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Do you own a pair of Vans or are thinking about buying a pair? Like myself you could own multiple pairs. For future and present Vans sneaker owners I’ll be asking the question ‘are Vans Waterproof’ and how to protect them in wet conditions and keep your feet dry.
Are Vans Shoes Waterproof?
Vans shoes are water resistant but they are not fully waterproof. Vans are not designed for being fully submerged in water or getting soaking wet. A proper waterproofing product should be used before using Vans regularly outdoors.
The rubber outsole and midsole are waterproof. This means your shoes will not get damp from the ground up.
Vans shoes will get wet from the top down. This means care should be taken to protect your shoes from damp conditions such as rain, puddles and very damp grass. They will get wet from the upper parts of the shoe.
Is it okay to wear Vans in the rain?
As I mentioned above Vans are water resistant so they are OK wear in the rain. However it is best to take proper care and protect them with a waterproofing spray. My recommendation is to do this before you start wearing and using your Vans on a regular basis.
How to make your Vans Shoes Waterproof?
The easiest method to waterproof your Vans shoes is to use a waterproof protector spray that is designed specifically for shoes. This will provide a waterproof shield that will protect your shoes from water. Some brands will also act as a stain shield as well as a waterproof shield. This will give your Vans double protection.
Before You Waterproof Vans – Clean Them
Before you waterproof your Vans you need to make sure they are clean from dirt and stains. Take a look below at the quick methods we recommend to clean the different styles of fabric the Vans company uses to make their shoes.
Cleaning Vans Canvas Shoes Quickly
- Use a small brush (a toothbrush is good) to remove loose dirt and mud before you start cleaning the fabric of the shoe.
- Use warm, soapy water and another toothbrush to clean the tops, sides and rubber strip of your Vans. To remove stubborn stains keep working over them gently.
- Now us a damp cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any remaining soap suds.
- Leave to air dry.
Cleaning Vans Suede Shoes Quickly
- Brush any loose dirt and grime off your shoes with a soft-bristled suede brush.
- Remove dark stains by blotting them gently with a cloth dampened in equal parts water and white vinegar. Make sure you do not over saturate the whole shoe.
- Use a magic eraser to clean the rubber strip around the outside of your suede Vans.
- Leave your Vans to air dry.
Cleaning Vans Leather Shoes Quickly
- Start by removing surface grime from the bottoms, sides and tops of your shoes with a shoe brush.
- Clean your leather shoes using Nikwax Footwear Gel and a synthetic brush.
- Leave your shoes to air dry naturally overnight.
What to Put on Vans to Protect Them?
Below you will find two products that will protect your Vans and keep them dry and stain free. The first is direct from the Vans company themselves and the second is my personal preference that I really like and have used for many years.
Vans Water and Stain Shield
Vans actually sell their own water and stain shield spray. This can be used on shoes made from canvas, cotton, suede, nubuck, leather, mesh or nylon. For maximum protection Vans recommend (as I do) to apply this spray first before you start wearing your shoes outside.
Take a Look on the Vans Website
Product I Use – ‘Crep Protect’ Protector Spray
For many years in my household we have used Crep Protect to protect and waterproof all of our shoes for both my Wife and I and our children. This waterproofing and stain shield spray is great and can also be used on suede, nubuck, linen shoes and canvas footwear.
This is the product I highly recommend you use for waterproofing your Vans and shoes. Spray two layers of this brand and you will achieve waterproof and stain protection results for months. We love this product and use it regularly on all our shoes, this brand really does a great job. Spray them and after 24 hours you’ll have great protection.
Can you Scotchgard Vans?
You can use and apply Scothgard Fabric Water Shield on Vans, but only on the Vans canvas shoes. Scotchgard can provide a waterproof barrier to canvas materials. It is a fabric water shield that will help to waterproof canvas shoes. My preference would be to use the Crep Protect spray that I mentioned above for the best results to shield against water and stains.
How Long Do Vans Last – The Longevity of Vans Shoes
My Experience with Vans Shoes
I currently own three pairs of Vans – two pairs of slip on sneakers and one pair of black and white check tie up sneakers. Over the years I have owned many pairs which I have worn to music festivals, taken on vacation to Disney World and all sorts of different activities. They are very versatile.
They are very a durable shoe that are designed for the wear and tear of skateboarding however, I have always applied a waterproofing spray to them like I do for all my day to day sneakers. Prevention from rain, water and the wet is always the best protection when wearing Vans.
Note – I have always found that Vans can fit a little tight straight out of the box. I recommend that you wear your new shoes around the house first. This will ensure you have purchased the correct size before you apply any protective product to them.
Vans usually break in pretty quickly from my experience and just need to stretch a little. Just give them a few days wearing them around the house to break them in.
Final Thoughts on Making Vans Shoes Waterproof
The process of waterproofing your pair of Vans shoes is very easy to do. Simply ensure your shoes are clean and then spray them with a protector spray and you will be good to go for outdoor activities. You can wear your shoes in wet conditions with nothing to worry about. Your shoes will be protected and you’ll keep your feet dry.
Other Helpful Info on Sneakers
If you have found this article useful, you may want to take a look at some of articles below.
Can You Put Converse in the Washing Machine
How to Prevent Shoes from Yellowing
Top 10 Off Brand Vans Alternatives
How to Stop Sneakers from Squeaking
About The Author
