Remedy for getting wet shoes. The best store-bought protection products. What to use to care for suede shoes

In winter, to the “two eternal troubles” a third is added: wet shoes. If you have not experienced this at least once in snow or rain, then you are clearly not walking on our streets. Everyone knows that wet feet are not just an annoying nuisance, it is a reason to come down with a fever and runny nose. To prevent this fate from befalling you, you should take care of the problem in advance. As they say, prepare your cart in winter, and prepare your shoes for slushy weather in summer. In this article we will solve the question once and for all: shoes get wet - what to do?

More shoes - lower quality

It’s a paradox: the wider the range of shoes in our stores, the more actively consumers complain about their quality. And there is one simple reason for this. In Soviet times, boots and boots were brought from abroad by employees of Vneshobuvtorg. These were specialists who were well versed in quality and knew what to choose for our damp, snowy winters and poorly cleaned streets.

Now shoes are brought from everywhere, by all and sundry. Intermediaries focus less on quality and look more at price - the lower the better. Therefore, when encountering the first puddle, the boots - so comfortable and beautiful - begin to get wet, and tons of curses are rained down on manufacturers and sellers. We have to urgently solve the problem: winter shoes get wet - what to do?

Emergency measures

If trouble has already happened and you come home with damp feet, then you should immediately take emergency measures to try to save your shoes:

Do not place wet boots or shoes on a radiator or other heating devices. Under the influence of high temperatures, any material from which shoes are made will be completely and irrevocably damaged.
The best way to dry your shoes is as follows. Remove all dirt from the surface and fill it with old newspapers or paper. It will absorb excess moisture and retain its shape.
Shoes should be dried at natural temperature conditions. You can place it next to the battery, but at a remote distance. Sometimes it may take two days to dry completely. If you want to save your couple, then you should wait this time.
If it happens that the shoes have dried out and lost their shape, then you need to hold them over steam, then stuff them with newspapers and dry them completely.

Now you need to understand the reasons in order to understand how to prevent your shoes from getting wet:

If your sole has come off, it means that the manufacturer did not pay enough attention to quality, but glued it to the base using the cheapest material. In this situation, only contacting a shoe workshop will help. If you are used to doing everything as much as possible with your own hands, you can try to restore the integrity of the couple with the help of our tips from the article.
If the sole is in place, then it is quite possible that moisture gets inside due to poor-quality seams, or barely noticeable holes and cracks. With such shoes, there is also a road to the workshop, where, if you complain, your boots get wet - what to do, they will ask you to apply patches.
If your shoes are not cheap, and you were guided by a well-known brand when purchasing, then this does not always solve the problem in the bud. The chemicals that are sprinkled in abundance on our streets can “kill” even the strongest boots in one winter. Salvation in this case is, again, a trip to the workshop.
Cracks may appear in your shoes if they are made of synthetic materials. Faux leather simply cracks due to frost, and as a result, shoes lose their “moisture resistance”.

Important! What can you do to prevent your shoes from getting wet in winter? The easiest way is to take it to a shoe repair shop immediately after purchase. There you will be offered a service such as sole reinforcement. This preventative measure will help seal the sole, protect it from rapid abrasion and provide anti-slip properties. And to give even more strength to your shoes and boots, ask the master to strengthen the seams or, if there are none, then sew the sole to the base. Then many problems can be avoided.

Prevention

To avoid having to urgently solve the problem of how to prevent your shoes from getting wet, take care of solving the problem in advance. Immediately after purchasing shoes. In stores today you can find hundreds of different products that will help protect your winter shoes. They differ in composition:

Animal fats are commonly found in various shoe polishes. This eliminates the unpleasant odor of the product - it can be used even indoors. When you apply this product, the shoes are covered with a thin film. It is this that repels particles of water, dirt and dust.
Various emulsions produced by manufacturers contain chemical additives. Therefore, such sprays have an unpleasant aroma and are best applied outdoors. This is about the cons. The main advantage of such products for shoes is that they provide protection not only from moisture and dirt. It is the chemical components that prevent the appearance of small cracks.

Important! If you decide to give preference to store-bought products, take a closer look at the quality products described in our review.

Before using this or that product, it is worth knowing the features of applying a spray or cream specifically to winter shoes:

If you want to avoid getting your boots or shoes wet, then buy a spray based on the fact that you will have to treat your shoes three times. Between applying each layer of water-repellent substance, you need to wait a long pause - a day. But it's worth it, because the triple application method provides maximum protection
Any product must be sprayed at a distance of 20-30 cm from the shoe to ensure uniform application. This must be done until the substance ceases to be actively absorbed into the material.
If you are not using water-repellent products on new shoes, clean and dry the shoes first. It also needs to be dried thoroughly; remember, this should be done away from heating appliances.

Important! It should be remembered that not every product is suitable for every type of shoe. It is worth buying creams and sprays strictly for a specific type:
For example, the cream cannot be used on suede or fabric. A separate rating will help you choose.
Oil or spray does not need to be applied to leatherette, as it does not absorb these substances.

The best store-bought protection products:

Salamander Universal SMS. This spray protects shoes from dirt and moisture and improves their appearance. Suitable for leather, textiles and suede. However, it has one drawback - a strong unpleasant odor.
Ecco. This is a unique effective spray that protects against moisture and dirt and does not disturb the air exchange of the material. It dries instantly and is economical to use.
Collonil Nanopro. A revolutionary spray based on fluorocarbon compounds is a real find for leather, textiles, nubuck, and velor. Creates the thinnest and most invisible, absolutely impenetrable and deep film on shoes. It is used very economically.
KiwiAquaStop. This spray is suitable for leather and nubuck, as well as suede, textiles and artificial leather. Reliably protects shoes (dirt, moisture and reagents), dries quickly, restores appearance, and easily fits in a bag.
Salamander cream. Fat nourishing skin cream. Powerful water-repellent properties, restore shine, cover up scuffs, cost-effective, natural wax in the composition, no strong chemical odor.
Grangers G-Wax. A very effective impregnation cream for rough skin. Purpose: cleaning and protection from moisture and salt. Created on the basis of beeswax.
SMS Olvist. High-quality Swedish impregnation for 100% protection against moisture and dirt. Designed for leather and textiles. Fully approved by customers.

