Do it yourself! Waterproofing leather shoes with home remedies

Looking great for a long time? It's possible!

Waterproofing your shoes is one of the easiest ways to take proper care of them and keep them looking great for a long time. Wondering what this is all about? It's simple!

Impregnation involves protecting various materials using special solutions and substances. Impregnating agents are used to change the properties of the material that is subjected to this process and have many applications. Impregnation can be performed on wood, fabrics, paper, and finally leather, from which, among others, the following are made: Shoes.

Why are leather shoes impregnated?

To understand why leather shoes are impregnated, it is worth taking a closer look at this material first. Shoe leather is characterized by a porous structure of fibers that absorb and regulate the amount of sweat. Thanks to this, your feet can breathe freely and you do not have to worry about unpleasant odors. 

Things start to get a little more complicated when it gets cold and damp outside, or even worse, it starts raining. After all, leather, as a natural water-loving material, attracts water, and you may have a problem with soaking socks. 

To prevent this, waterproofing your shoes is enough. This is one of the easiest ways to prepare your favorite leather shoes for the autumn rain. Read on to find out how it works.

How does impregnation work?

A layer of impregnation agent makes the leather upper of the shoe hydrophobic, i.e. waterproof. All pores, leaks and holes invisible to the naked eye in the shoe are "clogged" by the impregnating agent, and water stops seeping through them. The breathability of the shoe is not impaired in any way.

Best of all, waterproofing leather shoes has more benefits! It prevents not only the penetration of moisture, but also the penetration of dirt. Thanks to this, your footwear becomes easier to maintain, the color is preserved for longer, and you can enjoy the impeccable durability of your favorite pair of shoes.

Prepare your shoes for waterproofing

Regardless of whether you rely on dedicated, specialized products for impregnating leather footwear or use the home method presented in the article, you must prepare your shoes for this process. If you skip this step, the sealer will not work properly. 

First, completely remove dirt, dust and other contaminants from the shoes. You certainly don't want to perpetuate the unsightly appearance of your shoes and block the effect of the waterproofing agent. Then be patient and wait until your shoes dry completely. This is the only way to get the best results and enjoy maximum waterproofness of the material.  

A candle and a hair dryer - the perfect duo

Once your shoes are clean and completely dry, it's time to waterproof them. Instead of spending a fortune on waterproofing products, use products you probably have at home - a candle and a hair dryer. Let's do it! 

Wax is one of the most effective shoe impregnators. Choose a classic white candle and rub it firmly on the shoe. When you see white residue, it's a sign that you're on the right track. Rub the candle evenly over the entire upper, making sure the wax reaches every nook and cranny.

Pay special attention to the seams. Remember that any place where there is a joint is a potential point for water to leak. Press the candle hard enough for the wax to penetrate deep into the seam and seal it well. To be absolutely sure your shoes won't leak, apply two coats of wax along the seams.

Then, keeping a safe distance, use a hair dryer with warm air, which will instantly melt the wax and allow it to be absorbed into the upper.

This way, your shoes will not only become waterproof, but the leather will also shine amazingly! However, remember that the wax may wear off over time, so it is worth repeating this process regularly.

Is Vaseline good for waterproofing shoes?

Vaseline is another product that is found in most households and, according to some, it can be used to waterproof shoes. However, our experience shows that this method may do more harm than good.

It is true that a layer of Vaseline can make your shoes waterproof. However, remember that this is a very oily product that is not absorbed perfectly. As a result, your shoes may look unsightly and appear sloppy. Moreover, it can make it easier to attract dirt particles to the upper.

Let's do it!

We hope that with our guide you will be able to achieve the desired results and seal your favorite leather shoes. Good luck!