Frosty weather, dirt, reagents, snow - all this literally destroys shoes within a couple of months, regardless of price, style or quality. But if you properly and competently care for your boots or shoes, there is a chance to preserve them not only this season, but also in the next season.
Shoe impregnation is a special composition that forms a protective water-repellent film on the surface of the material (leather, suede, nubuck or textile). As a result, water and dirt “roll off”, and the shoes remain clean and dry. The composition is based on silicone with the addition of wax and fluorocarbon resins. Depending on the composition and proportions, water-repellent impregnation is available in the form of wax, emulsion, foam and spray.
What shoe impregnation is considered the best and which brands are most popular with customers this year.
| Category | Name | price, rub. | Characteristics |
| The best impregnation for leather shoes | Nano Plus SOLITAIRE | 920 | Suitable for all types of materials. Breathability is maintained, dirt and water are repelled. |
| TARRAGO Tucan MINK OIL | 330 | Based on natural mink oil, it is quickly absorbed and provides a lasting effect. | |
| Salton Expert | 205 | Protecting shoes from reagents and salt. New line. | |
| The best impregnation for nubuck shoes | SAPHIR Invulner | 700 | Suitable for products made from all types of nubuck, suede, textiles, leather and modern high-tech HI-TECH materials. |
| Salton Professional | 315 | Maintains a presentable appearance of shoes. This is especially true in frosty or rainy weather. | |
| Nubuk+Velours COLLONIL | 640 | Restores color and enhances protective properties against dampness, softens the skin. | |
| The best impregnation for membrane shoes | High Tech Nano Protector | 560 | Optimal for high-tech membranes, does not interfere with air exchange, does not change color. |
| Graisse HP Dubbin SAPHIR | 460 | Tourist, sports, mountaineering, hunting shoes made of oiled, oiled leather, oiled nubuck. | |
| Kiwi Aquastop | 230 | A delicate, colorless composition that can be used when treating bags, jackets and shoes made of leather, suede and textiles from moisture in the autumn-winter period. | |
| The best impregnation for suede shoes | Solitaire Nässe Stop | 550 | Intensive impregnation concentrate for suede and nubuck. Perfectly protects the sole and seams from moisture. |
| Salamander Universal SMS | 245 | Prevents the formation of snow, water and salt stains. | |
| Nikwax Agueous Wax | 360 | Gives water-repellent properties to all leather products, including accessories and items of equipment, without membranes. |
How to properly apply impregnation to shoes
First, pay attention to the purpose. If the impregnation contains fats, it cannot be used for suede, but is recommended for leather.
The release form does not affect the composition; only personal preferences play a role here. Aerosol is convenient to use, but it is used up very quickly. You'll have to tinker with the wax, but one jar will last for six months.
Among the undisputed leaders producing truly high-quality impregnations for shoes, there are 5 main ones:
- Salamander;
- Salton;
- Nikwax;
- KIWI;
- Collonil.
Step-by-step impregnation instructions
- Wash and dry shoes.
- Comb the suede over steam with a special brush.
- The thick mixture is applied with a sponge, then spread over the surface with a wool or velvet rag.
- The spray is applied from a distance of 15 cm without further rubbing.
Shoes are processed at least 5-7 hours before leaving. The compound must be absorbed to provide optimal protection.
- For shoes made of thin leather, suede or nubuck, double treatment is recommended, 8 hours apart.
- Choose one type of impregnation. If it does not work for some reason, thoroughly wash and dry the shoes and treat them with a different composition.
Features of the use of water repellents
Before you start using a water repellent, you need to consider several nuances:
- Impregnations for clothing are added to water, into which the jacket or trousers are then dipped. Shoes cannot be treated this way. Therefore, the easiest way is to buy a spray that can be easily applied to any item.
- To ensure that the protective coating remains on your clothes as long as possible, try to wash items by hand.
- Before applying any product, it is necessary to rinse and dry the item being treated thoroughly.
- The maximum effect from the water repellent can be expected within a day. It is better not to wear impregnated shoes for 24 hours after treatment.
- If you accidentally drop ketchup or grease onto the treated surface, you can remove the stains with a regular paper napkin.
- Products that form water-repellent coatings on the surface are not recommended for use on bedding and underwear.