The best folk remedies

Buyers have been faced with the problem of their shoes getting wet—what to do—for decades now. And during this time, a lot of folk remedies, so-called life hacks today, have accumulated. We have collected the most popular and reliable ones for you:

Mix 50 g of lamb fat, the same amount of linseed oil and 1 g of regular turpentine. The lard must first be melted. Apply the still warm mixture to your shoes using a soft cloth and wait until the mixture is absorbed.
For this method, you can use wax or paraffin - you need to take 30 g of it. Then melt it over low heat and pour flax oil into the mass. We also apply the composition to the shoes with a soft cloth and wait for it to be absorbed.
If your boots or shoes are made of rough leather, then it can be treated with regular castor oil. Rub it into the surface and polish. This product should not be used for thin skin; castor oil will ruin it.
For the following recipe you will need 20 g of beeswax, 15 g of turpentine and 50 g of crushed rosin. Mix all the ingredients and rub them into the surface of your shoes.
The fifth method includes 4 components: about 20 g of glycerin, 40 g of fish oil, 30 g of turpentine, 10 g of beeswax. Mix the last 3 ingredients and melt the mixture over low heat. After that, add glycerin and treat your boots or shoes.
Any animal fat needs to be melted over low heat, then add the same amount of castor oil to it. Apply the mixture to shoes and seams, thoroughly saturating the surface.
Probably the easiest way. Take wax or paraffin and rub the candle over the entire surface of your shoes. Then we heat this film with a hairdryer, it is absorbed, and we get a kind of mask. The recipe is quick and reliable. But it needs to be repeated constantly.

Important! There is another old-fashioned way to prevent shoes from getting wet in winter and retain their original appearance. Suitable for skin only and not suitable for smokers. Wet shoes should be wiped with kerosene. After drying, the shoes or boots will shine like new.

How to choose winter shoes?

The best advice if your shoes get wet is to buy two or three pairs of shoes for the winter. If your budget does not allow you to fork out, then you need to be extremely careful when choosing one pair - practical, high-quality, and protecting from dampness. Therefore, remember the main rules:

Thick and dense leather will provide more reliable protection from moisture;
The thick and high sole also reduces the likelihood of moisture getting inside;
The high edge at the sole also provides high moisture resistance;
If the shoes fit too tightly on the foot, it means that they will quickly stretch and, accordingly, will lose moisture resistance.

International footwear quality standards do not provide for testing the moisture resistance of manufactured products. But you can conduct a similar test yourself right at the counter. It is enough to pay attention to the way the sole is attached to the top of the boot. According to experts, this joint is the most vulnerable spot.

The glue-stitching method is incompatible with moisture and dampness. The seam that goes around the entire perimeter leaves small holes. Through them, moisture gets inside. This stitching, especially when done with contrasting threads, looks very stylish. However, it is not intended for wet weather.
Most often, manufacturers use the adhesive method. The sole in this case is simply glued to the upper part of the shoe. The tightness is good, but moisture resistance with this method is average. In autumn or winter, such shoes are good if they have thick soles. The moisture simply does not reach the joint.
Shoes that are made using the glue-moulding method cause the least problems. Experts call it the liquid molding method. In the process, the upper part of the shoe is first made, then it is lowered into a special mold, and the sole is formed in it. The tightness of such boots or shoes is excellent.

Now you know what to do to keep your shoes from getting wet in winter. We introduced you to both emergency methods and prevention. If you adhere not only to expert opinion, but also to popular advice, your winter shoes can serve you for several seasons, while they will look like new.

Rain, snow, slush, ice, sidewalks sprinkled with salt are a difficult test for shoes. But the weather shouldn't stop you from wearing your favorite pair of shoes. Below we will tell you about little tricks that you can use to keep your feet warm and dry and protect your shoes from adverse factors.

Do not use water repellent spray

Water repellent spray may seem like a great idea, but don't rush into using it. In fact, it can make your feet sweat. This spray creates a barrier so that nothing can penetrate the material, which also means your shoes will not be breathable or breathable. This will cause hot air to concentrate around your feet. If you definitely want to have shoes that do not get wet when it rains, then give preference to rubber boots.

Pay attention to the material

Each material requires an individual approach to protection. Whatever shoe care product you choose, make sure it is multi-purpose and can be used on multiple materials, such as leather and suede.

Keep your shoes clean

Before using the protective product, make sure your shoes are clean. Otherwise, you'll just set the dirt underneath the spray. You can use a special cloth to remove dirt and dust, and then use a cleaning solution. Some experts recommend using regular dishwashing detergent. You can also purchase special care products to clean expensive shoes. If you are dealing with leather shoes, use a conditioner to moisturize the leather to prevent the material from cracking.

Use vinegar to remove salt stains

Sometimes there are stains on shoes from the salt that is sprinkled on the ice. You can reduce the harm from this by using vinegar. Experts recommend mixing 1 cup of cold water and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Use a white towel or cotton pads to apply the solution to the salt stains. The acidic solution will promote the decomposition of the salt, and the stains will disappear. It should be noted that this method is most effective when removing fresh stains, so try to take care of it as soon as possible.

