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If we work outdoors, it is critical to make sure that our work boots are safe, comfy, and waterproof. The last thing we want to do is to work all day with cold and wet feet when the weather is nasty because it will affect our productivity.
We can actually opt to buy waterproof work boots, which will cost us quite a bit of money. But if like us, you already have existing construction boots for men or women that still have a lot of life left in them, then consider using a waterproof spray to your existing boots to make your own waterproof work shoes. You can even use this spray for your new boots or other types of work shoes and gear.
Why Use Waterproof Sprays?
Using a waterproof spray is an affordable and easy method of making your own waterproof work boots for men or women. These sprays come in a variety of brands that are easy to find in any hardware or online store. It doesn’t take rocket science to put them on and there are three major benefits:
Protects against dirt and stains
We all know how expensive work boots can be and the last thing we want to do is to keep on buying them. Some types of work will require us to go through muddy puddles and swamps. By applying a waterproof spray on our boots, nasty stains won’t adhere so easily and cleaning them will not be as tedious. With the invisible layer of waterproof material coating our boots, the stains will not penetrate deep into the fabric, making it so much easier to clean our gear after our long day outside.
Improve water resistance
Using the spray provides maximum water resistance for nearly every material used today. It can work for our nylon, leather, cotton, or polyester work boots. Even an old gear that has lots of water-repelling features can regain back this quality with a waterproof spray. We just need to reapply this on our work boots from time to time to ensure maximum efficiency. Worry not because this will not affect the breathable quality of our boots it will help maintain it.
Increase Product Durability
The waterproof spray will increase the lifespan and durability of our boots. Exposure to a constant wet environment will always take its toll on our stuff. If we make our boots waterproof with the spray, it will prevent the material from getting soaked and from dirt penetrating the fabric. This means the materials are less distressed, and therefore, last longer. Using a waterproofing spray is definitely cheaper than buying new boots all the time.
Top 4 Waterproof Sprays
The ones on our list are the best and most reasonably priced hydrophobic sprays in the market. If you constantly get your work boots wet, then it means you need to constantly reapply this spray. Getting an expensive waterproof spray may end up costing more than your boots. And, of course, it is a waste of money if it works just the same. Check out our top picks below:
Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield
Source: https://www.scotchgard.com/
This is one of the most popular brands when it comes to waterproofing, especially this heavy-duty version which is the best for our outdoor gear and rugged work boots. This will even work on regular clothing and shoes. The waterproofing materials are silicone, propane, and petroleum distillates. Scotchgard assures us that this doesn’t have chlorofluorocarbon, which is harmful to the ozone layer.
Weighing 10.5 ounces, this product will last us for a bit of time because it can cover a total of 60 square feet of material. It warns that it may discolor our lighter fabrics. Dispersion is very solid and this will coat our items well in just a few sweeps. Expect a slight chemical smell, which should not be a problem when we spray outdoors. The scent will be gone when our boots dry up. There is indeed a very faint change in color, but it won’t notice unless you nit-pick.
Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent
Source: https://www.kiwicare.com/
This is a recognizable brand name that promises to deliver quality. It is an aerosol spray that is a silicone-based water repellent intended for the protection of outdoor footwear and gear. This is 10.5-ounce can is produced by SC Johnson and promises to deliver no harmful chemicals. Because it is intended for our outdoor stuff, the advice to avoid using this on everyday clothing.
The dispersion of the product is great because it is wide and light. There is a strong chemical scent when applying, but it goes away very easily when the material is fully dry. There is also no fabric discoloration, but they do become a bit stiffer and wrinkled.
Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On
Source: https://www.nikwax.com/
This product comes in a regular spray bottle that’s designed for adding a waterproof layer to our different gear with various kinds of materials. Because this is available in a spray bottle, it is free from fluorocarbons and propellant gases that are typically seen in aerosol cans. This is 17 fluid ounces, so it can cover our boots well and last us a really long time.
Nikwax may not be as popular as Kiwi or Scotchgard, but it does a pretty good job of coating our boots. Just be sure to keep the bottle upright all the time to prevent the trigger spray from dripping. The scent of this is akin to vinegar, which is tolerable. The smell will stay for a bit after drying, but it will only be noticeable if we put our nose up close to it. The material will wrinkle and harden a bit when dry, but there is no discoloration to speak of.
Granger’s Xtreme Repel
Source: https://grangers.co.uk/
The last but not the least is Granger, which is a lesser-known brand from the United Kingdom. This is a well-known company that is designed to protect high-performance gear with its acrylic polymer technology. This fluorocarbon-free material comes in a 9.3-ounce bottle and can be applied through its trigger nozzle. We may have to tumble dry our work boots for best results.
Among all the products, Granger had the strongest chemical scent. After drying, there will only be a slight smell on the material, which is noticeable if you take a deep whiff. The cotton and nylon will have darker hues after application. Just like the rest, expect materials to be a bit hard and wrinkled after application.
Final Word
As you can see, there are many benefits to spraying our work boots with a waterproof spray. With so many brands out there, we can use and try many different labels. But for best results, it is best to stick with the most reviewed brands in the market. Remember, if your boots are new, you can apply the waterproof spray right away. If it has been used, wash and dry them first before application. For best results, give your work boots several coats. Spray abundantly and dry. Then repeat this process twice more.
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