Since mesh is a porous material, water will just pass right through your running shoe. Hence, it is important to understand how can you waterproof mesh running shoes? If you are planning to go camping, you’ll need a silicon-based waterproofing spray with other camping accessories. It doesn’t matter what kind of shoe you have; these sprays will work wonders. Wet grass and dirt are no match for a sturdy, water-resistant pair of gaiters, which will help keep you dry.
Even in the winter, a mesh shoe with a decent wool sock can be a preferable choice if you want to cross streams and rivers. You can take a waterproof flashlight while camping to avoid
Running shoes that are water-resistant are available. Even with a Gore-Tex inside, running shoes will not be completely waterproof. Low-cut uppers make it impossible to prevent water from getting in, but they can fight it to some extent. One approach to keep your feet dry is by wearing waterproof socks.
Is mesh a waterproof material?
With vinyl or PVC applied to polyester strands and woven together, the water-resistance properties of the fabric are unmatched. To prevent water from permeating the polyester fibres, a coating is applied to each strand of yarn in the fabric. There are numerous ways to know how can you waterproof mesh running shoes!
How can you waterproof mesh running shoes?
Just as your car needs a waterproof car cover, your running shoe needs protection too. It is important to remember that mesh sneakers are not indestructible, and that proper maintenance is required for them to endure more than a season or two. If you want to keep your mesh shoes dry, follow these hints to know can you waterproof mesh running shoes!
Before I go any further, I want to make it clear that these suggestions will not render your mesh running shoes completely waterproof. The mesh used in running shoes is made up of various sized pores, and each shoe’s mesh is unique. As a result, the sort of mesh shoe that you are trying to make waterproof has an impact on the process.
Let’s have a look at the various treatments to understand how can you waterproof mesh running shoes.
The Use of a Waterproofing Spray
To prevent water from getting inside the shoes, use a waterproofing spray. Remove filth from the mesh with an old toothbrush and dampen the mesh upper with a damp towel before applying waterproofing spray.
Using Tarrago Nano Protection Spray on mesh sneakers is a fantastic idea. Spraying the shoes with a hydrophobic spray will allow you to walk in the snow while wearing them. Spray your mesh sneakers from top to bottom, including the tongue, heel, toecap, sidewalls, and seams, to ensure that nothing gets missed.
Before putting your shoes in the water, let the spray do its job overnight. In addition, the spray’s effects are not long-lasting. To keep your mesh sneakers waterproof, you may need to reapply the spray after a few weeks.
Socks That Wick Away Sweat and Drip
It is recommended to wear mesh shoes with moisture-wicking socks to prevent your feet from becoming wet as they cannot be entirely waterproof.
To keep your feet dry and comfortable in mesh shoes, you will need a pair of socks that won’t let water seep through and dampen them. It doesn’t matter how many times you wash these socks; they’ll keep your feet warm.
Wool socks are preferable for damp situations since they are less clammy and comfortable on your feet’s skin when they get wet, even if polyester socks are more durable.
Wool socks suitable for wearing with mesh shoes are listed below:
- Smartwool Socks
- Darn Tough Socks
- Icebreaker Socks
Use of beeswax
Another recommendation about how can you waterproof mesh running shoes is to add wax to the mesh sneakers’ pores to prevent water from getting in. Beeswax can be used as an eraser. All that’s required is a light rubbing over the mesh. Apply a hairdryer to the mesh upper of the shoes to melt the wax and generate a layer of protection.
Using beeswax instead of waterproofing spray is a more cost-effective option, and it lasts longer as well. Nonetheless, there are a few shortcomings to this technique. The mesh’s breathability and texture can be harmed if you rub it across it. Mesh flexibility may also be affected by wax. Beeswax also has an unpleasant odour.
As a precaution, you will have to apply the wax to just a part of your mesh sneakers. Pass water through the region to see if the shoes can withstand it. Then, if all goes according to plan, coat the mesh in wax.
Is It Safe to Wash Mesh Shoes in the Washer?
Mesh shoes can be washed in the machine. The machine, on the other hand, needs to be run at a slow speed. You should also avoid drying your mesh sneakers in the dryer, as this will damage their midsole and the mesh.
To clean mesh shoes, remove the laces from your mesh shoes and wash them with a moderate laundry detergent or liquid soap in a washing machine set to 30 degrees Celsius or 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to remove the insoles from your mesh sneakers if they have them so that they don’t clump up during the wash. Avoid using a dryer to dry your shoes after you have taken them off.