Use a shoe brush

You should regularly clean dirt from your shoes - ideally every time you go outside. This will remove dirt and salt before it accumulates on the material and begins to deteriorate it. You may find this procedure time-consuming, but you should realize that this will save you time in the future by cleaning older stains.

Watch the seams

To better protect your shoes, pay attention to the places where the sole connects to the shoe material, as well as to the seams, as this is where moisture first gets in. In this case, it is best to use beeswax-based products, which will very effectively protect the seams from moisture.

Apply products correctly

Please read the instructions for use carefully before you start using protective products. Thus, most sprays should be sprayed at a distance of approximately 15 centimeters from the shoes to ensure a more even distribution of the protective substance. After spraying, be sure to let your shoes dry thoroughly. How long the protective properties of the spray will last depends on the material from which the shoes are made, as well as on weather conditions. Most often, the packaging with the product states how long it is active after spraying.

Shoes get wet - how to make boots or shoes waterproof at home?

In the autumn and winter season, wet shoes become a real disaster. After a walk, your feet always end up wet, your shoes quickly lose their original appearance, and there’s no need to talk about the unpleasant smell from wet boots.

What to do if your boots get wet, and how to prepare your shoes for winter?

Why do shoes get wet?
7 folk recipes for protection against moisture
7 best store-bought products
Video recipes on how to make shoes waterproof

Why do shoes get wet in winter, and how to properly prepare them for this time of year?

Everyone knows that wet feet are a reason to come down with a fever and runny nose. Therefore, it is important that shoes remain dry during the snowy or rainy season.

Why do boots get wet in winter?

The sole has come off. Most often, such a “wet matter” is associated precisely with damage to the sole or its poor-quality “adhesion” to the boot itself.
Poorly made shoes. Cheap boots “2 pairs for the price of 1” are always of poor quality. Manufacturers use low-quality materials, and the production process leaves much to be desired. Considering that suede and leather themselves do not allow moisture to pass through, we can confidently talk about poor-quality seams or the presence of holes and cracks.
Chemical reagents. They are used to sprinkle roads in the winter, and it’s no secret that such products can “kill” even the strongest boots in one winter.
No special impregnation on shoes(note – the task of the manufacturer).
Synthetic materials. Frost causes artificial leather and other synthetic materials to crack, as a result of which shoes also lose their “moisture resistance.”

So that when winter begins you don’t have to urgently shell out for a second pair of shoes, buy it in advance.

What shoes don't slip in winter?

Prepare your first pair for winter with the help of simple tips and specialists from a shoe workshop:

We evaluate the integrity of the sole, seams, leather and accessories.
We wash and clean the surface.
We change heels (if necessary) and strengthen the heels.
We sew (strengthen) the seams.
Reinforce (if necessary) the sole. This preventive measure will help compact the sole, protect it from rapid abrasion and provide anti-slip properties. It is important to ensure that the master uses only high-quality material that will be resistant to reagents and frost. For example, wear-resistant rubber or polyurethane. Such a budget option as resit (note – and microporous rubber) should be abandoned.

You can also...

Impregnate poor-quality seams with a special agent with water-repellent properties. True, this manipulation will have to be repeated periodically.
Dry the cracks and holes (note - sand the surface, and then apply drying oil and wait for it to dry).
Install outsoles (rolling) on top of your sole if you do not want to change it completely.
Buy fat-containing (nutrient) products for leather shoes. They will restore elasticity to the boots and prevent cracking.
Buy creams/aerosols based on beeswax for patent leather shoes.
Find special products for shoes with breathable membranes. Such products will enhance the water-repellent effect and support pore breathing.

How to choose the right shoe size - tables of all shoe sizes for adults

7 best folk recipes that will make shoes waterproof at home!

It’s not only in winter that you have to think about water-repellent agents for shoes. They won’t interfere with summer shoes either (who likes squishy shoes).

For your attention - folk and store-bought remedies for protecting shoes from moisture.

Strengthening the water-repellent properties of leather shoes: 7 best “folk” recipes

Lamb lard (about 50 g) + flax oil (about 50 g) + regular turpentine (10 g). Mix the ingredients, having previously melted the lard, and apply the still warm mixture to the boots using a soft cloth.
Wax + flax oil. Melt 30 g of wax (you can use paraffin) over low heat and mix with pre-purchased linseed oil (10 g is enough). Apply the warm mixture to the boots and gently rub in with a woolen cloth.
Castor oil. As a rule, every girl has it. But it is recommended to use it exclusively for rough skin (note: it will ruin thin skin). Simply rub the oil into the leather surface and polish.
Beeswax (about 20 g) + regular turpentine (about 10-15 g) + crushed rosin (no more than 50 g). Mix all ingredients and apply to boots with a soft cloth. Wait for absorption.
Glycerin (about 20 g) + liquid fish oil (40 g) + turpentine (about 30 g) + beeswax (about 10 g). Mix everything, melt over low heat and mix with glycerin. Next, apply the mixture to the shoes.
Castor oil + any animal fat. We take these components in equal proportions, after melting the fat. Next, mix them and apply the mixture to the shoes and their seams.
Wax or paraffin. Rub the boots with a candle until the surface is completely covered. Next, we heat this wax coating evenly using a hairdryer. An ingenious recipe that reliably saves shoes from getting wet.

Important!

You cannot use paraffin, wax and organic creams for suede shoes - they require a more subtle approach.

For suede, store-bought shoe products such as aerosols and emulsions, widely available in stores, are suitable.

