Few things are more frustrating than stepping out in a fresh pair of shoes only to return home and find water stains or road salt rings once they’ve dried. While there are many ways to tackle stains after they appear, the best defense against water damage is prevention—especially for shoes you wear regularly or in unpredictable weather.
Waterproofing is especially important for shoes made from animal hide, such as nubuck and suede, which absorb moisture like a sponge, as Edward Andrade of Cesar’s Shoe Repair puts it. Fabric uppers—whether wool sneakers or satin mules—can also benefit from waterproofing to prevent stains and damage. (If a material requires dry cleaning, it’s likely sensitive to moisture and should be waterproofed.) However, materials like rubber and patent leather are naturally non-porous, so they don’t require additional protection.
Best overall waterproofer
Tarrago Hightech Nano Protector Spray
Spanish leather-care company Tarrago’s nano protector spray is a cult classic for shoes of all types from suede bucks to sneakers. “Leather is porous. It’s essentially a skin, and like our skin, it has pores, so it breathes and takes in water through its pores,” says Andrade. Tarrago’s fluorocarbon polymer material “puts on a coating, sealing the pores so water won’t seep in,” he says. One thing to note: The Tarrago spray is not recommended for nylon, lycra, and silk, so check the material before applying to a shoe with a fabric upper.
Best waterproofer for leather
Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent
Former Cut senior market editor Diana Tsui swears by Apple’s water repellent for protecting high-end leather items. While searching for the perfect product to safeguard her pricey Céline handbag, she found overwhelming recommendations for Apple. “You’ll still need an umbrella, but on drizzly days, the water rolls off easily without staining,” she says. Even after spilling half an iced coffee, her bag remained spotless. Two years later, it still looks nearly new—thanks in part to Apple’s leather care kit, which she likens to skincare for leather: “Since leather is a skin, you want it to be as plump and hydrated as your face.”
Shoemaker Lauren Brinkers is also a fan of the product for all kinds of leather, although she recommends reapplying every couple months: “If you are wearing your shoes often, you could spray them every few weeks if you needed to.”
Best sneaker-cleaning kit
Saphir Medaille d’Or Super Invulner Waterproof Spray
French brand Saphir is widely regarded as “the crème de la crème of shoe care,” says shoemaker Lauren Brinkers. Known for its premium leather-repair cream, Saphir also offers a highly versatile waterproofing spray. Saphir Invulner provides reliable protection for leather and suede shoes, as well as bags and delicate fabrics like cotton and silk. Shoe-care expert Stone swears by it: “Whenever I get a new pair of shoes, I immediately spray them with Saphir Invulner. It doesn’t alter the color or texture but gives me the perfect balance of water and stain protection.”
Best waterproofer for sneakers and suede
Reshoevn8r Premium Shoe and Sneaker Stain and Water Repellent Protection Spray
Reshoevn8r’s repellent is a top choice among sneaker-cleaning experts, including Raheem Rademaker, founder of Weekend Ritual, and Waleed Cope and Cheryl Lee Bowers of Brooklyn’s sneaker-care store, The Soap Box. Cope and Bowers rely on Reshoevn8r’s spray for most sneakers that come through their shop, particularly suede. “Some products leave suede feeling stiff,” they explain, “but this repellent maintains its soft, pristine texture while providing excellent protection.”
Best heavy-duty waterproofer
Skidmore’s Premium Beeswax Waterproofing
Skidmore’s is a classic brand that also makes a much-beloved, all-purpose leather cream, which Brinkers uses on boots, clothing, and leather furniture. She recommends this heavier-duty beeswax protector, which she says can “weatherproof the hell out of those Blundstones.”