How Can I Dry Mesh Shoes in Record Time?
Mesh shoes can be dried fast if they are stuffed with old newspapers after being removed from their insoles and laces and placed outside in the sun. They can be dried on a heating vent if there is not enough sunshine available to do it outside.
Can I tell if the sneakers I bought are waterproof?
The shoe should feel as if it has additional padding. The lower portion of the shoe should be made of waterproof rubber. Shoes designed to be waterproof often have a distinctive look to them. The upper portion of the shoe will resemble a typical boot, while the toe and heel will be made of thick rubber.
How to waterproof knit shoes?
Wax treatments have shown to be the most effective means of waterproofing knit sneakers. Due to its ability to sink into and settle in microcavities within the woven threads, wax is used.
Creating your waxes
While commercial waxes for waterproofing footwear can be purchased, beeswax, unscented paraffin wax candles, or wax beads are more convenient (and less expensive).
Wax will be similarly applied to the surface to colour without the stain. This is why beeswax, which is stain-free and colourless, is the ideal product.
Getting Your Shoes Ready
The first step is to prepare your shoes for waxing.
- Ensure that the knit shoes are well cleaned. For the wax to adhere, a fresh, clean surface is required. You can use a damp towel to achieve this, or you can simply wash them to ensure their safety.
- Wait until they are totally dry before moving on to the next stage. In wet conditions, the wax will not adhere to the surface.
- Take off the shoes’ lacing fasteners. You’ll have better access to the shoe’s various components this way.
Putting on the Wax
Now things become a little hard, but the end product is well worth the effort.
- Put a small amount of wax on the knit shoe. This is merely a staining test.
- Apply the wax on the shoe’s outer surface. Make sure you cover all the bases.
- Pay close attention to the heel, toe, sidewalls, tongue, and laces in particular.
- Apply a thin layer of wax to the laces and let it dry.
- The discolouration isn’t important. Some discolouration is to be expected, whether you’re using clear wax or coloured wax to match the shoe. As soon as the procedure is complete, the problem will be resolved.
- Using a hairdryer, heat the wax until it melts. Each knit is soaked with wax when it is heated.
- Let it cool down before using. As the wax cools, it will solidify into an impenetrable barrier. At this point, any early discolouration will be gone.
- Try it out. Put a small amount of water on your shoes, and the water should roll off easily.
- You’ll be ready to go after this. With soap and hot water, you can easily remove the wax.
Water-resistant Sprays
To adequately waterproof any type of shoe, sprays are the most popular method. Knit sneakers, for example, benefit the most from these sprays because of their absorptive properties.
Silicone or acrylic polymers are the most important ingredients to look out for.
Preparing shoes
Even while waterproof sprays are simple to use, the shoes still need to be prepared before spraying.
Shoes should be completely cleaned and dried. You won’t be able to wash your shoes for at least a few months because of the long-lasting nature of the spray.
Take off the shoes’ lacing fasteners. Again, this is to allow easier access to the shoe’s many components.
Spraying the Surface
To get an equal coating, the correct spraying technique is required. To achieve the best results, follow these instructions.
- Keep the spray at least six inches away from the shoe when applying it. To avoid over-saturating a single area, avoid holding it too near to the surface.
- Get to the bottom of everything wrong. Sidewalls and seams, as well as the tongue, heel, and toe, make up the majority of the shoe’s construction.
- For knit sneakers, a single layer suffices. However, it’s best to follow the bottle’s recommendations to the letter. However, be careful not to over-wet the shoes.
- To remove any extra, use a microfiber cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol. As much extra spray as possible can be removed by gently dabbing the surface.
- Allow it to dry overnight in the open air. Getting the shoes wet before the spray dries will void all of your hard work. Let them dry overnight if possible.
- And that’s it! Generally speaking, waterproof sprays can endure for several months on average. However, if you prefer to remove it, you can do so. Reapplying later is a simple process.
PVC or Silicone Shoe Covers
You may always utilise rain covers to waterproof your knit shoes if you’re searching for a quick and easy solution. In comparison to the other two methods, this one is a lot simpler. Additionally, there is no upkeep necessary.
Rubber or vinyl shoe covers can entirely protect your knit sneakers from water because they’re 100% waterproof. They come in handy when it’s raining.
All you have to do is put them on and go about your day without a care in the world. Water can’t trickle down your ankle or permeate the shoe if you put them on correctly.
How to waterproof running shoes?
