Water Resistant or Waterproof?

Waterproof Footwear

The term “waterproof” refers to footwear that is generally impervious to water. Of course we all know rainboots fall into this category, but there are a growing number of boots and shoes that incorporate technology and have a few characteristics that set them apart:

• Good for all-day outdoor activities during wet conditions
• Keep your feet dry during continuous rain or when submerged, (up to a reasonable point!)
• Many are built with a wraparound membrane, often Gore-Tex, that can keep footwear breathable, letting sweat out but no water, in. (See this from Dansko, or this from On Running)
• The sole is often directly attached to the unit and seam-free. Won’t allow rain or snow to penetrate

Water Resistant Footwear

If your footwear is labeled water resistant, your feet will stay nice and dry in wet conditions, but only for a shorter period of time than waterproof. Water resistant may have some features in common with waterproof, but you probably want to steer clear of any puddle jumping. Here’s a good breakdown when considering the difference:

• Good for daily use in light rain or even snow
• Made from materials that are naturally water resistant such as leather, (like this Blundstone boot), or treated for water resistance during manufacturing
• Generally easier to clean because of their smooth surfaces
• Can feature the same seam-free technology as waterproof to keep you dry should you encounter a puddle or two

“Waterproof” Treatment

We are often asked if shoes can be treated to be waterproof. If shoes are made from a porous material such as leather, canvas, or suede, a waterproof spray will keep them dry. But perhaps the biggest benefit is keeping them stain free should they encounter any liquid. There are lots of products available but to keep your footwear water resistant and stain free, we’ve always gone with this tried and true spray from KIWI.