The best impregnation for leather shoes
It is made of silicone - thanks to it, water simply drains from the surface of the product, and the protective film is evenly distributed over it without blocking the air exchange. The effect is achieved after 8-9 hours, so treatment is carried out in the evening.
Nano Plus SOLITAIRE
Intensive protection against moisture, dirt and salt stains. Recommended for use in autumn and winter, as well as for protecting clothing.
Nano Plus SOLITAIRE
This product received the name “nano” because it allows the protective substance fluorine-carbon to be applied in a nano-thin layer, thereby achieving the “lotus effect”. Drops of water do not stay on the surface and roll off. Universal - for all materials.
Application: spray at a distance of 30 cm from shoes. The material should not get wet through. To achieve the best effect, treat 3-4 hours before going outside. Let dry.
Release form: aerosol can, 400 ml.
TARRAGO Tucan MINK OIL
Wax-based cream is suitable for processing items made of leather (natural/synthetic), fatty nubuck. Colorless impregnation is the best option for tourists. The base is natural extracts of mink oil, thanks to which the product is easily absorbed.
TARRAGO Tucan MINK OIL
The cream is distinguished by deep nutrition and a high water-repellent effect. The product can prevent drying of oily or smooth leather and nubuck. Contains: Vaseline, wax, natural oils, hydrocarbons.
Application: apply the composition to a surface that has been previously degreased, clean, and dried with a cloth. Allow 3-4 hours for absorption.
Release form: metal container with a volume of 100 ml.
Salton Expert
Universal aerosol for protecting items made of smooth leather, suede, nubuck, velor, and textiles from water. Long-lasting and reliable protection against moisture, snow, dirt and reagents is guaranteed thanks to a patented combination of protective components.
Salton Expert
Maintains the “breathing” properties of surfaces. Suitable for products made from membrane materials.
Water repellent spray, what is it?
Water-repellent spray is a hydrophilic impregnation for clothing or shoes that envelops the fabric fiber with a special and invisible film. The product is capable of allowing air to pass through, but retains and prevents liquid from penetrating inside. It is used to care for shoes and things, focusing on the characteristics of the fabric. High humidity levels can significantly complicate the situation.
Where can I buy? The products are freely available and can be purchased in stores specializing in the sale of household chemicals. There is a wide range of products available there.
What should you pay attention to? When choosing, you need to correlate the type of aerosol, the type of fabric and the product rating itself.
How much does the product cost? The price can range from 50 to 3000 rubles.
Types of water repellents
In 2022, the product market offers a wide range of products that form a waterproof film.
- Creams
Based on consistency, they are divided into 2 types: thick and liquid. The thick composition contains solvents, animal fats, wax and a coloring component. Suitable exclusively for leather shoes. Recommendation regarding liquid cream: use liquid cream only in warm weather, as it contains less solvent and has less ability to protect shoes. Most often it is used not to protect a thing, but to make it shine.
- Water repellent sprays
This type of product is suitable for absolutely any material. They are used for both leather and fabric. The composition is easy to apply and has a wide range of effects.
Important! Spray - has the longest period of preservation of the protective effect, unlike cream or liquid.
- Impregnation
The composition penetrates into materials and protects most reliably from the bad influences of atmospheric phenomena. The choice of impregnation must be made based on the type of fabric: for suede, a product with the addition of fluorocarbon resin; for smooth leather, a silicone compound is used, etc.
- Water-repellent universal product
It is rare when a person wears shoes or clothes made exclusively from one type of material, so you need to give preference to this universal type of spray. They are suitable for both leather products and suede clothing and shoes.
Pros and cons of using sprays
Treating surfaces even with the best means has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- high degree of resistance to external influences;
- the service life of things increases;
- waterproofness and coloring are preserved;
- when used, the weight of the item does not change;
- Application is absolutely safe for humans.
Flaws:
- It takes time to completely spray the item and let it dry.
The best impregnation for nubuck shoes
Nubuck differs from smooth leather in having small fibers on the surface, and from suede in having a polished upper. Having a porous base, nubuck shoes need protection from moisture. From the first day, it is recommended to use a specialized water-repellent impregnation - in this case, the likelihood of moisture absorption is minimal, and dirt will not be absorbed into the fibers, thereby facilitating further cleaning.
SAPHIR Invulner
Provides effective protection against moisture and contamination of products made from all types of leather, suede, velor, nubuck, textiles, as well as modern high-tech membrane materials. Extends service life and helps maintain the original appearance of products.