7 best store-bought products for protecting boots from getting wet

Salamander Universal SMS. This spray is suitable for leather, textiles and suede. Reliably protects shoes from dirt and moisture, and also improves their appearance. The disadvantage is the strong smell (it is better to use the spray outside or on the balcony). The average price is about 350 rubles.
Ecco. A unique effective spray that protects against moisture and dirt and does not disturb the air exchange of the material. It dries instantly and is economical to use. The average price is about 500 rubles.
Collonil Nanopro. A revolutionary spray based on fluorocarbonate compounds is a real find for leather, textiles, nubuck, velor, etc. Creates the thinnest and most invisible, absolutely impenetrable and deep film on shoes. One of the advantages is high efficiency. The disadvantage is the price. The spray will cost an average of 600-800 rubles.
KiwiAquaStop. This spray is suitable for leather and nubuck, as well as suede, textiles and artificial leather. Reliably protects shoes (dirt, moisture and reagents), dries quickly, restores appearance, and easily fits in a bag. Costs about 200 rubles.
Salamander cream. Fat nourishing skin cream. Powerful water-repellent properties, restore shine, cover up scuffs, cost-effective, natural wax in the composition, no strong chemical odor. The average price is about 160 rubles.
Grangers G-Wax. A very effective impregnation cream for rough skin. Purpose – cleaning and protection from moisture and salt. Created on the basis of beeswax. The average price is about 350 rubles.
SMS Olvist. High-quality Swedish impregnation for 100% protection against moisture and dirt. Designed for textile leather. Fully approved by customers. The average cost is about 300 rubles.

Of course, just buying the perfect product for your shoes is not enough.

It is also important to apply it correctly!

Method of 3rd application of impregnation. Apply the product to shoes three times with an interval of 1 day between procedures. Only after such a procedure can you be sure of the reliability of your shoes.
Using a spray, spray it with more than one spray, and until the product stops being absorbed into the structure of the shoe.
When using impregnation on old shoes, we first thoroughly clean the surface of the shoe, then wash it and dry it thoroughly. And only then can you apply the product.
Choosing the right product! For example, oily water-repellent creams are only suitable for rough leather, while for other materials it is better to use sprays and emulsions. It is also worth noting that leatherette is not able to absorb oils and sprays.

Video recipes for all occasions, how to make shoes waterproof

Video: The secret to protecting shoes from moisture!

Video: How to extend the life of leather shoes to 20-30 years

Important!

If you bought expensive shoes for the winter, and they got wet in the first week of winter, you have every right contact the seller and request a refund or an equivalent exchange.

If the seller refuses, according to the law, you can insist on an independent examination procedure and sue, demanding reimbursement of all your costs, the amount spent on shoes, as well as payment for moral damages.

The site Colady.ru thanks you for your attention to the article! We will be very pleased if you share your recipes for making boots or shoes waterproof!

With the onset of wet weather, it is especially important to feel comfortable in autumn shoes: you get a little wet, cold, and a cold will immediately make itself felt. But even in the summer, squelching in shoes is no good, because even those who like to walk barefoot in the rain are unlikely to like having wet feet on a constant basis. What can you do to your shoes to protect them from moisture? It all depends on the type of material and the reason for getting wet.

If it's all about the sole

In search of protection from moisture, we first of all turn our attention to leather or suede care products, without skimping on impregnations and wax creams. But what if the problem is not so much in the upper part of the shoes, but in the sole? But it is precisely this material that comes into direct contact with wet asphalt or damp soil, and it is its damage or poor quality that is the cause of your wet feet.

Agree, you rarely step into such deep puddles that your shoe goes under the water up to your ankle, but if you still have such a sin, then it’s better to get a pair of rubber boots right now. The fact is that if you step into a shallow puddle, you will very quickly feel moisture on your feet, but neither leather nor good quality suede can let water through so quickly. Most often, moisture gets inside not through the main material, but through poor-quality seams, poorly glued soles, or holes and cracks at the bottom of your shoes.

Poor-quality seams can be coated and impregnated with any water-repellent cream or spray, and folk remedies include animal fat, wax, paraffin or castor oil. True, this method will not help get rid of the problem once and for all, and you will have to periodically update the protective layer.
Poorly glued soles are more common on cheap leatherette shoes, but regardless of the base material, there is only one solution: tear off the sole and glue it, or better yet, re-stitch it. Of course, not everyone has the skills of a shoemaker, and most likely you will have to take your shoes to the workshop, so think about whether this pair of shoes is worth the money and time spent on it.
Cracks or holes in shoes can be sealed. Although, in order to get ahead of the problem, it is better to do this with new boots. To do this, the sole needs to be lightly sanded to strengthen the adhesion of the material to the surface, apply drying oil and let it dry completely. A more radical way to deal with leaking soles would be to install soles on top of the original sole.

Shoes from trusted brands are distinguished by high quality seams and soles, which means that the risk of coming home with wet socks in such shoes will be much less. In addition, well-known brands do not skimp on the initial impregnation of leather or nubuck, which is also an undeniable advantage.

Leather and suede care

Although caring for water-repellent leather and nubuck has more aesthetic weight than practical weight, poor quality leather can actually leak moisture quite quickly, unlike thick leather made to specifications. And it’s unlikely that you want leather or suede to absorb slush, becoming covered with a disgusting coating of dirt, even if your feet are completely dry. We tell you what you need to do to make your shoes look chic even in the fall and not wear out.

Leather

The shoe care market is full of water-repellent compounds for any material, so they will be the easiest to use. For leather, you can use impregnation in the form of a spray, but a more classic option is special waxes and creams. Just keep in mind that emulsion cream will not protect against moisture: you need to choose a more expensive organic product with a high content of fat, wax and oils.

For leather, unlike suede, there are many folk remedies that can protect shoes from getting wet. The simplest thing is to treat the skin and seams with castor oil instead of cream, but you can also make mixtures: ½ tbsp. l. turpentine plus 4 tsp. flaxseed oil and fish oil; 1 tsp. paraffin or wax plus 1 tsp. flaxseed oil or a 1:1 mixture of castor oil and animal fat.

