Waterproofing Treatments
A protective layer between your shoes and the weather — sprays and creams that add real resistance without changing how a shoe looks or feels.
By Ambrogio Shoes Editorial, in consultation with Ambrogio's Spain-based shoemaking team
· Updated July 9, 2026
Waterproofing treatments, typically sprays or waxy creams applied to the leather's surface, create a protective barrier that helps repel water and moisture, reducing staining and material damage from rain or wet conditions. Different formulations suit different leather types, smooth leather generally uses a different product than suede or nubuck, and reapplication is needed periodically since the protective effect diminishes with wear and cleaning over time.
A Protective Barrier, Not a New Material
Waterproofing treatments, whether sprays or waxy creams, create a protective barrier on the leather's surface that helps repel water and moisture. This reduces staining and material damage from rain or generally wet conditions without changing the underlying shoe.
Choosing the Right Formula for the Material
Smooth leather and suede or nubuck generally require different waterproofing formulations, suited to each material's distinct surface texture. Using the wrong product risks reduced effectiveness or unwanted changes to the material's appearance.
Proactive Protection Beats Reactive Treatment
Applying waterproofing treatment before a shoe's first exposure to rain or wet conditions offers meaningfully better protection than treating it reactively afterward. Since the protective effect diminishes over time with wear and cleaning, periodic reapplication is part of an ongoing care routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same waterproofing product on smooth leather and suede?
Generally not — smooth leather and suede/nubuck typically require different waterproofing formulations suited to their distinct surface textures, so it's worth checking that a product is designed for your specific shoe's material.
Does waterproofing spray change how a shoe looks?
Well-formulated waterproofing sprays are generally designed to be invisible once dry, protecting the material without noticeably altering its appearance, color, or texture.
How often should waterproofing treatment be reapplied?
This varies by product and how much wear and cleaning the shoe undergoes, but periodic reapplication is generally necessary since the protective barrier diminishes over time rather than lasting indefinitely.
Should I waterproof shoes before or after they get wet for the first time?
Applying waterproofing treatment proactively, before a shoe's first exposure to rain or wet conditions, offers better protection than trying to treat a shoe reactively after it has already been exposed and potentially damaged.
Sources & further reading:
The Shoe Snob — Shoe Care Guide: https://www.theshoesnobblog.com/
