There is nothing worse than playing golf in the rain and early morning tee-off times when the course is covered in dew. Besides the water squelching under your feet and your feet feeling cold, this will affect your overall game.
This is why it is important for your golf shoes to be waterproof.
Read on to find out how you can waterproof your golf shoes.
A step-by-step guide on how to waterproof your golf shoes
Step 1: Gather all the supplies you need
Firstly you need to get all your waterproofing equipment ready.
You will need a clear fibre cloth, warm water, waterproofing spray, and saddle soap.
Before you purchase your supplies, first check what material your golf shoes are made of. Different golf shoe materials will require a different polish or waterproofing spray.
This guide is specifically for a leather golf shoe.
Step 2: Initial cleaning
It’s important to clean your golf shoes properly before waterproofing them or else it won’t work.
A clean golf shoe surface is important for the waterproofing spray to stick to. Applying a waterproofing spray to a dirty golf shoe will rub off in no time.
When you clean your golf shoes, apply a little bit of warm water and saddle soap on a cloth. Wash your shoe in small circular motions to get rid of all the dirt and grime. Avoid soaking the shoe, as this could damage the leather.
Then wipe your golf shoes down, removing all dirt and dust until they look new again.
Step 3: Leave the shoes to dry
Once your golf shoes are clean, leave them outside in the sun or in a ventilated area until they are completely dry.
If they are even a little bit wet, when you start applying the waterproofing spray, then it will not stick and you will have to begin the entire process again.
Step 4: Polish your shoes
At this point, your golf shoes should be immaculately clean and dry. If not, repeat the steps above. Once you are happy with your shoes, then you can apply the polish.
Ensure you remove your laces before polishing your shoe.
Use the regular leather polish or polish you generally use for your golf shoes.
Liberally apply the polish and then buff your shoe using circular motions. We suggest using a toothbrush and a small cloth.
Make sure your golf shoes are completely dry before you move on to the next step and apply the waterproof spray.
Step 5: Use waterproof spray
The final and most vital step of how to waterproof your golf shoes is applying the waterproof spray.
You want to make sure you buy a good quality waterproof spray.
Waterproof sprays generally come in small canisters and are literally just sprayed on and left to dry. To ensure you apply the waterproof spray evenly, spray your shoe from a 30cm distance.
Make sure you follow the specific directions on the spray you purchase. Some sprays require you to wipe off excess, whilst others instruct you to leave it to dry.
Step 6: Maintaining waterproofing
Unfortunately, a single application of waterproofing spray does not make your golf shoes waterproof forever. The spray will wear off over time and you will need to reapply it.
For the best results, check the recommendations on your waterproof spray canister for how often you should reapply the waterproofing spray. You may need to reapply it every few months, or maybe only once a year as some sprays last longer than others once applied.
We highly recommend that you reapply the waterproof spray every time you clean your shoes, so you will never have wet golf shoes again.
What waterproof spray should you use on your golf shoes?
Most products on the market will effectively work on waterproofing your golf shoe. However, the most important thing to consider is the material of your shoe.
If you have a leather shoe, use a spray that will waterproof leather.
If you have a mesh coated golf shoe, then you need to be aware that they will never be 100% waterproof.
A tried, tested and highly reviewed waterproof spray is Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing.
It’s a biodegradable and water-based spray that adds water-repellency to synthetic or leather footwear.
Another advantage of Nikwax is that it doesn’t have any odour, so you won’t have to worry about your shoe smelling like the product.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant golf shoes?
You may notice that some golf shoes state that they are waterproof, whilst others say they are water-resistant. So what’s the difference?
Waterproof golf shoes are more expensive and they are designed to keep your feet dry in normal conditions.
Water-resistant golf shoes are meant to keep water away from your foot, but they do not guarantee this.
The noticeable difference between the two shoes is in their price.
If you enjoy a round of golf in the early mornings, your feet are more prone to getting wet from walking and playing on the golf course. So waterproof golf shoes are the best option.
If you only play golf in dry conditions, then water-resistant golf shoes should be sufficient.
Do golf shoes come with a waterproof warranty?
Certain golf companies do offer waterproof warranties on their golf shoes. However, this generally applies to their premium shoes and will help make sure your feet stay mostly dry when playing golf.
If you happen to be playing golf and get caught in a tropical storm, then this is not considered to be a normal condition. Your feet will get slightly wet, and this is not the manufacturer’s fault.
But, if you are playing early in the morning and walk through some damp grass and suddenly feel your socks are wet, then you can claim your warranty with the manufacturer.
Are waterproof golf shoes worth it?
It depends on how much you are willing to spend.
If you are on a budget, you can save a lot of money by buying a cheaper golf shoe and spraying it with a waterproof spray. This will provide you with similar functionality to a waterproof golf shoe.
If you don’t mind paying more, then you can purchase a waterproof golf shoe.
It’s important to remember that the newer your golf shoes are, the more effective they will be at keeping water out.
Some golfers find it difficult to decide whether they prefer lightweight mesh shoes that keep their feet comfortable and cool, or heavy leather waterproof shoes.
Do golf shoes need to be waterproof?
No, it’s not necessary for golf shoes to be waterproof as most shoes are designed with some form of natural protection from water.
However, if you want to play during the winter months then you may want to consider getting a pair of waterproof golf shoes.
Conclusion
Waterproofing your golf shoes is no different than waterproofing any other leather shoe you may have.
It’s important to remember that your shoe needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dry before waterproofing it.
If you are not sure about which waterproof spray to purchase, make sure you buy a spray that matches the material of your shoe.