SAPHIR Invulner
Prevents stains from water, snow and salt. The composition contains highly active fluorinated resin “Scotchgard 3M”, which provides 100% protection against water; in fact, boots or sneakers become airtight after applying Sapphire.
The impregnation must not be used on patent leather or synthetic leather with similar treatment.
Application: spray onto a previously cleaned surface at a distance of 20-30 cm for a few seconds. Let the product dry. For best protection, double treatment is recommended.
Release form: aerosol can, 250 ml.
Complex Care Salton Professional
Water-repellent impregnation effectively protects nubuck shoes, smooth leather, velor, suede and textiles from moisture and dirt.
Complex Care Salton Professional
Directions for use: shake the can, hold it vertically, spray onto the product from a distance of 20 cm. Allow to dry.
Do not use on patent leather.
Release form: aerosol 200 ml, colorless.
Nubuk+Velours COLLONIL
Used as a deeply penetrating caring base based on fluoride-containing components. Recommended for products made of suede, nube, velor and textiles. Maintains appearance, removes stains, repels grease, dirt and moisture without sticking lint.
Nubuk+Velours COLLONIL
Nubuk+Velours COLLONIL is not suitable for re-dyeing products.
Recommendations for selection:
- if there are stains, they are first cleaned, after which the color is refreshed;
- choose a color to match or a little darker;
- If the color of the product is lighter, then there will be no color refreshment.
Saphir Nano Invulner impregnation for all types of leather
A new generation product used as an aerosol. According to reviews from people who have tried the product, it not only protects the structure of the shoes, but also increases their service life. The aerosol contains fluorocarbon resins, known for their environmental friendliness, safety and at the same time enhanced water-repellent effect.
Advantages:
- has no toxic effects
- universal aerosol suitable for any type of material
- reliable protection
Flaws:
- Small volume, will run out quickly if used regularly
The best impregnation for membrane shoes
If the surface of the shoe is made of leather, then you need to buy all creams, impregnations, and emulsions only on a water basis. Creams are rubbed in once, and spray treatment is done three times. Each subsequent layer is applied after the previous layer has completely dried (at room temperature).
High Tech Nano Protector
Innovative impregnation Nano Protector is top-class protection based on revolutionary nanotechnology. After processing, each fiber is coated with nanoparticles and becomes impervious to water and dirt.
High Tech Nano Protector
Instead of stains, drops appear that are not absorbed into the material. Dry dirt does not stick to the surface, and wet dirt is not absorbed by the fibers, creating the so-called “lotus effect”. Most of the dirt can be easily removed afterwards. The materials remain “breathable” and, with regular use, their surface remains new longer.
An additional advantage is the drug’s resistance to UV radiation - color, elasticity, softness and breathability are maintained throughout the season.
Application:
Spray onto a previously cleaned surface at a distance of 20-30 cm for a few seconds. One thin layer is enough. Let the product dry. For the best result, the procedure should be carried out at least an hour before going outside; as a result, the nano-impregnation forms a dense protective layer.
Graisse HP Dubbin SAPHIR
Protective fat nourishes, restores and softens the skin. Recommended for dark surfaces, light ones will darken! They process tourist, sports, mountaineering, hunting leather made of fatty, oiled leather, and fatty nubuck. Has water-repellent properties.
Graisse HP Dubbin SAPHIR
It is a combination of natural wax and seal fat (15% composition), due to which it has a fairly oily consistency. Returns elasticity to the skin and prevents drying, especially in the folds.
It is best to process new products before dirt begins to clog inside.
Kiwi Aquastop
The silicones in the composition add shine to the skin, mask abrasions, and protect the surface from fading. Suitable for all materials and colors, including umbrellas, tents and camping equipment.
Kiwi Aquastop
Application: Clean your shoes from dirt and dust using a soft cloth or shoe wipe. Remove particularly heavy stains with cleaning foam. Shake the can well. Apply evenly from a distance of 20 cm and allow to dry for 15 minutes.
What substances provide protection against moisture?
The composition of products for protecting shoes from moisture usually has two components - a solvent and an active substance. There are two formulations on the market.
The first composition is hydrocarbon impregnation. It includes fluorocarbon resins, the active substance of which is Teflon. But there is one big drawback: they are environmentally unsafe. In addition, such impregnations have a strong, pungent odor of solvent.
