This is our official list in search of the best shoe protector sprays on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product as well as a useful overview of the benefits of shoe protector sprays.
5 Highest Reviewed Shoe Protector Sprays to Consider
A new pair of shoes looks great, and it’s one of the fastest ways to enjoy an improved appearance. The problem with new shoes is that they’re vulnerable to dirt and moisture, but with the best shoe protector spray, it’s easy to protect all types of shoes from dirt and debris. Take a look at five of the proven best below.
1.) Crep Protect Rain and Stain
The Art of Crep protect spray is made for fabric, and for better quality, it’s made in the United States. The spray comes in a five-ounce aerosol spray bottle, and it works on nubuck, canvas or suede.
By creating an invisible barrier around the material, this product can protect footwear against excessive amounts of dirt, moisture and debris. Once it has been applied, the protective barrier shields footwear against liquids and prevents unwanted stains.
The Art of Crep spray can keep shoes looking new, and the unique blend of ingredients works on canvas, nubuck, suede or leather. With a busy lifestyle, it doesn’t take much to ruin a new pair of shoes, and by creating an invisible barrier, this product prevents footwear from getting ruined and prolongs the lifespan of every shoe.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Creates a strong barrier
- Doesn’t alter fabric color
- Repels dirt and moisture
CONS
- Formula doesn’t last very long
2.) Kiwi Protect All Rain and Stain Repellant
The Kiwi Protect All rain repellant protects against dirt and moisture. The formula comes in a 4.25-ounce can, and it can be used on footwear, raincoats and jackets. The protective barrier is made for materials that must be dry cleaned, and it’s suitable for all colors of fabric and leather.
Some consumers use this spray on car seats, but it’s just as effective when used on shoes. The Kiwi Protect All spray can work well for UGGS, and since it prevents stains, it’s a popular choice for people who have busy lifestyles.
The formula has a strong odor because it’s very protective, and it’s regularly used to protect leather. To get the greatest benefit from this product, it needs to be sprayed onto shoes in layers, and each layer should be allowed to dry before the next coating is applied.
PROS
- Works great for Ugg boots
- Doesn’t cause discoloration
- Perfect for suede shoes
- Suitable for leather stitching and seats
CONS
- Formula gets used up quickly
3.) Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector
The Scotchgard shoe spray can protect footwear against precipitation, and it creates a strong barrier against damaging oil. This product forms an invisible barrier around nubuck and suede material, and it’s a popular choice for leather items.
The Scotchgard shoe spray can be effective for all types of suede and nubuck, and since it doesn’t change the color of the shoes, it’s a suitable choice for all colors. However, it’s not made to be used on smooth, finished leathers. This product is recommended for accessories, hats, gloves, coats and footwear.
The protective barrier can be applied with a one-step application, and after it has been applied, it dries and produces zero odors. The barrier is even strong enough to protect against salt stains. Scotchgard shoe spray is engineered to repel snow, sleet and rain, which can make every shoe last much longer.
PROS
- Easy to apply
- Protects against rain, snow and sleet
- Great for nubuck and suede
- Prolongs the life of any shoe
CONS
- Comes out of bottle very rapidly
4.) Cadillac Select Premium Water Repellent & Stain Protector
The Cadillac Select waterproofing spray is made for shoes, leather, nubuck and suede. Once applied to the material, it forms an invisible layer of protection, and the clear barrier can repel water marks, salt stains, UV rays, oil and dirt.
Shoes that have been sprayed with this formula are protected against heavy moisture, and the invisible barrier causes water to roll off. The waterproof spray will keep shoes dry in all conditions, and although the formula is very protective, it doesn’t compromise the breathability of the fabric.
For enhanced safety, the spray doesn’t contain silicone, and it’s made to protect many types of footwear and fine leather. Like all Cadillac products, this spray is made in the United States, and the company takes pride in their manufacturing process.
PROS
- Perfect for boots
- Doesn’t produce irritating odors
- Great for protecting nubuck and suede
- Can be applied in seconds
CONS
- Nozzle design could be improved
5.) Moneysworth & Best Pro-Tex Nano Water & Stain Protector Spray
The Moneysworth shoe spray features an innovative formula, and it’s designed to protect nubuck, fabric suede and leather from moisture. After it has been applied, it will cause snow and rain to roll off. The Pro-Tex formula delivers long-lasting protection, and for safety reasons, it doesn’t contain silicone.
This product forms a protective barrier and repels salt, snow and rain. The innovative formula consists of smaller molecules, so it can penetrate deeper into the material and deliver stronger protection. When the elements hit the protective barrier, they roll off the surface and cause no damage.
The Moneysworth Pro-Tex shoe spray can be effective for accessories, furniture, drapes, apparel, garments and footwear. When compared to some competing products, this spray doesn’t contain silicone and penetrates much deeper into the fabric.
PROS
- Perfect for suede and nubuck
- Doesn’t alter shoe color
- Easy to apply
- Provides several layers of protection
CONS
- Fumes are strong
Brief Guide to Shoe Protector Sprays
Some materials are especially vulnerable to moisture, and suede is a great example. An excessive amount of moisture can ruin shoes that are made from leather, nubuck, textile or suede. Once applied, shoe protector spray serves as an invisible shield for all types of shoes, and it can even be used for leather hats, jackets, bags and coats.
