There’s no denying that a pair of bright, white shoes can complete any outfit. Whether they’re sneakers or 6-inch heels, white shoes are timeless, classic, and versatile - that is, until you wear them out in the rain.
From raindrop to muddy puddles, wet weather poses a serious risk to your new white shoes. There’s (almost) nothing more disheartening than watching that first muddy stain seep into the perfect, white canvas of your new shoes, ruining them forever.
Luckily, that heart-wrenching moment is easily avoidable! There are plenty of excellent shoe protector sprays on the market that are suitable for white shoes. In fact, there are so many that we had trouble narrowing down our selection!
Read on to find out about the 12 best shoe protector sprays currently available for white shoes!
OUR TOP PICK
Bickmore’s Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent is easily one of the most popular shoe protector sprays on the market.
The first thing to mention about this spray is that it’s almost 100% multipurpose. It’s suitable for use on virtually all materials, including canvas, leather, felt, and even suede!
No matter what your white shoes are made of, this spray will keep them out of harm’s way.
What’s more, this spray isn’t just for shoes! Got a white leather jacket you want to extend the lifespan of? Or maybe a pair of white jeans you’re nervous about ruining? The Bickmore Gard-More spray has your back!
Where many competitor protector sprays are formulated exclusively to repel water, Bickmore’s Gard-More spray, quite literally, guards more!
This spray also protects against dirt and stains, so you can rely on it in all weather, all seasons, and all locations.
This formula is breathable, yet long-lasting, providing weeks of protection per application.
And speaking of application, this spray has can be applied quickly and ergonomically using the aerosol spray bottle that the product comes in.
The only real limit to this product’s application is that it isn’t suitable for use on unfinished leathers, including rawhide. This type of leather is too sensitive and easily damaged for Bickmore’s powerful formula.
Pros
- Multipurpose - Works on almost all materials and garments
- Dries clear - Won’t stain white shoes
- Dirt protector - Repels dirt as well as water
- Breathable - Doesn’t stifle fabric
- Easy application - Ergonomic spray bottle
Cons
- Not for unfinished leathers - Do not use on rawhide
EDITORS CHOICE
Many of the shoe protector sprays on the market, including those we’ll be showcasing today, are considered multipurpose sprays.
The Bickmore Gard-More spray (see above) is an excellent example of this.
However, if a multipurpose application is your main priority, we’d recommend the Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector.
You can use this fabric and upholstery spray on basically any fabric item you can think of, from your sofa to your favorite jacket - and, of course, your white shoes!
It’s safe for use on even the most delicate materials, including those marked ‘dry-clean only.’
Not only is this formula clear-drying to minimize discoloration, but it’s also odorless! This is a really valuable feature in any chemical spray product because chemical smells can be notoriously unpleasant and overpowering.
Best of all, this spray is delightfully easy to apply! The whole application process only consists of one step: just mist your shoes thoroughly and leave them to dry for full protection.
Unfortunately, a little doesn’t go a long way with this spray.
A can will probably last you a while if you’re only using the product for shoes, but for context, it takes roughly a whole can to cover an average-sized sofa.
Pros
- Highly multipurpose - Suitable for use on any material
- Repels liquid and stains - Protection against most types of damage
- Clear-drying - Safe for use on white and pale fabrics
- Odorless - No unpleasant chemical smell
- Easy application - One-step spray procedure
Cons
- Not much product per can - Doesn’t last as long as other products
BEST VALUE
Since you’ve clicked on this article, we’re assuming you’re primarily looking for a protector spray for white shoes.
However, we’re also assuming that you might have shoes in other colors in your closet that could do with some protection.
If you’re looking for a spray that will keep your white shoes shiny but also take good care of the rest of your shoe collection, Kiwi’s Select All Protector Spray will be perfect for you!
This formula is primarily geared towards leather shoes and other leather-adjacent fabrics, including Nubuck, faux-leather, and suede.
It does a great job of protecting all of these materials against rain and stains, although it’s not suitable for use on reptile, metallic, or patent leathers.
Pros
- Ideal for both real and faux leather - Includes suede, nubuck, and imitation
- Suitable for all leather colors - Perfect for white and colorful shoes
- Both rain and stain-resistant - Protects against mud and other stains
Cons
- Not suitable for all fabrics - Do not use on metallic, reptile, or patent leather
RUNNER UP
We’ve already reviewed Kiwi’s ‘Select All’ shoe protector.
However, Kiwi actually has another heavy-duty water-repellent spray which, while not directly advertised as a shoe protector, will make a great safeguard for your white shoes.
Kiwi’s Camp Dry Water Repellent is designed for outdoor use on camping gear, outdoor furniture, and even watercraft accessories!
Just from its intended purpose, you can see that this is a heavy-duty waterproofing spray.
If you can trust it overnight with your tent, you can absolutely trust it with your white shoes!
The reason the Camp Dry spray is so hard-wearing is that it contains silicone, which creates extra-strong bonds between the spray layer and the fabric it’s bonded to.
