Tips for Weatherproofing shoes

If you want to make your shoes last a lifetime you have to ensure they are properly cared for and treated to endure all the conditions you are exposing them to.  The best investment you can make is into stain proofing and waterproofing your shoes. This will ensure that your shoes last through any mishaps or unexpected weather conditions you may encounter. When stain or weather proofing your shoes you need to make sure you are using the appropriate treatment based on the material your shoes are made of.

Our expert cobblers at Columbus Shoe Repair have tried countless products and home remedies. We have compiled our years of experience to give you the best weatherproofing tips and tricks. We want you to have all the knowledge to handle your shoe care needs. Trust our years of experience to make your life easier, we can simplify the diverse choices on the market to suit your exact needs.

We strongly suggest you visit our experienced cobblers to get the best possible treatment to last a lifetime. However if you want to do it yourself these are the suggestions we have based on the various types of shoes out there.

Leather shoes:

With leather shoes you have to be careful that the product is designed specifically for leather as some products typically contain other ingredients which can cause leather to swell and stretch. Keep in mind that leather is an animal hide, just like you have to lotion and care for your skin, you have to put the same amount of care into your leather shoes if you want them to last. Using the wrong products will leave your shoes stained, misshapen or even ruined. Instead we highly recommend a wax or oil based products to waterproof your leather footwear. The two best products our expert cobblers at Columbus Shoe Repair recommend are, Atsko Sno-Seal Original Beeswax Waterproofing and Bickmore 100% Pure Neatsfoot oil. A wax such as Atsko Sno-Seal Original Beeswax is the best option to weather treat your leather shoes and boots, it is a solid weather proofing wax if you’re hiking in the tundra or commuting to work on a rainy day. But if you want the best possible result bring them to Columbus Shoe Repair and our experts will make sure your shoes last a lifetime.  Call us now to set up an appointment (614) 639-3233.

Canvas shoes:

Canvas while comfortable is very absorbent and therefore needs extra care to maintain. With canvas shoes you must take preventative measures to ensure that they last forever. Even if you don’t mean to get them wet life happens! When canvas gets wet without treatment the fabric can weaken and rot. No one wants to lose a favorite pair of shoes that way!! This is why we highly recommend using Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield for your canvas waterproofing needs. But if you really want it done right come see us! Call (614) 639-3233 to book your appointment today.

Fabric shoes:

Fabric shoes present a unique challenge in waterproofing both inside and out. Let’s face it everyone’s feet sweat from time to time. With this in mind you need something effective inside and out to prevent your shoes from absorbing moisture. We suggest using Kiwi Shoe Protect-All to moisture proof your shoes and help them last for years. If you don’t feel comfortable with this process please call one of our experienced cobblers and we will help you get the solution you need. Columbus Shoe Repair will get your shoes weatherproofed to help them last a lifetime. 

Suede shoes:

Suede is quite possibly the most challenging shoe to stain and waterproof. This is mainly due to the fact that suede is missing the tough exterior layer that leather contains. Suede is very difficult to properly waterproof without changing the appearance of the shoe in some form. We recommend reading up on suede on wikipedia before attempting any waterproofing at home. If you do not feel comfortable with the process just call us at (614) 639-3233 to schedule an appointment and let our experts take care of your shoes the right way the first time.

How to waterproof shoes:

1.  1. First ensure your shoe is clean and dry before starting the process.
2. Next be sure you have the weather proofing product appropriate for the type of material your shoe is made of and the conditions it will face.
3. Stuff your shoe with newspaper or some other filler to ensure you don’t lose shape during the waterproofing process.
4. Remove any laces your shoes may have
5. Read the directions of your specific weather proofing product
6. Apply as instructed by the product manufacturer
7. Allow the proper amount of time to cure and dry prior to wearing your shoes again
8. Enjoy knowing your shoes will now last much longer because you took the proper care of them!

Our experts are always glad to answer any questions you may have on DIY shoe care. We love shoes at Columbus Shoe Repair and we want them to last a lifetime every time. We have included a breakdown of the best products by shoe type for your convenience but we would also love to see you in our shop and make sure the job gets done right without the hassle. Call now to schedule an appointment or for any questions you may have (614) 639-3233.