Best Protective Spray for Sneakers

You purchase the long-awaited sneaker that you’ve been searching for and you finally get to wear them. Everything feels good as you stroll down the street but then suddenly it starts raining outside. A lot of sneakerheads panic. They run inside or hop into a taxi so that their shoes don’t get wet. That is crazy and totally unnecessary, especially if you treat your shoes with a good sneaker protector.

Best Shoe Protector Spray

Sneaker protector spray is the best way to protect your shoes and keep them looking like deadstock. The spray will help repel dirt and stains, but the main focus is on its ability to protect from and repel liquid. A good shoe protector spray can save you a lot of time cleaning your shoes and can also make your sneaker’s upper material absorb less water and be more likely to stay completely dry.

It is important to note what kind of fabric your shoes are made out of before shopping for shoe protectors, as suede and some other delicate leathers might require their own unique spray. Otherwise, be sure to first test the spray on a small back corner of your shoe before coating the entire shoe. We review and rate our favorite shoe protector sprays below.

Best Shoe Protector Spray: The Art of Crep Protect Spray

Looking like they have truly mastered the art of sneaker care and treatment, Crep Protect shoe spray is one of the most popular in the market. It boasts a long-lasting nanotechnology shield that can repel water and other dense liquid stains to help ensure that your sneakers remain fresh, safe, and protected.

Runner Up: Reshoevn8r Premium Shoe Protection Spray

Reshoevn8r does a good job of water-repelling and won’t disappoint you. The shield can last for weeks and is truly a reliable choice for sneakerheads and workers alike.

Budget Pick: KIWI Sneaker and Shoe Waterproofer

It’s not the best, but for a pack of 3 with the price of one, KIWI is a great budget option for those who aren’t in need of super high-end sneaker protection sprays. They’re more known for shoe polishing formulas, but now that they have entered the water-repellent spray competition, KIWI is a solid choice as the best budget pick.

Shoe Protector Spray Buyer’s Guide

First and foremost, buyers need to have reasonable expectations and admit that not all shoe protector sprays can do it all. They won’t fully repel dirt if you deliberately run through the dirt or throw off any kind of stains on the shoe. The invisible barriers do work well to repel water and keep your shoes and feet dry, but you can lower your expectations because it won’t work every time. Also, the barrier starts to diminish and the spray needs to be reapplied periodically.

When looking for a shoe protector spray, some of the most important things to consider are the following factors: Chemicals used, Duration of effect, Reliability, and of course the price. These simple factors are the primary and essential things to consider when checking the products out. Remember to read the product instructions and warning labels before using them to avoid any incidents such as allergic reactions, or worse, fire. They’re highly flammable and contain various chemicals, so keep these away from children and store them in safe areas.

Shoe Protector Spray Reviews

Now let’s take a look at some of the top shoe protector sprays.

1. Jason Markk 5.4oz. Repel Spray – Quality Care

Key Features at a Glance

• Water-based spray
• Odorless
• Spray covers a large area
• Suitable on common upper fabrics

Dimensions and Specs

• Spray Bottle
• 5.4oz (159.7ml)
• Reusable container

The Details

When it comes to premium sneaker care kits, Jason Markk will surely be part of the topic. Sporting a minimal yet classy appearance just like most of their shoe cleaning kits, Jason Markk’s Repel Spray provides the same high-quality shoe care that fans of the brands have grown accustomed to.

The eco-friendly, non-aerosol spray tube distributes a wealthy amount of mist that nicely covers the entire shoe. It’s intended to combat stains and liquids so that the shoe stays fresh and clean. The spray bottle itself can be reused for future refills. Unfortunately, some reviews claim that the water-based spray causes their shoe’s upper to bleed color. The moisture barrier repels stains well and anyone with monochromatic sneakers will be just fine.

The Bottom Line

If you have used other Jason Markk Sneaker Cleaning Products in the past, then you can expect the same thing with this Repel Spray. It’s a premium shoe spray with a decent stain and water-repelling solution that gives you exactly what you pay for. Just be aware of possible upper discoloration on multicolor fabrics, you may do a test run and apply just enough amounts of spray to see if it would affect the shoe’s upper material color – but aside from that issue, you won’t have anything else to worry about.

2. The Art of Crep Protect Spray – Best Bet

Key Features at a Glance

• Boasts nanotechnology to create an invisible protective barrier
• Best for suede, nubuck, linen, and canvas upper fabrics
• Quick-drying solution
• Repels liquids, rain, and stains

Dimensions and Specs

• Big 200ml Spray Bottle
• Easy to use
• Made in the USA

The Details

Another brand with a complete focus on sneaker care, Crep Protect offers a variety of sneaker cleaning products as well as sneaker protection kits. The Crep Protect products help ensure that your sneakers are protected no matter if they are up on the shelf or if they are on your feet walking through ever-changing weather.

Their aerosol shoe protector spray sports a nanotechnology that produces an invisible protective barrier around your shoe and completely repels liquids. The barrier also helps prevent liquids from staining the shoes. Cleaning suede and canvas uppers can be a struggle, so Crep Protect has found a way to prevent them from getting dirty. The liquid spray dries quickly and keeps the invisible protective barrier for several weeks, depending on how often you use your shoes and depending on the environment your shoe has to withstand.