This makes the barrier pretty much completely impermeable. Don’t worry, though - this is still a breathable formula, so your shoes will remain dry and moisture-wicking after application.
However, this isn’t the protector spray you want to be using on your white shoes if you’re in a hurry. Once applied, the spray needs between 24 and 48 hours to set fully.
Pros
- Silicone bonding - Heavy-duty and durable
- Maintains breathability - Won’t impact moisture-wicking properties
- Odor-free - No lingering smell after drying
Cons
- Slow-drying - Takes between 24 and 48 hours to dry
RUNNER UP
A disappointing number of shoe protector sprays focus their efforts entirely on waterproofing without refining their stain-proofing technology.
This is a problem because grass and mud pose much greater threats to white shoes than any rain shower.
Luckily, ForceField has created the perfect stain-repellent protector spray for your white shoes, so you can go for long, carefree walks in the park or woods without worrying about your sneakers.
This formula is hydrophobic, so any water beads on the surface of the shoe after application rather than soaking in.
However, the clear, invisible layer also functions as a UV-protectant!
Additionally, it provides protection against mud and dirt. Therefore, your shoes will not only be waterproof but invincible!
The solution cures completely in just 23 minutes, so it’s perfect for white shoe owners on the go!
Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy complete breathability from your shoes even after the product has cured.
Although this product is a phenomenal stain-protector, the container could use some refinement because it currently drips and leaks quite significantly.
Pros
- UV Protection - Prevents yellowing from sun exposure
- Stain-repellent - Shields against dirt
- Dries clear - No discoloration
- Breathable - No airflow restriction
- Quick-drying - Cures in 23 minutes
Cons
- Leaky container - Application can be messy
RUNNER UP
If you don’t often wear your white shoes in muddy or grassy areas, you might just be looking for a spray that will ward off pesky raindrops.
If waterproofing is your main priority, we’d recommend the Star Brite Waterproofing Spray!
Star Brite’s Waterproofing Spray is a favorite with marine vehicle owners because it’s primarily advertised as a spray for waterproofing marine fabrics like boat covers.
It’s also been proven to work effectively on tents, tarp, and even car tops! You definitely won’t need to worry about your shoes getting soaked with this product on hand.
Additionally, the formula provides protection against staining from UV rays!
Star Brite’s Waterproofing is easy to apply, with a single spray application providing protection for up to a whole season.
However, this formula can have negative side effects when inhaled, so it should only be used in outdoor spaces. It’s also quite slow-drying, needing a total of 6 hours to cure completely.
Pros
- Heavy-duty waterproofing - Even suitable for use on marine equipment
- UV protection - Creates a barrier against UV rays
- Easy application - One spray lasts a season
Cons
- Not safe to inhale - Only for outdoor use
- Slow-drying - Needs 6 hours to cure
RUNNER UP
Apple Brand’s Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent is another extremely popular fabric protector spray that’s proven to be highly effective on white shoes.
This spray is particularly good for protecting leather shoes, although it also provides great protection against the elements for suede and nubuck shoes, as well as other materials.
The only restriction is that it should only be used on colorfast fabrics to avoid discoloration.
Unlike some other competitor sprays, this product is suitable for use on fine leathers.
Sensitive leathers are often excluded from protector spray use because they’re easily damaged, but this spray will keep even your finest white leather shoes looking as good as new for weeks at a time!
Apple Brand’s protector spray is both a water and stain repellent, so you could theoretically go splashing through muddy puddles to your heart’s content - although we wouldn’t recommend it.
Pros
- Suitable for fine leathers - Best product for protecting leather
- Multipurpose application - Also works on suede, Nubuck, and colorfast fabrics
- Protects against water and stains - Not just your average water-repellent
- Clear-drying - No staining or residue
Cons
- Not universal - Not for use on non-colorfast fabrics
RUNNER UP
Elvis set out some pretty clear boundaries about stepping on his blue suede shoes. However, we imagine he’d have been even more careful with a pair of white suede shoes.
In fact, the King of Rock ’n’ Roll probably would have used something like Gear Aid’s Revivex Suede Protector if it had been around in the 50s!
This suede protection formula is suitable for use on white shoes because it’s clear-drying, so it won’t leave any stains behind.
What it will leave behind, however, is a durable layer of protection against water in any form, including rain.
The formula creates a water-repellent layer over the surface of a shoe, preventing water from soaking into the material and causing damage.
Despite being a heavy-duty protector, this formula is also breathable. This is great because it means you won’t have to endure excessive sweating just to protect your shoes.
While this suede protector spray is an excellent product in and of itself, the bottle does leave something to be desired.
The nozzle clogs up easily after a while, and there have been reports of the spray device breaking altogether.
Pros
- Specific suede formula - Ideal for suede shoes
- Multi-material compatibility - Also works on leather and canvas
- Clear-drying - No discoloration
- Breathable - No sweaty feet for the sake of protection
Cons
- Unergonomic bottle - May clog and spray mechanism may break
RUNNER UP
If you’ve been looking for a protector spray for white shoes for longer than about 5 minutes, odds are, you will have come across the Art of Crep Protect Spray.
