You may also come across oil waterproofing products. Just like the previous options, these types of products are specifically formulated for waterproofing. But, they come in oil consistency.

Use the cloth and rub a small amount of wax on it. Then rub the waxed cloth all over on the leather. If the wax on the cloth is too hard to apply on the boots, you can use the aid of a hair dryer to soften the wax and then apply it to the boot’s leather We tried the wash on a down blanket, which before testing, allowed water to slip through the outer shell immediately, leading to a few damp, chilly nights while camping, and we found the water resistance of that outer layer much improved after its wash and dry cycle. The blanket was nice and fluffy after testing, and there was no change to the color or texture of the exterior. It’s still not a fully waterproof item—it wasn’t designed to be—and we’ll do our best not to soak it intentionally, but now we're less worried about it accidentally getting a little wet. Remove any excess conditioner with a cloth and allow to dry naturally. Do not apply a direct heat source.

Once applied, the Clean My Sole Guard Waterproof Protection alters the surface energy of the materials. It’s a superhydrophobic spray that gives your boots resistance for stain, scratch, corrosion and wears reduction. And with the unique formula, this spray also adds extra protection from bacteria and UV radiation. Not many boot sprays offer this many benefits. This is why it’s the best waterproof boot spray because of its multifunctionality. High performance waterproofing conditioner designed to add suppleness and soften smooth leather clothing and accessories. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free. View Product Softshell Proof Spray-On A suede brush is ideal for restoring the boots’ original finish and perk up the tiny hairs in the material.

Many people buy waterproof or water-resistant gear and assume it’ll be that way forever, but the reality is that DWR (durable water-repellent) coatings wear down over time, and they start doing what industry experts call “wetting out”—when the surface of the item starts absorbing water rather than repelling it. (The surfaces will get splotchy when wet instead of beading raindrops.) Even Gore-Tex products will eventually wet out; though they’re not as likely to let water in as other fabrics when that process occurs. They do, however, become heavier when wet and less breathable since the moisture from the inside can no longer escape.During application, simply use an included applicator or separately bought lint-free cloth to lightly dab and spread it across the shoes. Thanks to the effectiveness of natural wax, you normally have to only apply a single layer to your boots.

Not only will the heat gun absorb the waterproofing product into the leather, but any remaining shoe polish on the boots as well. Even if a pair of walking shoes are bought as waterproof, the protection will wear off eventually so you should always apply a waterproof treatment before you wear a pair of shoes for the first time, and then re-apply regularly. WATERPROOF SPRAY FOR LEATHER SHOES If you’re concerned about changes to an item’s color or texture, spot-testing on a small area is always a good idea.The high performance waterproofer designed to enhance performance and revitalise the breathability of waterproof clothing. Easy to use in your washing machine or by hand, non flammable and PFC free. View Product Tech Wash ® This is an aerosol product, and you must take extra care not to breathe in the vapors when spraying (the bottle even recommends you don’t allow children or pets near the spray or wet items). There is also a strong chemical smell. We tested in a well-ventilated breezeway and still had to step away for a few minutes after spraying the boots each time. The scent did linger longer than on some of the other products—even after the recommended 24 to 48 hours of drying time—but it eventually faded with time and wear. Especially if you are applying to a tent, for example, you’ll want to allow some time for the item to air out before use. Both synthetic and natural waterproofers appear on our list. Many synthetic waterproofers are silicone-based, and non-synthetics contain natural waxes and oils like mink oil or beeswax. Both provide a strong seal against water — Eduard Shimunov of Cobbler Express says silicone-based sprays are like “an umbrella over your shoe,” and Andrade compares mink oil to “a layer of wax on a brand-new car” — and natural products have the added bonus of nourishing the material beneath the surface. (For leather shoes, experts recommend taking the extra step of conditioning them before applying a waterproofer, which facilitates a better watertight seal and preserves the healthiest, best-looking version of your shoe until the next application.) Travel friendly speciality cleaner designed to revitalise water repellency and breathability of waterproof gear. Easy to apply by hand when travelling. View Product Rug Wash

Even though the name suggests it: DWR treatment does not stay waterproof forever. Wearing your shoes on a regular basis, natural degradation, dirt and detergents reduce the efficiency of the dry treatment. GORE-TEX shoes are still waterproof but the upper materials will absorb more and more water. While people are sometimes intimidated by the products, assuming they can potentially ruin a much-loved item or that the process of application is more complicated than it is, Heidi Allen, vice president of marketing at Nikwax, is working to spread the gospel of re-waterproofing.Granger’s Wash + Repel Down is easy to use: You just add the liquid to your washing machine’s soap slot using the bottle’s cap as a measuring device. This product has the added benefit of washing and waterproofing at once; it’s a one-step process that only requires running the machine once. After washing, you machine-dry the item on low heat, and Grangers recommends using dryer balls to help fluff the down inside. The first thing we noted while applying the product to a pair of leather boots, which is simple with the included cotton terry applicator pad, is how soft and shiny it makes the leather. And there’s no chemical smell; this product can be applied inside since there are no fumes to worry about, and it doesn’t require spraying. After allowing the leather to dry, our tester buffed off any extra protectant left on the surface and let it sit overnight. Choose a discreet or small part of your boots to test the product. For example, you can choose a small portion underneath the boot’s lace where the tongue is. Since no water is being absorbed by the outer layer, the shoes will not get waterlogged and become heavier.