makes it simple. You’ll learn exactly what to do, step by step, and what products actually work. We’ll also share how to avoid mistakes so your boots stay protected no matter the weather. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your feet dry.

Key Takeaways

• Cleaning your boots is the first and most important step before waterproofing.

• Let your boots dry fully so the waterproof layer sticks properly.

• Use waterproof spray for suede, fabric, and mesh boots.

• Wax or leather creams work best for waterproofing leather boots.

• You can waterproof boots at home using beeswax and a hairdryer.

• For walking or daily use, use cream first then add spray on top.

• The best waterproofing products include Nikwax, Obenauf’s, Red Wing Oil, and Sno-Seal.

• Reapply after heavy rain, long hikes, or every few weeks if you wear boots often.

How to waterproof boots with spray

To waterproof your boots using spray, start by cleaning off dirt and dust. Let your boots dry fully before spraying. Shake the waterproofing spray well and hold it 6 to 8 inches away. Spray in even layers without soaking any part. Let your boots dry for 24 hours before wearing them outside.

Now, the step-by-step detail:

Step #01: Clean your boots to remove dirt

Before applying any waterproof spray, you need to clean your boots properly. If your boots are dirty, the spray won’t stick well. You’ll just trap mud and dust under the coating, which ruins the look and feel. Use a soft brush to remove dried dirt or a damp cloth for smaller stains. If you’ve worn them on a trail or city streets, cleaning becomes even more important.

Let the boots dry after cleaning before moving on to the next step. That way, you won’t seal moisture inside. You’ll also avoid patches or streaks once the spray dries. It only takes a few minutes to brush off loose dirt, but it makes a huge difference later.

If your boots are suede, you should be extra gentle. Use a dry suede brush or a special eraser to lift surface marks. Avoid getting them wet. A clean surface helps the waterproof spray bond better and last longer. You’ll see it work every time you step into wet ground or walk through rain.

Step #02: Let them dry completely

After cleaning, let your boots dry completely before you spray anything. Even a little dampness can stop the waterproof spray from working. You might not feel moisture from the outside, but the inner material could still be wet. If you spray too soon, the waterproof layer won't stick. Water will still get in, no matter how good the product is.

The best way to dry your boots is to leave them in a well-ventilated space. Avoid direct sunlight or placing them near a heater. High heat can damage leather and warp the shape of your boots. You don’t want to risk that after just cleaning them.

Give yourself at least overnight to let them dry. If it’s humid, give them a few extra hours. Planning ahead helps. If you need your boots tomorrow, start this process today. You’ll save yourself from having to repeat the entire thing after a rain-soaked walk.

Step #03: Shake the waterproof spray well

Before you spray anything, shake the can well. Waterproof sprays often settle when they sit. You need to mix the ingredients before use. If you don’t shake it, you’ll get a watery spray that won’t protect your boots properly. It might even stain or dry unevenly.

Hold the can and shake it for at least 30 seconds. Make sure it sounds like the liquid is moving inside. That’s how you know the formula is blending. You should also shake it again if you pause while spraying. It helps you keep the spray working evenly from start to finish.

Step #04: Hold the spray 6–8 inches away from the surface

Keep the spray can at the right distance from your boots. About 6 to 8 inches is ideal. Spraying too close creates wet patches and can leave stains. You might see dark spots, especially on fabric or suede. That can ruin the look right away.

Spraying too far isn’t good either. The product won’t land properly and most of it will just float off. You’ll waste spray and get poor coverage. Make sure you move your hand slowly and stay steady.

If you’re unsure how far that is, measure it with your hand once. Then you’ll get a feel for the right distance.

Step #05: Spray in light, even coats, avoiding drips

Start spraying with a light hand. You don’t need to soak your boots to make them waterproof. A gentle, even coat gives the best result. Dripping or heavy spraying can leave blotches. It also takes much longer to dry and may not bond well to the surface.

Go slowly and cover one section at a time. Move across the surface in a steady motion. You can always apply a second coat later if needed. Two light coats are better than one heavy one.

Step #06: Let dry 24 hours before wearing

After spraying, leave your boots alone for a full 24 hours. Even if they feel dry in a few hours, they’re not fully ready. The waterproof coating needs time to bond to the material. If you wear them too soon, water can still get in.

Letting them sit for a full day is the safest way to lock in the protection. Put them in a room with good airflow. You don’t need a fan or heat source. Just let them rest naturally and give the product time to cure. It’s the final step, but it’s one you can’t rush.

Once the 24 hours are up, your boots will be ready for anything.

How to waterproof boots for men

Waterproofing men's boots helps protect your feet from rain, snow, and water damage. Here's how to waterproof men's boots the right way.

• Clean the leather using a proper leather cleaner. Wipe off any dirt, mud, or salt stains gently.