Those with leather uppers may want to make sure that the spray doesn’t leave a residue on the leather material – you may apply a few amounts of spray to a cloth before putting Crep Protect on it and applying it to a discrete section of the upper. If any problems occur you can easily wipe the stain out.

The Bottom Line

One of the more consistent products for protecting various upper fabrics and materials, Crep Protect does a good job considering its premium price. No matter if it starts to rain or if someone accidentally steps on your sneakers – you will be happy to see the barrier protect your shoe as Crep Protect works its magic.

3. Apple Rain & Stain Water Repellent – Versatile

Key Features at a Glance

• Protects from rain and stain
• Versatile spray also suitable for shoes, handbags
• Effective on premium materials like Vachetta leather

Dimensions and Specs

• 5.5oz. Can Spray
• Made in the USA
• Vinyl/Leather/Polycarbonate Coating

The Details

Not the famous tech company, Apple Brand’s Garde Rain and Stain Water Repellent Spray is one of the most versatile protective sprays on the list due to its ability to keep shoes and even handbags safe and clean from rain and other forms of stain. It’s suitable for suede and premium materials like Vachetta leather, but take note that some users have reported rare occurrences of color alterations and discolorations on some shoes and bags – so always spray a few drops of Apple Brand Repellent and test it out on a discrete part of your shoe first.

The spray itself is quite effective. Most users report being very satisfied with the product and feel that their shoes and bags have been adequately protected by Apple Brand Garde Rain and Water Repellent Spray.

The Bottom Line

A reliable water-repellent spray not just for shoes, but for handbags as well, Apple Brand’s Repellent Spray works on most kinds of leather and works well enough that customers come back for more and more. It contains various chemicals, so it must be stored in the right place and always keep it away from children as it can harm if accidentally sprayed on the skin.

This is a premium-priced shoe protector spray that delivers a premium product.

4. KIWI Sneaker and Shoe Waterproofer – Budget Buy

Key Features at a Glance

• Waterproof spray
• Suitable for full-grain, patent and synthetic leather, and other common fabrics
• Extreme protection up to 15 rainy days

Dimensions and Specs

• 4.25 Spray Can
• Extremely Flammable
• Contains various chemicals, keep away from children

The Details

More popular for their shoe polishing products, KIWI introduced a 3-part Sneaker Care System that includes the Shoe Waterproofer Spray. The invisible barrier is strong and provides long-lasting waterproof protection that is suitable for those who often get caught in the rain or those who want to avoid stains from liquids.

The product’s best aspect is the effective water-repelling power that is often even used effectively for outdoor equipment like tents and sleeping bags. The same can’t be said for KIWI’s stain prevention powers, as it won’t repel dirt.

The Bottom Line

Sold in a pack of 3, KIWI’s Shoe Waterproofer takes the best budget crown for its solid waterproof protection alone. It won’t solve dirt and stain problems, but it has a strong and effective waterproofing shield that goes a long way. KIWI has been known for its shoe polishers, but they are committed to building a respectable reputation among shoe water-repellent sprays and cleaning kits as well.

5. Reshoevn8r Premium Shoe and Sneaker Stain and Water Repellent Protection Spray, 6.5 Oz – Premium Product

Key Features at a Glance

• Hydrophobic formula protects shoes from rain, dirt, grass, and other liquid stains
• Easy-to-use and fast drying
• Repels liquids and stains on upper fabrics and even foam midsoles

Dimensions and Specs

• 6.5oz Spray Can
• Not recommended for patent leather uppers
• Outdoor-only usage

The Details

Another top-tier brand that specializes in sneaker care and treatment, Reshoevn8r’s Shoe Protection Spray is one of the strongest water and stain-repellent products on the market. It’s a great product that is highly effective at repelling water but make sure that you’ll only spray this outdoors. Its strong formula can cause burns and allergies when the mist spreads inside the room, so it’s a fair warning that this product is meant to be used only outside.

Its shield can last from 4-6 weeks, depending on how often you wear your shoes and how much spray you have applied. So if you’re looking for a straightforward product that excels in what it does, Reshoevn8r won’t disappoint. But if you’re looking for a highly effective product that can completely block any dirt and stain, you won’t find it with this product.

The Bottom Line

Priced at around the same tier as other premium products, Reshoevn8r is one of the most reliable on the list. But remember that this product must be used OUTDOORS, keep this away from children as it may be terribly harmful.

Aside from its strong formula and inconsistent dirt-repellent, Reshoevn8r is a pretty good option. Just not good enough to take the top spot among the others on this list.

Conclusion

Some brands may have mastered the art of shoe protector sprays while others may have just fallen short of their purpose. But that doesn’t mean that these products will ensure your shoe’s durability and cleanliness. The overall durability and freshness of sneakers would still rely upon and depend on users. Sneakerheads may have more extra steps as they keep their grail sneakers in tip-top condition, while those who wear their shoes regularly may get a slightly disappointing expectation with some of these brands.

Having awareness about the products, their warning labels, and intended usage are also important things to know which is the best for you before purchasing. Just always remember that your safety is and will always be more important than a pair of shoes.

Applying a good sneaker protector spray will extend the life of your shoes and keep them looking nice and clean for longer. Remember that good sneaker care starts soon after purchase with the application of a strong sneaker protector. Spray from a good sneaker protector will help repel some dirt and stains, but the main focus is on their ability to protect from and repel liquid.  The sprays on this list will keep your shoes from absorbing water, and will also help with some stains.