Having tried it out, we can confirm that it absolutely lives up to its reputation.
This hydrophobic fabric spray creates a clear, watertight barrier over the fabric of your shoes to prevent the absorption of water and stains.
We love that this spray has a 10-minute drying time. By the time you’ve finished getting ready to leave the house, your shoes will be dry and fully protected!
The main issue with The Art of Crep from our perspective is that the protection it provides doesn’t last as long as some other products.
Now, if you don’t wear your white shoes very often, or you have the time and patience to reapply the product frequently, this isn’t the end of the world.
However, if you want to be able to count on really long-term protection, you may be better off checking out some of our other reviewed sprays.
Additionally, this spray is not suitable for use on materials other than Nubuck, canvas, and suede.
Pros
- Invisible dry - No discoloration
- Quick-drying - Convenient and time-saving
- Single-step application - Quick and easy to apply
Cons
- Not very long-lasting - Requires frequent reapplication
- Not universally compatible - only for use on canvas, suede, and Nubuck
RUNNER UP
In today’s world, white leather shoes are far from the only thing we should be focused on protecting.
The climate is in trouble, and harmful chemicals are still being incorporated into household products, posing health risks.
So, what could be better than a white shoe protector spray that’s also eco-friendly and chemically safe?
Nikwax’s T.X. Direct Spray-On Waterproofing Spray is water-based and completely biodegradable. Moreover, it’s 100% free from VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are both carcinogens and pollutants.
As a result, this shoe protector spray is eco-friendly and safe to use in your home. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop it from releasing quite a strong odor - but when used in a ventilated area, this shouldn’t be too noticeable.
And because this spray is formulated specifically for use on waterproof garments (for the purpose of restoring waterproofing), it’s perfect for use on most sneakers.
It’s a clear-drying formula, so it won’t discolor your white shoes, and it even enhances breathability to maintain the comfort of your shoes.
Pros
- Biodegradable and water-based - Eco-friendly
- Enhances breathability - Keeps shoes and garments comfortable
- Multipurpose - Effective enough to use on sleeping bags and raincoats
Cons
- Strong odor - Not always pleasant to use
RUNNER UP
Atsko’s Silicone Water-Guard is another silicone-based waterproofing formula. It’s suitable for use on most clothing and footwear, including white shoes.
Despite creating a tough, watertight barrier over your shoes, this spray will continue to allow for healthy airflow.
This means you can restore the factory-grade waterproofing of new shoes without overheating.
The Atsko Silicone Water-Guard spray only requires a single application to reach its full potential efficacy, so it ranks highly on ease of use.
Unfortunately, this spray takes even longer to dry than Kiwi’s Camp Dry Spray.
It will dry to the touch within 24 hours, but in order to cure properly and be fully effective, it needs to be left for up to 72 hours.
Pros
- Suitable for delicate materials - Can be used on suede
- Breathable - Waterproof barrier allows for airflow
- Single-coat application - Quick and easy to apply
Cons
- Very slow-drying - Needs 72 hours to cure
RUNNER UP
Rust-Oleum’s Clear Boot and Shoe Spray is a fantastic all-around shoe protector spray.
Because the Rust-Oleum formula is clear-drying, it’s completely safe to use on white shoes with no risk of discoloration.
It’s also suitable for use on a variety of materials, including leather, Nubuck, and canvas!
Where other shoe protector sprays often rely on silicone for waterproof bonding, Rust-Oleum’s formula is silicone-free.
This means that you won’t have to fret about your protector spray altering the texture of your shoes.
Moreover, the Rust-Oleum Waterproofing bottle comes with an ergonomic spray trigger which is comfortable to use.
With that being said, the application only requires a single spray, so there wouldn’t be much risk of hand fatigue in the first place.
However, some customers have reported that their spray trigger has stopped working.
Therefore, if you invest in this spray, you may need to be prepared to transfer it to a different spray bottle.
Pros
- Multi-material application - Suitable for canvas, leather, Nubuck, and other fabrics
- Clear-drying - Safe for white materials
- Silicone-free - No risk of texture alteration
- Ergonomic trigger - Comfortable application
Cons
- Bottle may need replacing - Reports of trigger malfunction
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use shoe protector spray?
It’s difficult to put a schedule on how often you should be applying shoe protector to your white shoes because this is likely to vary from product to product.
First and foremost, the best way to ascertain how often you should be using shoe protector spray is by reading the guidelines on the product website or packaging.
The directions should provide some indication of how regularly the product needs to be applied for the best results.
A useful general guideline for reapplying shoe protector is to try and do so every 2 to 4 weeks.
In the absence of direct guidelines for application, it’s a good idea to base your shoe maintenance schedule around this timeframe and adapt it according to other factors.
For example, if you wear your white shoes to work every day, we’d recommend applying the spray closer to every 2 weeks than every 4 weeks.
If the weather has been particularly bad, it’s also a good idea to ramp up your maintenance and apply the spray every couple of weeks.
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