The main purpose of protector spray is to weatherproof shoes, and it can protect against pet stains, grease, wine and hot coffee. Although the spray is very protective, it doesn’t compromise the breathability of the material, which keeps the shoes comfortable.
Since the coating is invisible, it doesn’t change the texture or color of the fabric, and many spray products are engineered to protect the ozone. Some of the best shoe protector sprays don’t contain aerosol and can be used for standard sneakers, boots and bags.
What Is It?
Shoe Protector Spray is an aerosol spray that you can apply to your shoes to protect them from the elements and add a water repellent finish. They usually need to be sprayed on when the shoes are dry, in a well ventilated area, and then left to dry for at least a few hours. They often are quite strong smelling, and can result in some discoloration.
It is usually recommended that you wash the shoes before applying spray, as oil and dirt can stop the spray from absorbing into the fabric. Then let them dry naturally – often stuffing them with some newspaper and putting them in a place away from the heater is a good way to do this. It might be a good idea to not let them dry completely, as spray can absorb better when they are slightly damp.
You can then evenly apply the spray at the recommended distance from the shoes – usually about 6 inches. To apply an even coat you can put the shoe on your hand and then move your hand around as you spray rather than moving the spray around. It is best to do this over some newspaper or cardboard, to protect the surface underneath them. You should apply spray before any other products such as shoe polish.
Sometimes multiple sprays are helpful, but they are usually optional and might depend on how wet you think your shoes are going to get. The amount of time it lasts for depends on the spray and also on how weathered they get. A reapplication once a season is often recommended by the manufacturers though.
It is also best to brush mud off your shoes as soon as it dries, as dirt is not good for shoes. And rotate your shoes out every so often so they have a day to breathe and get rid of moisture that might be left over from being worn.
Who Can Benefit?
Shoe protector spray is a must if you live in a place where it snows in winter. Snow will easily destroy whatever shoes you’re wearing unless they’re wellington boots. So if you still want to look fashionable or stylish then invest in some weatherproofing spray.
You can then still wear your suede shoes or leather boots without worrying about whether they’ll last the day. Leather boots and Ugg boots cost money, so it is worth investing in some spray to protect them from getting ruined.
If you’re worried about getting caught in a rain storm with your boots on, then spray them with some protector spray and you won’t have to be concerned. If you use a good quality spray many users report that water just beads up and rolls off. You might be planning your wedding and afraid your beautiful high heels will get wet – this spray will take one more concern off your list.
This is also a good investment if you like hiking, as the last thing you want is to end up walking with wet feet. Most hiking shoes are made to be weatherproof – but it will eventually wear off. Once you see the water no longer beading up on your shoes, then they will probably need some protector spray applied regularly.
What To Look For?
If you have suede or nubuck shoes then choose a spray that is especially designed for them, as it will help them not to lose their softness. For full grain leather, spray is not always the best option as wax is usually recommended, but it’s probably better than nothing at all.
Silicone based sprays provide a waterproof wax layer, which gives a more slippery feel. The downside of silicone sprays is that they don’t allow the material to breathe, and they reduce its flexibility. They are often not recommended for full grain leather because they are reported to dry out the protein bonds in it.
Acrylic copolymer sprays are best for nubuck and suede and provide a water repellent finish, keeping the shoe’s breathable and flexible features.
Some protectors will also work against salt stains – which is very useful if you live in an area where there is snow and salt regularly. Some are also labelled as environmentally friendly, so these might be a good choice for you if you care about the environment and don’t like using strong chemicals.
What To Avoid?
If you have hiking boots made of full grain leather, then you might be better off not getting a weatherproofing spray but going for wax instead and conditioning the leather.
It is probably best not to spray your shoes before testing a small part of them to check for discoloration or other adverse reactions.
FAQ
How often do I need to reapply protector spray?
Manufacturers often recommend once a season, but it depends where you live and what kind of conditions your shoes face regularly. If you live in a hot climate you may only need to apply spray twice a year. But if you live in a place where it snows a lot then you might need to repeat applications weekly or do several coats in one go.
Will my shoes be waterproof after using these sprays?
Rain protector sprays don’t ever waterproof shoes – they just make them water repellent for a time, until the coating wears off.
How long before you can use the item you sprayed?
Leaving your shoes overnight once they’ve been sprayed should be enough time before wearing them.
Do you need to use a brush with a spray?
Generally you shouldn’t need a brush apart from if your shoes are dirty – to brush the dirt off. You should be able to just spray the shoes all over.
Will these sprays work on Ugg boots?
If the spray is recommended for nubuck and suede then it should also be fine for Ugg boots.
How do I waterproof canvas shoes?
With canvas shoes, you should just be able to apply beeswax to make them waterproof.
Wrapping Up
The excitement that comes from getting a new pair of shoes can be ruined by a single rainy day. Moisture and dirt can have disastrous effects on suede and nubuck, but with the help of the best shoe protector spray, it’s easy to protect the material and extend the lifespan of any shoe.