NikwaxFabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing

Before I tell you about Nikwax, please note that I also use Scotchgard from 3M. If you use a solvent based water proofing spray (think 3M), be prepared for strong odors and solvents. 3M waterproofing is great for nubuck and suede as it doesn't darken fabric or natural hide. The down side is that it does require an aerosol can that contains a rapidly evaporating solvent. It dries quickly and should be applied outdoors. Nikwax is water based and has no solvent. It does not smell good and sprays onto fabric and leather with a milky white consistency. No solvents and safe to use indoors. Nikwax takes a while to dry - but in the end, it is excellent for maintaining water repellency. It is extremely effective and keeps fabric and leather cleaner for longer duration. It does tend to darken leather and fabric more than the aerosol (3M) stain repellants. I would not recommend Nikwax for use on suede or on nubuck as it will change the texture if you use too much. Breathability is maintained. For smooth leather and fabric it does seem to work as long as you know that the darkened color change is a strong possibility.

I bought this for water repellent. I work outside in all types of weather so when it rains or snows I spray my sneakers, baseball hat, etc. I think it’s intended more for tents and camping gear. Scotchgard works better for my needs. I gave it 5 stars because it worked well on my backpack and winter work boots. I should have researched the product’s intended use before buying. It smells strong- don’t use it indoors- and dries quickly.

Did pretty decent job for a product to water proof my shoes but I haven't tried apply water on top of the shoes and see if the shoe is hydroponics enough, I will try this to one of my wind braker jacket to see if does well

I have several pairs of shoes that are either a fabric or a suede. So far, this has never caused any discoloration or change in color on any color or shade, and it works. Depending on how often I've worn the shoes in wet weather, I reapply about every Fall or late summer. I live in the CO mountains; we have extended periods in spring and Fall with mud - a lot of mud (it's much better than sidewalks and paved streets). So, shoes need to be good with mud and wet, including snow. I started using this brand on Inkka's shoes, because they're a combo of a heavy fabric with dyes of varied colors, and suede and it's great. It's easy to use. I brush off the shoe or lightly clean it first, so all dirt and dust are off before applying. I think as long as you follow the directions, you're good. I dislike this task, though it takes minutes (it does take a bit to dry, I don't know how long because I leave them out on the deck about half a day - I don't think it takes that entire time to dry). Besides, depending on where you live, there is another benefit; here, in the night there are a lot of wandering creatures and in the past when I've left shoes with leather outside on the deck, animals will pick them up and carry them off. With the spray on them, they don't do that but now I try to remember to bring them inside before nightfall. :)

Purchased cleaner and Waterproof spray. I used these on my 6 year old motorcycle boots, applying cleaner 1X then Waterproof 2X. Took them through driving rain for an hour on a trip, feet 100% Dry. I was skeptical but now I'm a believer!

Can’t comment on its ability to waterproof shoes yet, but I didn’t like the sprayer. Didn’t work that well. May have been just the one I got.

Works well with water proofing gloves

Seriously, what's the point of this stuff? The only redeeming quality I can think of is that it gives your finger a little exercise when you repeatedly press down the sprayer to get your shoes covered properly. Then you wear them out in the damp grass and they're soaked through all the way to your feet again. So you get to get more exercise on that finger, thinking maybe you did it wrong. Followed all the directions. Made sure shoes were clean and wet. Spray, spray, spray. Then you wear them again thinking now they're SURELY waterproof. And it rains on you. And your feet are the first thing to soak through. Not your pants, that only claimed to be water repellent. The pants are perfectly dry. But you're standing under a tree with a disc golf pro, trying to get some good lessons, but you can't really leave the shelter of the tree, because you're feet are so wet.This stuff is not even worth the one star I allowed. There's just no way to rate zero stars. But when a product does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that it promises, is it even worth one star? My say is no. Steer clear of this crap. It may be that there is a product out there that actually works, but now I'm too afraid to try it, since this has given all the others a bad name. Instead, I bought some waterproof socks. They just came in, and I stepped on the tanning ledge of my pool to test them. They work. So I'll be pouring this junk out and throwing the bottle away so I never have to think of the money I wasted again.