In folk recipes, flaxseed oil can be replaced or supplemented with rendered animal fat. Waterfowl fat is considered best.

Suede and nubuck

Neither wax nor cream is suitable for suede, and the only way to protect it from moisture is to use special impregnations in the form of a spray, which are made on the basis of water-repellent emulsions.

Regardless of what treatment you choose and what material you are dealing with, impregnation can only be done on clean and dry shoes at least 6 hours before going outside. The procedure must be repeated regularly as necessary, since the effect of wax and sprays is not endless.

In order to properly impregnate new boots with a protective substance, you can resort to multiple initial treatment of the shoes. To do this, shoes need to be lubricated or treated with a suitable product 3 times at intervals a day before you start wearing them. You need to spray the spray or apply oil or cream until the shoes stop actively absorbing them.

Caring for shoes made from other materials

If you are dealing with wet non-leather shoes, then no store-bought care will do. The thing is that using oil or sprays on leatherette is pointless, since it does not absorb water or fat, and on fabric it is simply stupid. It turns out that nothing can protect you from getting your fabric sneakers wet, but leatherette shoes can still be saved.

We mentioned that leatherette itself does not absorb moisture, which means that the problem most likely lies in a poorly glued, poorly sewn or damaged sole, which brings us back to the very first point of discussion. You already know what you need to do: take care of the soles, and you can wear the boots for a long time without the risk of getting your feet wet.

Having these simple means and methods for caring for your boots in your arsenal, you will no longer catch a cold due to an oversight by the shoe manufacturer or bad weather.

The water-repellent properties of leather shoes are lost after several weeks of wear. And with the onset of slushy weather, this can cause colds, since the feet need dryness and warmth. Therefore, you need to know how to treat your shoes so they don’t get wet, and how to make them waterproof even in the wettest weather.

For this, there are many factory and folk remedies that cope with this task very effectively.

Why do shoes get wet?

Shoes can leak for the following reasons:

The sole is peeling off or damaged.
The boot or boot is poorly connected to the sole (poor stitching, holes and microcracks).
Poor quality material of the product or manufacturing defect.
Contact with chemical reagents causes shoes to become deformed and they begin to get wet.
Lack of special waterproof impregnation, which is initially used to treat shoes during the production process.
Artificial material does not withstand severe frosts, as a result of which shoes crack and lose their moisture-resistant properties.

Sole defects and repairs

Many people are interested in the question of what to do if their shoes get wet. When shoes leak, you first need to check the sole, since often the cause of wet feet is associated with its damage or poor quality. If the sole has defects or is of poor quality, then in wet weather it is better not to risk your health by wearing such shoes for a walk. It is necessary to carefully inspect it, identify defects and take the following measures:

Sew or re-glue the sole if it has become unstuck. But since not everyone has such talents, it is better to seek help from the nearest shoemaker.
A defective sole with cracks or holes can be treated with drying oil. To do this, you need to sand the sole a little, then apply drying oil and leave to dry. You can also install soles in problem areas, but if you doubt your own abilities, entrust this task to a specialist.
Poor-quality seams must be impregnated (coated) with any water-repellent cream or spray for waterproof shoes.

In order not to be tormented in the future by the question of how to protect your shoes from getting wet, carefully check the quality of the soles and seams when purchasing.

Suede and leather care

Low-quality leather allows moisture to pass through quite quickly, so figure out how to soak your shoes from getting wet so that they don’t wear out and your feet are dry.

Leather

Shoe care can be carried out using special water-repellent compounds for any materials. There are plenty of these funds on the market, and it will be easiest to use them. For leather, impregnation in the form of a spray, special cream or wax is suitable. It should be borne in mind that emulsion cream will not protect against moisture, so you need to choose an organic product with a high content of oils, waxes and fat.

You can use folk remedies that will protect your leather shoes from getting wet.

Instead of cream, castor oil is used to treat skin and stitches.

You can also prepare special mixtures:

Recipe No. 1

Turpentine - ½ tbsp. l.

Fish oil - 4 tsp.

Flaxseed oil - 4 tsp.

Recipe No. 2

Wax or paraffin - 1 tsp.

Flaxseed oil - 1 tsp. or animal fat and castor oil (1:1).

Flaxseed oil can be replaced with rendered animal (goose) fat. It is believed that waterfowl have the most suitable composition of fat deposits.

Suede and nubuck

Cream and wax are not suitable for suede. To protect this material from moisture, you need to use special impregnations in the form of a spray, which are made on the basis of waterproof emulsions.

Regardless of the type of material and processing method, impregnation can only be done on dry and clean shoes 6 hours before going outside. If necessary, the procedure must be repeated regularly, since the water-repellent effect of the spray and wax is not endless.

To ensure that your shoes are worn for a long time and do not get wet, impregnate new shoes with a protective substance. To do this, lubricate and treat them with a suitable product several times at daily intervals. If the product no longer actively absorbs cream, oil or spray, it means it has become saturated. After a little drying, you can safely go about your business.

Other materials

Store-bought water-repellent products are not suitable for leatherettes and fabrics, since artificial leather does not absorb fat, and it is simply stupid to treat light textile shoes with oil or cream. Although leatherette shoes can still be saved.

If leatherette shoes allow water to pass through, it means the sole is damaged or poorly sewn. You already know what to do in these cases: repair it yourself or take it to a workshop, and after repair you can wear it without risk to your health.