Important! Teflon-containing impregnations can only be applied to dry things and outdoors!
The second composition is a water-based impregnation. They do not contain harmful substances. Apply to both wet and dry items. The moisture-repellent substance is silicone.
The best impregnation for suede shoes
A product based on fluorocarbon resin protects capricious material from moisture, which causes changes in the shape of the product and loss of color. The impregnation is available in spray form, which simplifies the processing process.
Solitaire Nässe Stop
Concentrated moisture protection, absorbed deep into the material, repels water 100%, but retains its breathability.
Solitaire Nässe Stop
Solitaire Nässe Stop is recommended for shoes with weatherproof Gore-TEX®, Sympatex® and other membranes.
Application:
Distribute the product evenly. Allow to dry thoroughly. Depending on the material, polish the shoes with a napkin or tousle them with a brush. Not suitable for patent leather or stretch materials, nor for heavily oiled leather.
Release form: 75 ml pencil bottle.
Salamander Universal SMS
For the care of leather, suede, nubuck and textile products. Provides long-term protection against moisture, dust, dirt and reagents. Prevents the formation of snow, water and salt stains. Maintains breathability.
Salamander Universal SMS
Application: shake the can before use. Holding vertically, apply to a cleaned and dry surface from a distance of 15-20 cm. Leave for half an hour, process again. Leave for at least 8 hours.
How to choose a product? Main selection criteria
The main criterion is the composition of the water-repellent spray. Usually the list of ingredients includes mink oil, goose or seal oil with the function of creating an invisible repellent layer. A small amount of natural substances is concentrated in the products.
For example, impregnation for suede clothing must contain fluorocarbon resins. When replacing them in the composition with silicone, you should not expect great results. In this situation, the product will impede air movement rather than repel liquid.
An additional criterion is the purpose of the impregnation and what material it is suitable for. Possible options: for nubuck, for textiles, for leather, for patent leather, for daily use or not.
Also, when choosing, you need to pay attention to popular models and the best manufacturers. Nowadays, Collonil and Salamander are considered one of the most popular manufacturers.
The mistake when choosing is not to take into account the presence of all 3 criteria together.
Advantages and disadvantages of treatments
The list of advantages from using water-repellent compounds for shoes is extensive:
- increased resistance to water, dirt, and aggressive reagents;
- the material becomes more elastic, shoes take less time to dry, and the original aesthetics last longer;
- Good impregnations do not pose any danger to human skin;
- the material does not become heavier and stops fading.
There are fewer disadvantages. It can be noted that processing takes time, but its losses are insignificant and completely justified, since they are compensated by the benefits of the procedure. Silicone compounds should be used with caution to avoid clogging the pores of the material. Oily products tend to accumulate on the surface and require periodic rinsing.
What to look for when choosing a moisture repellent
Impregnation is chosen for specific products. For different materials you will need to buy different products. Some compositions are stated as universal and suitable for leather, suede, textiles, this is indicated in the product description.
If the shoes are made of artificial materials, impregnation can harm them, although it is safe for natural leather or suede. In this case, you should further familiarize yourself with the effect of this composition on the material of the boots.
Water-repellent effect on suede
Water-repellent impregnation with a large amount of silicone is often undesirable. This component forms a film in micropores on the surface of the shoe, which provides reliable moisture protection, but eliminates an important advantage of high-quality material - “breathability”. Closed winter shoes treated in this way become uncomfortable and get wet from the inside.
An abstract description of a water repellent without specifying specific components is a reason to choose a different composition.
We protect shoes from leaks the old-fashioned way - Goose fat
A reliable and proven way to treat shoes so that they do not get wet is to use waterfowl fat. Goose fat is the best and most reliable remedy for getting your shoes wet.
It's really hard to get...
This recipe was used not only by our fathers and grandfathers, but also by Soviet climbers!
Wax, goose fat and castor oil. Three quarters fat, one third wax and one third castor oil - these are the proportions of the recipe.
You mix all the products and heat them to a liquid state. You heat the shoes and rub them in with the resulting water-repellent agent.
This old-fashioned remedy, to be honest, is enough for a couple of weeks of constant walking in the snow.
Shoes are dry, feet are dry and warm! Nothing stinks!
