Doc Martens are an extraordinary shoe, and I remember having several pairs as I grew up in the ’80s and ‘90s.
Doc Martens began in 1901 in the English Midlands. At the heart of the English shoe industry, the footwear earned a stellar reputation for sturdy work boots. They were initially made for people suffering from foot pain from standing on their feet all day at work.
They have developed into comfortable shoes that have been used throughout the world. And with proper care and waterproofing, they will last forever!
Different Types of Leather
Docs come in many different varieties of leather, and each will respond differently to waterproofing.
Aren’t Doc Martens Already Waterproof?
They actually aren’t. The majority of Doc Martens aren’t waterproof or water-resistant. Though they are highly durable, the leather is thin and will not protect against water or snow.
How Do I Make My Doc Martens Waterproof?
Thankfully, there are several products on the market you can buy that will help protect your Docs against the weather.
The most convenient method is using a waterproof spray. Though they won’t make your Docs totally waterproof, they will provide a protective coat. Different waterproof sprays are used for other materials.
You’ll need to be sure you are using the correct spray for your Doc Marten’s material.
When using a waterproof spray on your Docs, use this guide:
Best Products to Waterproof Doc Martens
Crep Product Spray
This is one of the spray waterproofing products I like. It's easy to use and comes in a 5oz aerosol spray bottle. It works on suede, canvas, or nubuck and repels liquids, and prevents stains.
It creates an invisible protective barrier that will prevent your Docs from getting spoiled by rain or other stains. It dries quickly and lasts up to two weeks.
The link can be found here:
Crep Product Spray
- 100% Fabric, Made in US.
- Easy-use 5 oz aerosol spray bottle.
- Protects footwear with an invisible barrier.
Doc Martens Ultra Protector
This aerosol spray product comes directly from the manufacturer itself. It’s a water-based formula that is great for not just your Doc Martens but for leather coats and handbags as well. It’s safe to use on any color leather, suede, nubuck, nylon, or canvas.
This spray adds a tough layer of breathable protection to your Docs that holds up in all kinds of weather.
The link can be found here:
Doc Martens Ultra Protector
- Imported.
- Water based formula, Great for all gear including shoes, boots.
- Made in United Kingdom.
Scotchgard Spray for Suede and Nubuck
This product was designed for suede and nubuck, two materials that especially vulnerable to rain and snow damage. It will make your Docs water-resistant and help repel street salt from them, prolonging their lives. It’s safe for use in all types and colors and is excellent for footwear as well as coats and gloves. It can be reapplied every six months.
The link can be found here:
Scotchgard Spray for Suede and Nubuck
- Helps repel water on suede and nubuck leather items.
- Safe for use on all types/colors of suede and nubuck leather.
- Ideal for use on footwear, coats, gloves, hats, accessories and more.
Cobbler’s Choice Leather Protector Spray
This is an all-natural repellent for leather infused with Carnauba wax that provides a protective layer over your Docs. It is a safe, non-toxic spray designed for all leather and will keep your shoes flawless.
You simply spray the product until it is fully coated and wait an hour before the next application.
You can find the link here:
Cobbler’s Choice Leather Protector Spray
- All-Natural Water Repellent for Leather.
- Handmade with integrity in the USA using All-Natural Ingredients.
- Water base formula infused with Carnauba Wax provides a protective finish.
Hubbard’s Shoe Oil
Hubbard’s has been around since 1929 and still stands as one of the best waterproofing compounds. It helps to restore dried-out leather and will keep new leather looking good.
It’s great for all kinds of Docs and works the same as Hubbard’s waterproofing show grease. It’s made in Arizona with safe, non-toxic ingredients.
The link can be found here:
Hubbard’s Shoe Oil
- Original time-tested formula of oils and waterproofing compounds.
- Helps restore old-dried out leather and keeps new leather soft and pliable.
- Recommended for care and restoring of work shoes, hunting boots, saddle & tack and sport equipment.
Shoeboys Waterproofer
This product is excellent with any kind of leather or suede, and the highly effective waterproofing gives your Docs long-lasting protection for water and dirt.
It can be sprayed directly onto your shoes and leaves the Leather breathable after application. The product contains an aqueous waterproofer and other natural ingredients. The bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic.
The link can be found here:
Shoeboys Waterproofer
- Use Shoeboy’s Water Protect on all smooth and rough leathers, textiles and all items with Tex materials.
- Preserves the breathability of Tex membranes, thus recommended for Gore-Tex, Sympatex and any other TEX materials.
- Shoeboy’s Water Protect provides effective moisture protection against rain and wetness and also works as an effective dirt repellent.
Shoeboys Velour Nubuck Care
This waterproofer is made especially for suede and nubuck and is available in several colors. It gives extreme protection from wetness and dirt but offers breathability.
It is ideal for all raw leather Docs as well as other leather clothing. It has a color activator, nutrients, and a waterproofing agent and propellant.
The link can be found here:
Shoeboys Velour Nubuck Care
- Intensive waterproofing and color refreshment for suede and nubuck leathers. Available in a variety of colors.
- Ideal for all colors and color combinations. Intensive color-refreshing effect or color activation.
- Intensive care through high-value nutrients.
Keep Your Doc Martens Waterproof
Doc Martens are a unique shoe that is for exceptional people. These shoes have held the test of time with their durability and will last you a lifetime if properly taken care of.
There are several different ways to waterproof your Docs. It will depend on the type of leather you have and how much you plan on getting your Docs wet. But by properly cleaning them, you can keep them remaining dry and clean throughout the time you wear them.