How to treat shoes so they don't get wet

Protecting your shoes from water with special means will extend the life of your boots. Such sprays and creams can be purchased at a shoe store. The most effective of them are I:

Salamander Universal SMS is a universal spray that not only protects boots from dirt and moisture, but also takes care of their appearance.
Ecco is a fast-acting spray that dries in seconds. When using it, your feet “breathe” and do not get wet.
Salamander is a rich cream with natural wax that has high waterproof properties. In addition, it eliminates roughness, paints over scuffs and restores shine.
Collonil Nanopro is an excellent treatment for nubuck shoes. Creates a thin, impenetrable protective film on leather boots, textile boots and velor ankle boots.
Kiwi AquaStop is a protective product designed for artificial leather and natural materials.
Grangers G-Wax is an impregnation cream that can protect boots and rough tarpaulin boots from salts and moisture.
SMS Olvist is an excellent product for treating suede products, providing 100% protection against getting wet.

Proper treatment of shoes with protective agents

To ensure maximum protection of shoes from getting wet, you need to apply the appropriate product correctly. . To do this you need:

Before applying the product, clean the boots from dirt, wash and leave until completely dry.
You need to apply the protective agent until it stops being absorbed.
You need to apply water-repellent cream once a day for three days. Only after this does it start working.

When choosing a cream for winter shoes, pay attention to the amount of fat contained in the product - it should be at least 40 percent.

It is advisable to lubricate shoes a day before using them.

For leather boots, sneakers and combat boots, creams should be used. Textiles, nubuck and suede are treated with aerosols.

How to make shoes waterproof at home

Water-repellent (hydrophobic) properties Any protective cream is supported by a high content of wax and fat. And it’s not difficult to purchase such products cheaply or prepare them at home. There are some effective and simple recipes that will help protect your shoes from getting wet.

Treat leather shoes and boots with Vaseline. To do this, you need to lubricate the entire surface of the shoe with this product, and especially carefully saturate all the joints and seams.

You can prepare the following composition:

Rendered lamb lard and flaxseed oil - equal proportions.
Turpentine - 1/5 of the volume of lard and oil.

All components are mixed and the warm mixture is applied to the boots using a flannelette rag.

Use an effective water-repellent cream that you can prepare at home. To do this, you need to take wax (can be replaced with paraffin) and linseed oil in a ratio of three to one, respectively. The wax should be melted, linseed oil should be added to it, and the resulting mixture should be rubbed into shoes or boots.

To enhance protective properties For rough skin, you can use castor oil. After the procedure of rubbing into leather material, the shoes must be polished. To increase the water resistance of the product, animal fat can be added.

Beeswax is an excellent way to protect boots from getting wet. If you add crushed rosin and turpentine to it, you will get an effective water-repellent cream, which in its protective properties is not much different from its factory-made counterparts. To prepare this product you will need:

Beeswax - 20 gr.
Turpentine - 10 gr.
Rosin - 50 gr.

Another good recipe from ingredients you already know:

Turpentine - 30 gr.
Beeswax - 10 gr.
Liquid fish oil - 40 gr.
Glycerin - 20 gr.

To prepare this shoe polish, you need to successively mix turpentine, beeswax and fish oil. Melt the mixture over low heat and then add glycerin. Warm cream is applied to leather shoes.

The following method is quite simple and does not require special abilities or available materials. Take a white candle and melt it. Distribute warm paraffin in a dense layer over the entire surface of the boots or boots, carefully treating butt joints and seams.

Then turn on the hair dryer and heat the waxed shoes. Wax under the influence of temperature will begin to melt and fill invisible pores and small holes, which are the reason for water getting into the product.

Preventive measures

To avoid having to urgently resolve the issue of how to protect your shoes from getting wet, you should take the necessary preventive measures immediately after purchase. In stores you can now find a lot of different special products that differ in composition:

Various shoe polishes usually contain animal fats. This eliminates unpleasant odors, so these products can be used in any room. When such a substance is applied to the product, a thin film is formed, which repels particles of dirt and water.
Various emulsions produced by manufacturers contain chemical additives. Therefore, store-bought sprays have an unpleasant odor and are best applied outdoors. Although chemical components have their advantages. They not only protect shoes from dirt and moisture, feet and prevent the appearance of microcracks.

But before using this or that product, you need to know the features of applying a cream or spray:

The product should be sprayed at a distance of 25-30 centimeters from the shoe, thereby ensuring uniform application. This is done until the active absorption of the protective substance into the material ceases.
Before using a water-repellent, worn shoes must first be cleaned and dried, but this should be done away from heating appliances to avoid the soles peeling off. Then treat the product with a warm ready-made mixture, carefully coating the joints and seams.
For patent leather shoes and boots, such prevention is not suitable, since the material from which these products are made will not allow the product to be absorbed, resulting in dirty stains or a matte coating. Therefore, such products require special aerosols, impregnations and polishes.
It is strictly not recommended to treat hiking boots made of membrane leather with impregnations, since the substance will clog the pores of the membrane and completely deprive the material of its unique properties.
For suede shoes, you need to use store-bought creams and special brushes to apply the product.

If you stick to these professional recommendations, and also use traditional home methods, your feet will always be dry and warm, despite the vagaries of the weather.

Not only the top of the shoe can get wet, but also the sole. It is she who comes into contact with wet asphalt or ground, so its damage or poor quality affects the dryness of a person’s feet.

It often happens that a person, stepping into a small puddle, feels that his feet become damp. And this happens due to the fact that the sole allows moisture to pass through, because the water has not reached the top of the shoes. To prevent your soles from getting wet, you can use some methods:

All seams must be coated with water-repellent cream or gel., also instead of expensive products they use wax, paraffin and animal fat. The method allows you to eliminate the problem for a certain time, however, you cannot completely get rid of it. It is necessary to renew the protective layer after a certain period of time.
Inexpensive winter shoes often have soles that are simply poorly glued, so they get wet. D To solve the problem, just take it to a workshop, where it will be sewn t, due to which the shoes will no longer allow moisture to pass through.
Cracks and small holes can be sealed. To do this, you need to sand the sole a little, then apply a layer of prepared drying oil. It is best to perform the procedure on new shoes.
The most radical method in the fight against wet soles is placing soles on top of it.

