Do Sperrys need to be waterproofed?
While Sperrys aren't technically waterproof, they are water-friendly and it's more than OK to get them wet (they were created for slippery boat decks, after all). Your Sperrys can handle water and will eventually dry, with a patina that looks even better than they did pre-soak (in our humble opinion).
If they get wet, or after cleaning your leather boat shoes, allow your Sperrys to air-dry for 24 hours in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight. 4. Stuff your boat shoes with newspaper to absorb excess moisture and help maintain their shape.
If you've got other things to do, or just don't particularly feel like wearing wet shoes, leave a wooden shoe tree in your Sperrys while they air out instead. Leather expands when it gets wet and shrinks as it dries. Together, these two reactions will result in a unique fit that feels tailor-made for your feet.
Sperry boots don't just work well in the damper, cooler environment of fall. As the season changes into winter, you'll find they're also comfortable to wear in the snow. There are many different styles and colors, making them perfect for the cool fall weather, snowy winter weather, and even the wet spring weather.
The nursing profession demands long hours of standing, walking, and running around throughout the work duration. It may cause foot pain. To stand for long hours and perform your duties, you'll have to invest in waterproof nursing shoes to keep your feet pain-free.
Whatever you decide, do keep in mind that waterproofing leather is crucial, especially if you live in a wet and rainy climate where you can't avoid wearing your shoes on rainy days.
Air drying is a key step in cleaning Sperrys properly. Place them in a cool, dry area away from direct heat or sunlight, and stuff them with newspaper to absorb excess moisture and help them retain their shape. After about 24 hours, your Sperrys should be ready to re-lace and wear.
Do you wear socks with boat shoes? Boat shoes are designed to be comfy and airy without socks, and most people keep their ankles bare for the classic maritime look – preferably with no-show socks. If you're going for an 80s preppy look, however, socks and boat shoes are definitely part of the uniform.
Boat shoes shouldn't fit too differently from normal shoes, but you want to go for a little snugger fit than you usually would because they will stretch out and get looser as you wear them; you'll often need to go a half size down from your normal size, and if you're between sizes, go with the smaller of the two.
SIZE THEM UP, OR DOWN
If you prefer the leather look, consider a half size down. Leather will stretch over time. If the boat shoes are made of synthetic materials, stay true to size—these won't stretch, as they're constructed to hold their shape.
Is it OK to wear boat shoes in winter?
Don't… Wear them in the winter: Not only do you risk them getting wet, but they will look out of place. Save them for the warmer environment they were made for. Wear them for a fancy occasion: Boat shoes are not meant for black tie affairs.
Sperrys can actually be worn year-round, including during the winter. There are a few things to keep in mind when wearing Sperrys in the winter. First, make sure to choose a style of shoe that is appropriate for the weather. For example, avoid open-toe shoes or sandals.

Sperry Topsider shoes are excellent for having soles that are non-skid when walking on a wet boat deck. They are also easy to get in and out of when near the water. And they are very comfortable when worn in a casual setting, although they are not suitable for walking long distance in comfort.
Step 3: Once the shoes have an even coat of waterproofing spray, allow them to air dry for at least 24 hours. Though the material might be dry to the touch after an hour or so, it's best to let the product do its thing.
ONLY waterproof footwear will keep you dry. In the footwear industry, product undergoes Hydrostatic Testing to determine how it holds up. Water is actually forced through the material to see how much water pressure it can withstand before leaking. It must reach a certain standard to obtain the pinnacle of “Waterproof.”
Crocs provides a number of slip resistant nurse and hospital shoes and clogs to help you stay safe during your shift.
One option is to use a spray protectant or other commercial waterproofing product designed specifically for leather. Another option is beeswax cream. Beeswax is a natural waterproofing solution and has been found to be very effective at leather waterproofing.
Most waterproofers will need to be reapplied every couple months, depending on how frequently you wear a pair of shoes. Medium: Most waterproofers come as a spray, a cream, or a wax.
Waxing method
A common method for waterproofing leather, and keeping it soft and supple, is to apply a homemade leather wax. This is easy to make and, with a little initial effort, will save time and money in the long term. You can also purchase leather waxes.
