Can You Waterproof Mesh Shoes?

Do you find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time looking for dry shoes to wear after a rainy run? Do your feet get soaked with every step, even from puddles that are no more than 2 inches deep? You need to waterproof your mesh running shoes.

So, can you waterproof mesh shoes? You can waterproof mesh shoes by using some waterproofing products. However, if you are considering this option you should know that no matter how thoroughly you waterproof your mesh shoes, they are still not going to be completely watertight. If your feet are particularly warm when you wear your mesh shoes, the waterproofing process might work for a while but the effects will only last so long and over time it will wear off and need to be reapplied.

Also Read: Can suede shoes get wet

Are Mesh Running Shoes Waterproof?

Running shoes are made of a synthetic mesh that can’t repel the water like the leather. Some running shoes like Brooks Glycerin do have a gusseted tongue that prevents dirt and mud from entering the shoes. However, the tongue itself can’t protect the whole shoe from repelling the water or mud entering the shoes.

Mesh running shoes are porous fabrics that allow water vapor from your feet to evaporate while also letting air in to keep your feet cool and comfortable. However, when mesh shoes get wet they become heavy and the vapor escapes through the fabric, making your feet feel damp and clammy.

How to Waterproof Mesh Shoes?

Mesh shoes can be decent alternatives to leather ones, especially during the summer months when it’s too hot for closed-toe footwear. However, mesh shoes are not invincible; you should know how to take care of them if you want them to last longer than a season or two. Here are some tips on how to waterproof mesh shoes.

Before explaining tips, I would like to let you know that these won’t make your mesh running shoes 100% waterproof. Each running shoe has a certain mesh design with different pores sizes. So, it also depends on the type of mesh shoe which you want to make waterproof.

Let’s discuss the different methods to make mesh running shoes waterproof.

Applying Waterproofing Spray

Waterproofing spray helps to fill the pores and prevent water from entering the shoes. To apply waterproofing spray, first remove dirt from the mesh with an old toothbrush and clean the mesh upper with a damp cloth.

Tarrago Nano Protection Spray is my recommendation to apply on the mesh shoes. It is a hydrophobic spray that repels the water so that you can wear the shoes on the snow. Make sure to spray over all parts of your mesh shoes including tongue, heel, toecap, sidewalls, and seams.

Let the spray do its work for the whole night before testing your shoes on the water. Also, the spray doesn’t work permanently.  You may have to reapply the spray after a couple of weeks to maintain the worth of the waterproof version of the mesh shoes.

Moisture-Wicking Socks

Since you can’t completely waterproof mesh shoes, it is best to wear them with moisture-wicking socks that will help prevent your feet from getting damp.

As mesh shoes are already breathable, you need a pair of socks that doesn’t allow water to seep through them and dampen your feet. These socks, even if they get dry, will keep your feet insulated.

Although polyester socks are more durable, wool socks are better for wet conditions as they will feel less clammy and uncomfortable on your feet’ skin when they get wet.

Here are my following recommendations for the wool socks that you can wear in your mesh shoes.

• Smartwool Socks
• Darn Tough Socks
• Icebreaker Socks

Using of Beeswax

You can also apply wax to block the pores of the mesh shoes to prevent the water from entering the shoes. Beeswax is like an eraser. All you need to rub it gently over the mesh. Blow the hairdryer over the shoes mesh upper to melt the wax so that it can form a protective layer,

Beeswax is a cheaper alternative to the waterproofing spray and it works well for a longer time. But, there are some cons to using this method. Rubbing it over the mesh can affect its breathability and the mesh texture. Wax may also affect mesh flexibility. Moreover, the smell of beeswax isn’t good.

To be on the safer side, I’ll side you to apply the wax on a certain portion of your mesh shoes. Then, test the shoes by passing water through that area. If it works perfectly, then apply wax all over the mesh.

Can You Put Mesh Shoes in the Washing Machine?

You can put mesh shoes in the washing machine. But the speed of the machine should be set to low. Furthermore, you shouldn’t put the mesh shoes in the dryer as it will ruin their midsole and the mesh.

to wash your mesh shoes, Take off the laces from your mesh shoes before putting them in a washing machine set at 30 degrees Celsius or 85 degrees Fahrenheit using a mild laundry detergent or liquid soap. If your mesh shoes have removable insoles, remove them too so that they don’t bunch up while being washed. Allow your shoes to air-dry afterward instead of using a dryer.

How to Quickly Dry Mesh Shoes?

To dry mesh shoes quickly, stuff your mesh shoes with old newspapers after removing insoles and laces and place them under the sun. If there is not enough sunlight, you can leave them to dry on a heating vent.