How to Waterproof Running Shoes

Water and stain repellent products allow you to waterproof running shoes. This makes a world of difference in wet weather or when traversing unpredictable terrain. To waterproof your shoes, you need a scrub brush, a shoe cleaning agent (such as a spray), a soft cloth, newspaper and the waterproofing spray. You also need a well ventilated area in which to work.

1. First: Preparing the shoes

   Remove the laces. Dry scrub the entire exterior of each shoe. Knock the shoes together to shake off any loosened dirt. Then use the shoe cleaner, following instructions and letting it soak in for about six minutes. Use the soft cloth to rub small circles over the exteriors of both shoes after the six minutes. Finally, let the shoes dry completely.

2. Second: Applying the waterproofing

   In a ventilated area, spread newspapers out or use any protective cloth. You may also wish to wear protection on your hands or eyes. Hold your first shoe above the newspaper, pull the tongue out to expose its entire surface and spray the water repellant product onto only the shoe's tongue (shake the spray first). Afterwards, put the shoe down on the center of the newspaper and repeat this process for the second shoe. With both shoes sitting on the protective paper or cloth, hold the waterproofing product about seven inches from the shoes and spray the entire surface of each. Make sure to spray along the crease where the sole is attached to the rest of the shoe body.

3. Third: Drying and repeating the treatment

   Let the shoes dry completely for several hours with ventilation. Then repeat the step for applying the waterproofing, beginning again with each tongue.