How to Waterproof Your Boots and Shoes Before Winter in Canada
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Every fall, Canadians start asking the same question: how do I stop my boots from getting ruined by snow and slush this year? Waterproofing is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do for your footwear before winter arrives, and it takes less time than you'd think.
Whether you're prepping leather boots for the office, suede booties for weekend errands, or sneakers you refuse to give up just because it's snowing, here's how to waterproof them properly.
Why Waterproofing Matters Before Winter Hits
Snow, slush and road salt are a rough combination for footwear. Without protection, moisture soaks into leather and suede, salt leaves behind chalky stains, and repeated wet-dry cycles cause materials to crack, warp or lose their shape over time.
A good waterproofing spray creates an invisible barrier on the surface of the shoe. Water and slush bead up and roll off instead of soaking in, which means less staining, less damage, and boots that still look good come spring.
How to Waterproof Leather Boots and Shoes
1. Clean the boots first — dirt and dust trapped under a waterproofing layer will stop it from bonding properly.
2. Let the leather dry completely before applying anything.
3. Hold the spray about 6 inches from the surface and apply an even, light coat over the entire boot, including seams and stitching where water tends to sneak in.
4. Let it dry fully — check the product label for exact timing — before wearing them outside.
5. Reapply every few weeks throughout winter, or sooner if you notice water is no longer beading on the surface.
For leather specifically, pair your waterproofing spray with a product from Walter's Leather Care collection to condition the material at the same time — well-conditioned leather holds up to winter conditions far better than dry, brittle leather.
How to Waterproof Suede and Nubuck Boots
Suede is more delicate than leather, so it needs a formula made specifically for it — a regular leather spray can darken or stain suede permanently.
1. Brush the suede clean with a suede brush before applying anything.
2. Use a suede-specific water repellent spray in light, even coats, holding the can at the recommended distance.
3. Allow full drying time between coats if you're applying more than one layer.
4. Brush gently once dry to restore the nap and natural texture.
Walter's Suede Care collection includes protectant sprays formulated to shield suede and nubuck from snow and salt without altering the texture or colour.
How to Waterproof Sneakers and Canvas Shoes
If you're not ready to switch to boots the second it snows, sneakers can be waterproofed too — it just won't make them fully winter-proof the way a boot is.
1. Clean the sneakers and let them dry fully.
2. Apply a water repellent spray evenly across the entire upper, including mesh panels and seams.
3. Let them dry for the recommended time before wearing.
4. Reapply more frequently than you would for boots, since sneaker materials are thinner and wear down faster.
It's worth combining this with Walter's
Sneaker Care collection so you can clean off salt residue quickly between waterproofing sessions and keep your sneakers looking fresh all season.
How Often Should You Reapply Waterproof Spray?
As a general guideline, reapply every 2 to 4 weeks during heavy winter use, or immediately after cleaning your shoes, since cleaning strips away the existing protective layer. If you notice water soaking in rather than beading on the surface, that's your sign it's time for a fresh coat.
Walter's Water Repellent Spray collection is formulated to protect leather, suede and canvas without changing their appearance, so you can reapply as often as needed through the season.
Common Waterproofing Mistakes to Avoid
• Spraying dirty shoes — protection won't bond properly over trapped dirt and salt residue.
• Applying one thick, heavy coat instead of several light ones — this can leave uneven patches or discolouration.
• Skipping the seams and stitching, which are usually the first place water gets in.
• Wearing shoes before the spray has fully dried.
• Forgetting to reapply — waterproofing sprays wear off with regular use and need to be topped up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you waterproof shoes that are already wet or stained?
It's best to clean and fully dry your shoes first. Spraying over dirt, salt residue or moisture prevents the product from bonding properly to the material, so you won't get full protection.
Does waterproofing spray work on all shoe materials?
Most sprays are formulated for specific materials, so it's important to match the product to your shoe — a leather-specific spray for leather, and a suede-specific spray for suede and nubuck, since using the wrong one can cause staining or discolouration.
How long does waterproofing spray last?
This depends on how often you wear the shoes and the conditions they're exposed to, but most sprays hold up for a few weeks of regular winter wear before they need reapplying.
Is waterproofing spray safe for sneakers?
Yes, as long as you use a spray suited to the sneaker's upper material — canvas, mesh or leather — and test on a small, inconspicuous area first if you're worried about colour change.
Start the Season Protected
A few minutes of waterproofing before winter really sets in can save you a season's worth of salt stains, soggy socks and premature wear. Build it into your routine alongside regular cleaning, and your boots, suede shoes and sneakers will all come out the other side of winter in much better shape.
Shop Walter's full Water Repellent Spray range, browse our Shoe Cleaning Kits for an all-in-one prep kit, or explore our Best Sellers to see what fellow Canadians are stocking up on this fall. Have questions about which product fits your shoes? Contact our team — we've been keeping Canadian footwear protected since 1893.