• Warm your boots slightly using a hairdryer on low. Hold it 5 seconds at a time so the leather softens, not burns.

• Apply leather conditioner before waterproofing. This keeps the leather flexible and prevents cracking from dryness.

• Choose a wax-based waterproof product like mink oil or beeswax. These work best for leather men's boots.

• Rub the wax in using your fingers or a clean cloth. Use small circular motions to help it absorb deep into the leather.

• Buff the surface gently after applying. This removes extra wax and gives your boots a clean finish.

• Let the boots dry overnight in a cool, dry space. Avoid direct heat or sunlight during this time.

How to waterproof boots at home

You can waterproof your boots at home using simple tools and natural materials. Here’s how:

• Clean your boots thoroughly. Use a brush to remove dirt and a damp cloth for stuck-on grime. Let them dry fully.

• Melt pure beeswax in a heat-safe bowl. Do it over low heat or with a double boiler. Don't overheat it.

• Rub the melted wax over your boots evenly using a clean cloth or your fingers. Cover all seams and edges well.

• Use a hairdryer on low to melt the wax deeper into the leather. Keep the dryer moving to avoid damage.

• Wipe off any extra wax with a clean cloth. Your boots should look coated but not overly greasy.

• Let your boots dry naturally. Leave them out for several hours or overnight before wearing them again.

Best product for waterproofing leather boots

The best waterproofing products for leather boots depend on the type of leather and how you use your boots. Heavy wax works well for work boots and snow. Oils help everyday leather stay soft and protected. Creams give lighter leather a clean finish without darkening it.

You can choose a product based on how rough your conditions are.

Here are the best product for waterproofing leather boots you can get:

How to waterproof hiking boots

Waterproofing hiking boots is easy if you follow these steps:

• Clean all mud and dirt from your hiking boots. Use a brush and warm water. Remove mud from seams and stitching.

• For leather hiking boots, apply a wax or cream. Good choices are Nikwax or Obenauf’s. Work it into the leather slowly.

• For suede or nubuck hiking boots, avoid wax. Wax ruins the texture. Use a waterproof spray made for suede or nubuck.

• For fabric or mesh boots, use Nikwax Fabric and Leather Spray. Spray slowly so the fabric absorbs the product evenly.

• Reapply waterproofing after every long trek or heavy rain. Water strips the coating from fabric and leather over time.

Does WD-40 work for waterproofing boots?

WD-40 can make water bead off your boots for a short time, but it is not a real waterproofing product. You might see a quick improvement at first, but the effect fades fast once you walk outside. WD-40 is a lubricant, not a leather treatment, so it sits on the surface instead of bonding to the material. You also risk drying out the leather because WD-40 removes natural oils.

You might also stain your boots if you use WD-40 on suede or nubuck. The spray darkens the fibers and leaves marks you can’t remove later. Fabric boots also react poorly because the product clings to some threads but not others. That creates uneven protection and patchy spots that attract dirt. Dirt sticks easily to WD-40 because it stays tacky for a while.

A real waterproofing product is made to soak into the leather or sit cleanly on fabric. Wax fills tiny gaps in leather. Cream keeps the surface soft and sealed. Waterproof sprays coat fabric evenly and let water roll away without changing the texture. WD-40 cannot do any of that. 

What is the best material for waterproof boots?

The best material for waterproof boots depends on how you use your boots and the conditions you face. Full-grain leather is one of the strongest waterproof materials. The tight-grain blocks water well. It becomes even more resistant when you add wax or cream. Many work boots and hiking boots use full-grain leather because it handles rain without breaking down. You get long life and solid protection, but leather needs care.

Nubuck and suede feel softer but are less naturally waterproof. You can still keep them dry with a good spray, but they need more frequent reapplication. The fibers absorb water faster than full-grain leather, so you must treat them before wearing them in the rain.

Fabric and mesh boots are very common for hiking and walking because they feel light. They breathe well and dry faster than heavy leather. They are not naturally waterproof, but they work well with waterproof sprays.

Conclusion

So, how to waterproof boots?

1. Clean your boots well. Brush off all dirt and wipe them so the surface is smooth and ready.

2. Let them dry fully. They should feel completely dry before you move to the next step.

3. Choose a product that matches your boot material. Leather likes wax or cream. Suede and nubuck need a gentle spray. Fabric boots work best with a water based spray.

4. Apply the product slowly and evenly. Make sure you cover the seams and stitching because water usually enters from those spots.

5. Leave the boots to dry for several hours. Give them enough time to absorb the product and build a protective layer.

6. Add a second coat if you want stronger protection. Reapply every few weeks or after heavy rain to keep your boots ready for anything.

Doing it yourself at home takes just a little effort, and the payoff is huge. So go ahead and give your boots the care they deserve.