The best way to keep running shoes dry is to use wax. It’s the best for leather and fabric shoes as well, and it lasts the longest. Wax is a low-cost waterproofing option. However, applying wax is time-consuming and involves the use of a hairdryer to embed it into the shoe’s leather. It is great for people who know their shoes are going to become wet but do not want to wear rubber boots.
Make sure the shoe is waxed.
Both leather and textile shoes benefit from the waterproofing properties of wax. To protect the appearance of your shoes, choose a running shoe wax that has not been coloured or scented. All of these types of candles, as well as white dinner candles and plain beeswax, are great for waterproofing projects.
Using a candle or beeswax, firmly press the wax into the sole of your shoe. It should leave behind a white or golden tinge.
- Scrub your shoe thoroughly with the candle to remove all the wax.
- A hairdryer set on high can be used to melt the wax into the fabric of your shoe once it is clogged up.
- Melt the wax in your shoe by blowing hot air over it while wearing it. The wax may temporarily darken the material, but as it cools and dries, the colour will revert to its natural state. Waxing leather shoes has the added benefit of making them more lustrous.
- Your shoes will be watertight once the wax has dried.
The wax acts as a sealant, preventing water from penetrating the shoe. As a precautionary measure, you may wish to apply a second coat of wax to your shoes if they frequently get wet.
Running shoes should be do used in a waterproof spray.
Silicone or acrylic sprays can be used instead. Silicone or acrylic compounds are used in commercial waterproofing treatments to protect your footwear. Wax has a far longer shelf life, but these are less time consuming to apply and dry more rapidly. However, silicone sprays are superior to acrylic sprays in almost every way, but they’re also more costly. A lot of individuals also believe that the longevity of a silicone product is superior to that of an acrylic product.
Spray shoes as they are hanging up.
Hang your shoe by the laces if you intend to use a spray product to get the best possible access to the shoe. Rather than holding the shoe with one hand and spraying the other, you may simply turn the shoe to access the opposite side.
Spray the soles of your shoes in the open air or a garage before putting them away. You’ll be sprayed all over your workspace if you don’t clean up after yourself. Outside, or at least in a garage, it isn’t a major deal. It is difficult to clean up a mess caused by running shoe overspray in your home. To maintain your floor clean, at the very least, place newspapers under the shoes.
Allow them to air-dry.
A full day of drying time is required for spray products to reach their maximum efficiency, even though they are cool to the touch when they are first used. Allow the waterproofing spray to do its job for at least 24 hours before wearing your shoes.
Set your Waterproof spray for running shoes with a heat source. Users claim that heating the shoes after spraying aids in greater penetration of waterproofing spray into shoe pores. However, heat-treating your shoes is generally not recommended by shoe manufacturers. To heat-treat, use a hairdryer on the highest setting. As with heating a waxed running shoe, simply blow hot air into the shoe.
Additional considerations
Now that you realize that how can you waterproof mesh running shoes. There are a few specific items to keep in mind while trying to waterproof your shoes using any approach. If you follow these extra suggestions, the standard waterproofing methods will perform even better.
Look closely at the seams.
Leaks can occur at any point where two pieces of material come into contact. To achieve the optimum seal, extra care must be used in these areas. Angle the spray so that it gets into every nook and cranny of the seam. If necessary, get up and personal with the seam to ensure that the spray covers the gap.
Wax should be worked into the seam all the way. Wax should be twisted and pressed into the seam thoroughly. To get a good seal, hold your shoe in place while using a hairdryer to melt the wax.
Waterproofing should be refreshed regularly.
Even the most effective waterproofing systems will degrade over time. You should reapply your waterproofing every three to six months to keep your feet dry and warm. Waxes and mink oils, on the other hand, have a much longer shelf life than spray-on cosmetics.
As your foot flexes, pay attention to the areas of your shoe where it wrinkles and bends. This is where leaks begin because that is where the waterproofing is most likely to find its way out of the pores. Fortunately, after the initial treatment, you only need to fill up the areas where the waterproofing has worn off.
Conclusion about Can you waterproof mesh running shoes
So, putting on wet, freezing shoes is as bad as it sounds, right? Besides the fact that they are unbearable to wear, they are also a pain to wash and dry.
However, now you know how can you waterproof mesh running shoes in a variety of ways. You may save money and time by making your wax. Or you may waterproof your mesh shoes quickly by using the waterproof spray. Moreover, moisture-wicking socks are also helpful.
Also, do not forget to clean the problematic regions of the shoe. So you may avoid mushy, damp running shoes with the simple methods discussed in this post about can you waterproof mesh running shoes?
