What does "weatherproof" really mean, in terms of shoes??

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What does "weatherproof" really mean, in terms of shoes??

Kristin SF

Veteran

I bought a few pairs of "weatherproof" boots, which happen to be suede.

Questions:
1. What does weatherproof mean?
2. Do I need to further weatherproof them by using a waterproofing spray?

Also, this is my first rainy season wearing nice leather shoes. Should I spray those as well? What happens to leather if I don't? (I asked around and few of my friends weatherproof or waterproof their leather shoes.)

For background, I'm in the SF Bay Area. We get some rain, but not like Seattle. However, when it rains, it does sometime pour.

thanks!

ETA: And if you buy regular suede shoes, like those Sam Edelman Petty booties, do you spray those as well, regardless, just for extra protection?

13 years ago

General

9 replies

Latest reply was from kkards

Jjsloane

Veteran

I spray almost each time I wear suede or leather in winter weather. I'm in an area that will salt heavily so that's more of a concern if they get wet (that salt line) and it removes easier with a protective coating of waterproofing spray.

For just rain I would not wear suede if I could avoid it.

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I always spray or polish my shoes before wearing - just gives them extra protection imo.

13 years ago

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

I have never used weather proofing spray.

I have La Canadienne boots that are supposed to be weather proof. I emailed the company and asked if they needed FURTHER weather proofing and they assured me that the weather proofing was somehow built into the manufacturing process.* I have had these boots for a couple years now and they look brand new. (Well, no harm from weather, at least.)

I've heard horror stories of spots/streaks/color changes with sprays, which is an additional concern.

* Sorry, can't remember how they phrased it, other than, no, I don't need to spray.

13 years ago

Anonymous

I spray my 'dress' boots, those that are not really meant to be worn in the snow. My real snow boots, those should survive the weather, in my opinion, and I have never sprayed them

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I treat regular leather shoes, but not each time I wear them. A couple of times a season, or depending on the weather conditions.

Shoes that have already been weatherproofed in the manufacturing process I might treat once at the beginning of the year, sort of like insurance.

13 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Both pairs of my weatherproof boots are suede versions from Aquatalia. And they really are weatherproof. I don't spray them and they still look great, several seasons on.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I would agree with Beth, too - certain makers (Aquatalia, La Canadienne) - it they say it, they mean it.

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I've been told weatherproofing means there are no exposed seams on the shoes/boots. When I no longer see the water beading on my shoes, I spray them with weatherproofing spray again. For suede, I would pass on wearing them on rainy days even if they are treated because I find suede to be sensitive to rain.

13 years ago

kkards

Veteran

if you are going to spray your shoes, i recommend testing a small spot 1st. on some leathers and suedes the spray may slightly change the color.

13 years ago

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