Caring for and waterproofing suede, nubuck or canvas shoes

A shower on suede ankle boots, a coffee spilt on light canvas trainers, a puddle crossed in nubuck: without protection, these porous materials soak up everything that touches them and keep the mark.

Caring for a velvet leather or fabric shoe involves neither polish nor grease. It relies on a simple, preventive step: waterproofing, which puts an invisible barrier on the surface of the fibres.

Properly applied to a clean pair, it makes water and liquids bead, limits stains sinking in and makes every later clean easier, for several months.

Our product for protecting your suede, nubuck and canvas shoes

Why waterproof suede, nubuck or canvas shoes?

Suede and nubuck are leathers with no surface finish: nothing closes their pores. Canvas, for its part, lets water pass through its weave as far as the lining. The result: rings after rain, a shade that darkens in patches, grease stains that settle in and a shoe that dries stiff.

The SOFOLK waterproofing protector corrects this weak point without changing the look of the pair. Based on silicon nanotechnology, it forms an invisible barrier on which water, oil and liquids bead instead of soaking in.

• Water-repellent: water, oil and liquid stains no longer adhere.
• Breathable: it lets the fibres breathe, for unchanged comfort inside the shoe.
• Discreet: colourless, odourless and UV-resistant.
• Long-lasting: effective for 6 to 12 months depending on wear, and resistant to cleaning products.

It is suitable for all leathers, including suede and nubuck, for Alcantara and for fabrics: ankle boots, boots, loafers, derbies, trainers, sneakers, plimsolls and espadrilles.

When should you apply the waterproofing protector?

The waterproofing protector is always applied last, on a clean and perfectly dry shoe. Applied to a dirty pair, it would trap the dirt under its barrier.

So start with a thorough clean, following our method for cleaning suede, nubuck or canvas shoes, then leave to dry. On a new pair, apply it before the first outing: it is the best moment to protect them.

Then reapply when water no longer beads clearly, generally once or twice a year, and after every deep clean.

Waterproofing your shoes in 4 steps

Step 1: prepare the shoe

Check that the shoe is clean and dry. Remove the laces if you want to treat them separately, and slip paper inside so that the shoe keeps its shape. Shake the bottle before use; wearing gloves is recommended.

Step 2: apply evenly

Spray the waterproofing protector evenly over the whole upper, seams included. On canvas, soak the fabric well. On suede and nubuck, which absorb less, spray evenly without soaking, and wipe off any excess with a cloth.

Step 3: leave to dry

Leave to dry before any contact with hands, water or another product. Drying time depends on temperature, the quantity applied and the material; a hairdryer held at a distance can speed it up.

Step 4: check the beading effect

Once the shoe is completely dry, place a few drops of water on a discreet area: they should bead and roll off. On suede and nubuck, light brushing then restores the velvety look of the fibres.

How much should you use?

Allow 25 to 100 ml per square metre depending on how absorbent the material is: little on leather, more on canvas, which soaks up the product. A pair of shoes needs only a few sprays, and one bottle can treat many pairs, as well as other items around the home: jackets, bags, fabric seating.

Day-to-day care between waterproofing treatments

• Brush regularly suede and nubuck dry, to remove dust before it sinks in.
• Treat a stain straight away: blot without rubbing, leave to dry, then clean.
• Dry a wet pair at room temperature, stuffed with paper, never against a radiator.
• Store your shoes away from direct light, which fades the shades of suede.

These steps apply to the whole range of care products presented in our suede, nubuck and canvas shoes section. For smooth leather shoes, which are nourished and polished, refer instead to our page on caring for leather shoes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I waterproof suede shoes?

Clean them and leave them to dry, then spray the waterproofing protector evenly over the whole upper, without soaking. Leave to dry completely, check that water beads and brush lightly to lift the fibres.

Does a waterproofing protector change the colour of suede or nubuck?

The SOFOLK waterproofing protector is colourless. As with any product, test it on a discreet area before treating the whole shoe, particularly on a very pale shade.

Should canvas trainers be waterproofed?

Yes, and it is where it is most useful: canvas absorbs water and stains very quickly. Once protected, your trainers get less dirty and are much easier to clean.

How long does waterproofing last?

From 6 to 12 months depending on wear: a pair worn every day in the rain will need reapplying sooner than a pair worn in mild seasons. When water no longer beads, it is time to renew it.

Can new shoes be waterproofed?

It is even recommended: a new shoe is clean and dry, the ideal condition. Protect it before the first outing and it will keep its original look for longer.