How to Waterproof Shoes for Kids – Make Their Shoes and Boots Waterproof Without Ruining Them!
Tired of your kids coming home with soaked shoes? If you live in a rainy or snowy area, keeping your child’s feet dry is essential for comfort and health. While waterproof shoes are a great solution, what can you do if your child’s favorite pair isn’t waterproof? Don’t worry—you don’t have to buy new shoes just yet. In this article, I’ll walk you through simple and effective ways to waterproof your child’s shoes at home.
Waterproof Shoes: The Importance of Keeping Your Child’s Feet Dry
Why is it such a problem when kids walk around in wet shoes? Damp shoes create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which can lead to infections—especially if your child has even a small cut on their feet. Wet shoes also raise the risk of blisters, calluses, and corns. Waterproofing your child’s shoes creates a protective barrier that helps keep water out and feet healthy and dry.
The Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Friendly Shoes
Many parents wonder about the difference between waterproof and water-friendly shoes. Waterproof shoes keep water out completely—even if your child stands in a puddle. Water-friendly shoes repel splashes but won’t stop water from seeping in if submerged.
Waterproof footwear is especially useful in winter and rainy weather. Different shoe materials need specific waterproofing products, and I’ll help you choose the right one.
Personally, I prefer waterproof shoes for kids so parents can relax knowing their child’s feet will stay dry and warm, no matter the adventures they find.
How to Waterproof Shoes for Kids to Prevent Wet Feet
When it comes to waterproofing, not all sprays are created equal. A highly recommended option is the Shoe Protector Spray by Crep. This product is specifically designed to protect footwear from water and stains without altering the material’s breathability or color. Before applying any spray, ensure the shoes are clean and dry for optimal results.
- Order the shoe protector spray by Crep on Amazon
- Waterproof protection for sneakers, leather, nubuck, suede, and canvas
- Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, earning us a small commission at no extra cost to you
Bonus Resources: Waterproof Shoes
For parents looking for the best waterproof hiking boots, my resource can guide you in making an informed choice. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for personalized recommendations.
The Best Tips for Waterproofing Shoes
- Always make sure that the shoes to be waterproof are clean since this will guarantee that the product applied will be in direct contact with the shoe material and not on a layer of dirt or particles. This will allow you to get the full benefit of the product that you are using.
- If the shoes have been waterproofed before, make sure that you clean off the shoes before applying the new waterproofing product to avoid the buildup of the waterproofing product.
- Follow the instructions exactly on the product that you are about to use. This will help you understand the dos and don’ts of the product such as the type of material to be applied, when to apply it, if it induces color change, and other valuable instructions.
- If the shoes to be waterproof have embellishments, don’t forget to cover these before waterproofing because these waterproofing products might damage them.
- Canvas shoes are best waterproofed with beeswax. All you need to do is cover your canvas shoes with beeswax and then use a blow dryer to work the beeswax into the shoes when you are done; that way your kids’ shoes will be completely waterproof.
How Long Do Waterproof Shoes Last?
Waterproofing shoes means creating a barrier that keeps water out entirely. Keep in mind that treatments can wear off over time, so reapplication may be needed. The good news is, with quality products, one spray often lasts long enough that your child will outgrow the shoes before you need to waterproof them again.
This is great information on how to waterproof shoes, I don’t think it matters what your age is. I always try to get them waterproofed right after purchasing them. I have not always been too happy with what I have used to do this in the past, but don’t remember what I have used. I will give one of your recommendations a try, thank you!
Let me know how it works out. You can use the product on your shoes and on your kids’ shoes as well!
I love this article. This is something many parents don’t actually think about. Your article does a good job of explaining why waterproofing shoes is so important. I remember as a kid, getting home from school, pulling my boot off and my socks and feet were soaking wet. My toes were frozen too. I can imagine waterproofing will also keep kids from getting sick. Thanks so much for this great and informative article.
Kelara,
Waterproofing shoes has many benefits, and like you mentioned in your comment, it can actually keep kids from getting sick. Wearing wet socks and shoes all day can lead to foot problem and children getting sick. Make sure you always check your kids feet when they come home from school after a rainy day!
Fantastic information in this article! I used to live in a place that required waterproof shoes, but have been away and living in Arizona for a long time and forgot about this. It’s a great idea to do this with all your shoes if you live in a wet or snowy place.
Anyone who is looking to preserve their favorite shoes in inclement weather should know about this!
Hello Kerri,
I read that the weather in Arizona is mostly hot and dry, but it truly depends on where you are exactly located. So you probably went from having waterproofed shoes for the rain, to wearing sandals everyday for the hot weather. I wrote a post you can probably benefit from. Did you know that you can buy children shoes if you are a women shoe size 8 1/2 or smaller? You will get the same support and pay half of the price you will pay if you were buying women shoes. The post is called:
Women and Kids Shoe Size Conversion Chart – Save Big Buying Kids’ Shoes!
Dang, this is good info, even for adults! I have ruined so many of my own favorite shoes, by mistake of course, from going out in the rain with them. I could walk as carefully as possible but I’m short, so the bottom of my pants get wet and my entire shoe is eventually wet by the end of the day. I HATE having wet feet. Thanks!
Toni,
I agree with you, walking around with wet feet is really uncomfortable. A simple thing like waterproofing our shoes can make a huge difference in keeping our feet warm and dry, and at the same time keeping our shoes in the best shape possible.
Thanks for the great tips on how to waterproof kids shoes to make them last longer. Personally I’ve never worried about doing this for my kids shoes and I know that I’ve thrown out some that have been water damaged so waterproofing would be advantageous. Kids being kids have to jump in muddy puddles (my girls love Peppa Pig – not sure if its popular where you come from).
Leone,
Kids do love to jump into puddles! Providing them with waterproof shoes is crucial in order to allow them to play and run around in rainy days while keeping their feet warm and dry. I live in the United States and Peppa Pig is also popular here, I believe it’s popular in most places!