Top-down close-up view of a brown leather hiking boot covered in water droplets resting on a bed of light-colored pebbles, showing metal lace hooks and crisscrossed laces.

2026-09-15

How to Waterproof Boots and Shoes?

Here’s how to waterproof your boots and other shoes to keep them shining, soft, and functional far into the future.

There’s a simple process for how to waterproof leather boots and shoes at home.

Timberland Team

You need boots ready for the long haul, able to handle whatever the great outdoors throws at them. When you head out on your next adventure, water resistance is essential to keep your feet dry when you need it most.

Whatever type of boots you own, regular maintenance will be needed to sustain a weather proof layer.

Here’s Timberland's guide on how to waterproof your boots to keep them functional far into the future. When choosing your method of waterproofing, consider longevity, material, and the effect on the appearance of your footwear. We’ll show you how it’s done, and provide you everything you need to do the job right.

How to Waterproof Boots & Shoes: The Process

There’s a simple process for how to waterproof boots and shoes at home. The steps are as follows:

hClean your boots carefully: You’ll want to use a damp cloth or sponge to remove all mud, soil, and dust from your shoes. We recommend Renewbuck or our Dry Cleaning Kit for nubuck, suede and canvas. Here’s an in-depth guide to cleaning Timberland boots.
Apply the appropriate waterproofing products to your footwear: The right product depends on the material of your shoes:
1. For full-grain leather, use wax or a waterproofing spray like Balm Proofer.
2. Oiled and waxed leathers should use Waximum.
3. For suede, canvas, or nubuck, use a spray, and don’t use wax.
Air dry your boots fully: Make sure you let this process happen naturally. It may be tempting to speed up the process with a hair dryer or radiator. But this can cause the upper parts of the boot to blister and crack, breaking your waterproof seal.
Repeat the process periodically. Steady maintenance will lead to a reliable waterproof layer for your footwear.

How to Waterproof Leather Boots: Full-Grain vs. Nubuck and Suede

Full-grain leather boots require different maintenance techniques than canvas, nubuck, and suede. This applies to cleaning as well as waterproofing.

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When choosing your method of waterproofing, consider longevity, material, and the effect on the appearance of the shoe.

A bottle of Timberland Balm Proofer Water & Stain Repellent spray with a clear plastic body and trigger nozzle, standing next to its dark green product box on a plain white background.

Full-Grain Leather: Wax for Moisture and Softness

Over time, leather can begin to stiffen and crack, as its natural oils start to dry out. By rubbing wax into a leather boot, the waterproof properties can be restored while the wax also conditions and softens the leather.

We recommend Timberland’s Waximum, made from beeswax and moisturizing coconut oil that revives dry leather and restores water-resistance. It’s the fountain of youth for waxed and oiled leathers. Note that this product is NOT for use on suede, nubuck leather, or any kind of canvas.

Hot Tip: Spot test on a small area first, as Waximum can permanently darken some leathers.

Nubuck and Suede: Spray Is the Way

Suede boots can be easily stained in wet weather, so they’re never exactly “waterproof.” You can treat your suede or nubuck shoes to help them last longer, but you should never use wax, which will drastically change the look of suede.

To clean your suede or nubuck Timberlands, like the 6-Inch Premium Boots, use Timberland’s Renewbuck™ suede and nubuck cleaner. For quality protection without compromising looks, Balm Proofer™ Water and Stain Repellent provides a lightweight shield against water and grime.

Regular brushing sessions will help keep your nubuck and suede boots free of dirt and dust that can build up over time.

Timberland Care Products to Help Protect and Waterproof Your Boots at Home

Our product care page has everything you need to care for your boots. Here’s a tour:

Balm Proofer™ Water & Stain Repellent is our high-quality waterproofing spray for boots. It’s also great for nubuck and suede boots and shoes, bags, and any other item with waterproofing qualities that you want to reinforce, including leather boots.
Treat your leather boots with Waximum™ Waxed Leather Protector to soften the leather with coconut oil and beeswax and firm up your waterproof seal.
For suede and nubuck shoes, use our Renewbuck™ Foaming Cleanser to keep your boots fresh while protecting its materials.
Our Suede Brush for suede and nubuck materials clears out dried dirt and mud before you head off to work or out on the town.
The Boot Kit is your all-in-one protection package for suede and nubuck footwear: Boot Cleaner, Boot Conditioner, and Balm Proofer™ all together.

Now you’ve got all the steps and materials ready to care for your leather footwear. With easy, regular maintenance, you and your boots will have a long and happy life together. Shop our waterproof boots for men and women to find a sturdy style for wet weather conditions.

A man and a woman in light tan coats standing outdoors with their bicycles in the rain, with wet pavement reflecting their silhouettes and a wooded hill in the background.