If the sole is leaking, you can use the following methods. It is best not to skimp on shoes, but to buy well-known quality brands, since in this case the manufacturer does not skimp on material and protective substances.

It is simply necessary to take care of suede or leather shoes so that they do not lose their appearance. Especially nubuck is very sensitive to wet weather; a coating containing dirt particles appears on the surface of the shoe.

To avoid problems with boots made of leather or suede, just follow the tips on its care.

To prevent your winter shoes from getting wet, you can use the triple application method.

To do this, a water-repellent substance must be applied to the surface of the shoes or boots three times, with the interval between applications being 24 hours. After this, you can be sure that your boots are well protected from moisture.

To prevent winter shoes from getting wet, you need to spray the product until the substance stops being actively absorbed into the material.

If the protective agent is not used on new winter shoes, then before application you should thoroughly clean the surface of the shoes or boots from dirt and dust, wash and dry well.

Only after this, apply the cream using a special brush, or spray a spray or aerosol at a certain distance.

It should be remembered that not every product is suitable for every type of shoe. It is worth buying creams and sprays strictly for a specific type. For example, cream cannot be used on leather or fabric, and oil or spray should not be applied to leatherette, since it does not absorb these substances.

To prevent your winter shoes from getting wet, it is better to buy only products from well-known and trusted manufacturers; only in this case can you provide your shoes with high-quality care, thanks to which your boots will have a beautiful appearance for a long time, and your feet will not get wet in any weather.

The easiest option if there are external defects is to take the boots to a shoe repair shop. It will cost some money, but the quality of work is guaranteed. Repairing boots yourself will require time, effort and the purchase of some materials.

If the source of trouble on leather boots is a peeling sole, you can glue the shoes together yourself:

No need to skimp on the right glue. It is better to find "Nairit" or "Dismakol", which are recommended to be used by knowledgeable people, but you can be content with any other glue.
The glue had to be flexible enough.
The parts to be glued are pre-treated with sandpaper until all adhesive residues are completely removed and wiped with alcohol or acetone.
After applying the glue, the boot is squeezed, its excess (if any) is carefully wiped off, and the surface of the boot is wrapped with a bandage or any rag. The wrapping should be tight enough to keep the boot in shape.

Also, leather boots can get wet due to a split seam on the boot:

You will have to work on the seam with strong threads, a needle and an awl.
You need to start and end the seam from the wrong side, then the front side will look impeccable.

3. Repairing the sole

Cracks in the sole are filled epoxy resin, which can be purchased at a building materials store. The cost starts from several hundred rubles if you buy a small jar.
The sole, cleaned of dirt, is poured with a mixture prepared in accordance with the instructions on the package.
Similarly, the sole is washed and wiped, then the patch is glued to the glue.
Waiting time is one day.
To speed things up, you can put your boot on a warm radiator.

If a cut has formed on the surface of your rubber boots, there is no need to rush to throw them away. At home, rubber boots can be easily sealed or patched.

After the boots are washed and dried, the edges of the cut are turned outward and glue is applied to them.
After the edges are pressed tightly, the shoes are sent to a dry place.
If a slit or small hole appears on your fishing boots, you can put a patch from a bicycle repair kit or a piece of an old tire. The glue-smeared patch should be pressed to the boot and wait a day.
Dress rubber boots are sealed glue-sealant. It can be easily found in automotive supply stores. The gluing area is degreased with acetone, then the edges coated with glue are fastened together.

If the reason for your shoes getting wet is not damage, but the material, you can eliminate this problem by using homemade recipes.

To prevent leather boots from letting you down:

A reliable and simple remedy is paraffin or wax. The boots are rubbed with an ordinary store-bought candle.
After the procedure, the shoes are warmed up with a hairdryer;
The coating melts and seeps deep into the skin.

Now no dampness is scary!

Another recipe using wax:

The wax needs to be melted and mixed with linseed oil.
The resulting substance is rubbed into boots using soft cloth;

For rough skin, wax and castor oil will do:

To 20 g of wax add 10 g of turpentine and 30-50 g of crumbly rosin. The mixture should be completely absorbed;
Castor oil, melted animal fat, is also an excellent home method. The components are added in equal proportions.

Reasons for getting wet shoes

The most obvious reason is the sole coming off. This often happens with budget shoes, but even boots from a well-known manufacturer that are decently priced can let you down.

Genuine leather is itself a breathable and water-permeable material. The thinner it is, the more likely it is to end up with wet feet when wearing it. It may also be due to poor-quality leather dressing or lack of impregnation with special water-repellent agents.

Shoes made from synthetic leatherette often cannot withstand the low temperatures characteristic of our climate. In winter, microcracks form on the surface of the material, into which moisture easily penetrates.

Rubber boots may get wet for several reasons:

Low quality PVC;
Unreliable gluing of boots;
Unsticking the back seam or sole;
Cracks on the surface;
Broken sole;
Damage during wear.

What to use to care for leather shoes

Special water-repellent creams and sprays that are sold in shoe stores.
Recently, wax has been popular, which is very easy to apply to the surface of boots of any color. In this case, you should not save on the product, since the higher the price, the better the product.
You can use castor oil to treat all seams. It is a common folk remedy and perfectly repels moisture from the surface.
Using a mixture, for the preparation of which you need to take 1/2 tbsp. l. turpentine, 4 tsp. flaxseed oil and the same amount of fish oil.
Another popular folk method of caring for shoes is preparing a product using animal fat. To do this, take castor oil and animal fat in equal proportions. Waterfowl fat is best.
Mixture of 1 tsp. paraffin or wax and 1 tsp. linseed oil.
You can care for leather shoes using specialized creams or sprays, as well as folk remedies, with the most important thing is to choose the most suitable method, which will keep your boots from moisture for a long time.