You can't toss these in the washing machine. Using water to clean leather Sperry shoes or other boat shoes is not the best idea. This will degrade the leather and strip the natural oils away. A good leather cleaner is best.
How do you fix scuff marks on Sperrys?
Use water and soap to rub away scuffs.
Make a cleaning solution with water and mild dish soap. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution, and use it to clean your Sperrys. Apply firm pressure while you rub in a circular motion to remove residual dirt and scuffs.
Because the materials used to make them don't hold up well to heat, Sperrys should not be machine dried.
Because leather is a porous material, it will quickly soak in that water. This rapid influx of water, followed by a release when the water dries, can lead to premature damage and cracking of the leather. Letting your shoes get soaked in the rain is no way to take care of your investment.
It's this shedding of natural oils that causes the leather to lose its supple quality and become stiff and brittle. Water can also cause staining and can move dyes leaving streaks and spots. And if the leather doesn't dry quickly enough, it could even start to rot.
The result can be a spotty, stained appearance and a loss of the suppleness of the leather, leaving it brittle… even cracked. If the water takes a long time to evaporate, the leather can even begin to rot.
Baking soda
Sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda inside each shoe. It will absorb the odor as well as draw out the moisture that bacteria feeds on. For best results add the baking soda at night after taking your shoes off. Be sure to shake your shoes out in the morning to remove the baking soda.
Cut two lengths of wire from a hanger and bend them into an 'S' shape. Hook one end of each wire to the fan and the other to each shoe, keeping space between the shoes. Run the fan for a couple of hours or until the shoes are dry.
On ships, tar or pitch waterproofing was the most common method used. Wooden boats were made water-resistant by putting tar in the hull of the boat. The pitch or tar sealed the wooden boards of the ship together, keeping water out and allowing the boat to float.
Although boat shoes are not technically waterproof, they're certainly designed to get wet.
- Remove dirt with soft bristle brush.
- Treat leather with cream or gel leather protection.
- Stuff shoes with newspaper and air dry before wearing again or storage.
Are water repellent shoes waterproof?
This stands for 'Water-resistant upper,' and means that the shoe has been treated with a substance to repel water to a certain level, but it won't have a waterproof membrane inside which means it won't be fully waterproof.
The ships were made watertight by filling the spaces between the planks with wool, moss or animal hair, mixed with tar or tallow. The ships were all the same long narrow shape, with shallow draughts. This meant that they could be used in shallow water. Vikings used longships to make raids and carry their warriors.
First and foremost, a freshly waxed hull is going to offer optimal marine protection. Wax protects against corrosion and chemical breakdown from salt, as well as against barnacles and other organic buildups that can cling to the hull below the surface of the water.
Boat shoes are designed to be comfy and airy without socks, and most people keep their ankles bare for the classic maritime look – preferably with no-show socks. If you're going for an 80s preppy look, however, socks and boat shoes are definitely part of the uniform.
Wearing no-show socks with boat shoes will help eliminate blisters and irritation while also ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable. By staying hidden by the leather upper of your boat shoes, these socks will enable you to sport the casual sockless look.
Street shoes, such as boots and heeled shoes, are prohibited on all boats as they can damage decks and floors and contaminate carpets and other exotic decorations. Therefore, the “barefoot” rule is regularly enforced on board.
With genuine leather materials hand-sewn for durability, a signature 360° lacing system with rustproof eyelets for a secure fit, and razor-cut wave-sipping soles for the ultimate wet/dry traction, the Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe from Sperry hits it out of the park in terms of construction, comfort, and style.
Use water and soap to rub away scuffs.
Make a cleaning solution with water and mild dish soap. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution, and use it to clean your Sperrys. Apply firm pressure while you rub in a circular motion to remove residual dirt and scuffs.
Most solutions to prevent heel slipping and heel blistering in loafers or Sperrys involve hacking the shoes with pads or insoles. Some people try using "moleskin" or band-aids or other artificial skin coverings that invariably come off with sweat.