Protect shoes with a waterproofing spray against rain and dirt, and with wax for extra shine. At Langer & Messmer you will find waterproofing sprays for smooth and napped leather, plus shoe wax, so your shoes stand up to rain and daily wear.
Protecting shoes: waterproofing and waxing
Protecting is the last step after cleaning and caring. First you protect the clean, cared-for leather against wet weather, then, if you wish, against everyday scuffing.
Waterproofing against rain
A waterproofing spray lays an invisible film around the fibres and keeps water and dirt out, without changing the leather. Napped leather is open-pored and needs regular protection, smooth leather less often. Waterproof new shoes before the first wear and refresh the protection regularly.
Wax for protection and shine
Shoe wax sits as a layer on smooth leather, adds water protection and a deep shine. It goes on after the cream, as the last step. You will also find waxes and polish under shoe cream and wax.
Before you protect
Protection only works on clean, cared-for leather. Cleaning and caring come first; for the routine as a whole, see shoe care.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth waterproofing shoes?
Yes. Waterproofing keeps water and dirt out and extends the life of the shoes. Napped leather such as velour and nubuck needs it regularly, smooth leather less often, but it pays off in the wet season.
Should you waterproof shoes before or after creaming?
Clean and cream first, let the leather dry, then waterproof. That way the water repellent sits on clean, cared-for leather and lasts longer.
How often should you waterproof shoes?
Waterproof new shoes before the first wear and refresh the protection regularly afterwards, roughly every few weeks and always after heavy rain. Napped leather more often than smooth leather.
Which shoes should you not waterproof?
Patent leather needs no waterproofing, its surface is already sealed. For oiled leather, use dubbin or a dedicated oil instead. When in doubt, test the spray on a hidden spot first.
Does wax or waterproofing spray protect better?
They protect differently: a waterproofing spray keeps wet off both smooth and napped leather, while shoe wax protects only smooth leather and adds shine. For napped leather, only a spray will do.