Caring for suede shoes is considered more difficult than caring for leather ones. Neither wax nor cream will work to prevent getting wet. Methods used:

A special spray that is produced on the basis of water-repellent emulsions, and its application must be uniform.
The use of water-repellent aerosols, and the composition must necessarily contain substances such as photocarbon resins and propane-butane.
Suede shoes require special care. The material is capable of absorbing any substances and water, so on the surface of the shoes you can find blurry spots that differ in color from the main shade. To avoid this, you should purchase protective devices designed specifically for suede.

How to apply a protectant to winter boots

The stores offer a wide range of water-repellent inventions for caring for winter shoes. They differ in composition. Divided:

Organic creams. These products contain fats of animal origin. Organic products do not have a strong odor; when applied to shoes, they create a protective film that repels not only water particles, but also dirt and dust.
Emulsion products. The product contains chemicals that give the product a pungent odor. In addition, they not only repel moisture, but also protect the surface of the boots from the appearance of small cracks.

How to choose a water repellent in a store

Water repellents for shoes come in the form of creams or sprays. The buyer can choose what is more convenient for him. When choosing a waterproofing agent, its composition plays a much larger role. Different materials require different components.

For leather boots and shoes, products that contain natural oils, fats and wax are good. Then the shoes will not only remain dry, but will also receive additional care. It is advisable to choose a product without silicone, since, penetrating into the pores of the skin, it forms a film due to which the boots will not allow air to pass through.

For suede boots, the preferred products are based on fluorocarbon resins. It is better to avoid natural ingredients, as oils, fats and wax spoil the pile.

If the leakage is not too critical, for a while you can wrap your feet in bags over your socks the old fashioned way. Still, it’s easier to get a new pair. The material should feel quite dense to the touch.

The best rubber boots are solid ones. They can be identified by the absence of seams.

Do you know the easiest way to get sick in spring or summer? Enough to get your feet wet! Remember how many times you, instead of enjoying the warmth, wiped your nose and took pills? This fate befalls me every year. But this time I am determined to stay healthy. I’m sure you don’t intend to catch a fever either, and you certainly don’t want your children to catch a cold. Let's make our shoes waterproof for this!

After a way was found to avoid slipping in icy conditions, I decided not to stop and protect my boots from moisture penetration. Since my friends and colleagues became interested in my experiments, I had to look for methods suitable for their shoes. After all, you need to save boots from moisture depending on the material that was used to sew them.

After studying a bunch of sources, I came to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter whether your shoes are new or old. Both of them, unfortunately, get wet. The only difference is that cheaper boots get wet faster due to poor-quality seams and the lack of special impregnation.

The methods of protecting shoes from moisture, which I will now discuss, should first be tested on a small and inconspicuous area of the material. This is of little concern to boots made of natural materials, but owners of leatherette shoes should take precautions.

I'll start with the most basic thing - store-bought methods of protecting shoes. Everything is very simple here. If you have leather shoes, waxing and creaming will suit you. The wax has no odor, and the coloring pigment that is added to it allows you to cover up scratches. The main disadvantage of the product is the short-term effect. You will have to lubricate your shoes before each time you go outside, which, you must admit, you don’t always have time for.

In addition to wax, shoe stores can offer you special water-repellent creams. They are divided into two types: emulsion and organic. Emulsion ones, with the addition of various chemicals, should be used in the warm season, so that if moisture gets on the shoes, the leather does not crack from direct sunlight.

You can easily recognize organic shoe polish by its characteristic smell. It contains organic fats, oils and waxes, which create a special film and protect our shoes from moisture.

For suede shoes, you can easily find water-repellent sprays and aerosols in specialty stores. When purchasing such a product, pay attention to the label. The composition must necessarily contain substances such as photocarbon resins and propane-butane. They prevent moisture from penetrating into suede or nubuck shoes.

In my experience, cheap store-bought products do not work or their effect is too short-lived. And not everyone can afford to buy expensive water-repellent sprays or creams for all family members. Therefore, I offer you several effective folk recipes that have been tested by me and my family.

To prepare a homemade water-repellent product for leather and leatherette shoes you will need: 4 teaspoons of castor oil, 4 teaspoons of linseed oil and 2 tsp. grated paraffin (you can rub a regular paraffin candle). All components should be thoroughly mixed and melted in a water bath. Pour the prepared mixture into a glass container and keep it away from children so that they do not spill it.

Before applying the product to your shoes, be sure to dry them and clean them of dirt. Then use a hairdryer to direct a stream of warm air onto the boots. When their surface warms up a little, use a regular sponge or cotton pads to apply homemade ointment. It is better to do this in the evening, 6-8 hours before leaving the house, so that the product has time to be absorbed.

The second remedy is perfect for men, since you don’t have to bother with its preparation. You only need 100 milliliters of purified gasoline (easy to buy at a hardware store) and a teaspoon of grated paraffin. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the chips are completely dissolved.

The downside of the product is that it is not suitable for smokers, but the big advantage is that the protective film it forms will repel not only water, but also dirt. If dust or dirt gets on your shoes, it will be enough to wipe them with a napkin - and your shoes will be as good as new!

Note! The prepared products only protect the surface of the material from which your shoes are made. Water-repellent ointment will not save cracked seams or fabric inserts.

If your children don't like to walk around puddles, and you're sure that any water repellent won't help, then you should buy a special shoe dryer and a spare pair of boots. Otherwise, the child risks not only putting on wet shoes and catching a cold, but also catching a fungus and then infecting all family members with it.