Keeping your sneakers looking fresh and clean doesn't have to be a challenge. With the right sneaker protector spray, you can shield your kicks from dirt, water, and stains, ensuring they stay in top condition for longer. While top shoe deodorizers keep the inside of your sneakers smelling nice, protector sprays work by creating an invisible barrier over the material, helping to keep your sneakers looking like new, no matter where your day takes you.
In this guide, we've rounded up the best sneaker protector sprays on the market that combine effectiveness with affordability based on our own experiences as well as general reviews from sneakerheads. Whether you're after a versatile option for all materials or something more tailored for suede, we've got the top picks to keep your sneakers in pristine shape.
Best shoe protector sprays - Quick list
- Crep Protect Shoe Protector - best overall option
- Rust-Oleum Shield H2O - top budget pick
- adidas Originals Shoe Protector - best for suede shoes
- Kaps Nano Protector - excellent for leather sneakers
- Collonil Carbon Pro - best for white trainers
Crep Protect Shoe Protector
Best sneaker protector spray overall
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose Crep Protect Shoe Protector
Finding a shoe protector that is suitable for various materials like leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas can be challenging. However, there is a particular shoe protector spray that fits the bill.
Crep Protect is specially designed to be super-hydrophobic, which means it repels liquids and prevents stains to keep everything looking fresh. It also dries quickly and is completely invisible, a huge bonus we talk about in more detail in our Crep Protect review. This means you can confidently apply it to your shoes, regardless of their color, without the fear of causing any damage.
Whether you want to keep your prized Air Jordans spotless or maintain the freshness of your favorite Air Force 1s looking fresh, Crep Protect is a product that definitely deserves consideration. As an owner of Crep Protect, I personally can't recommend this spray enough if you're an avid sneakerhead.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Rated 8/10 in our review
- The super-hydrophobic spray that repels liquids and prevents stains on various shoe materials like leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas
- It dries quickly, is completely invisible, and works on all colors without causing damage.
Read More: Best shoe cleaning kits
Rust-Oleum Shield H2O
Best budget sneaker protector spray
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose Rust-Oleum Shield H2O
Rust-Oleum Shield H2O stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking a budget-friendly shoe protector. With a generous amount of protective formula housed in an affordably priced bottle, it offers excellent value for money.
One of its standout features is its crystal-clear formulation, completely devoid of silicone. This ensures that it won't cause any damage or alter the appearance and texture of your beloved sneakers. Moreover, its user-friendly trigger spray mechanism ensures that each burst covers a larger area, facilitating more even distribution across the entire shoe.
The Rust-Oleum spray boasts impressive features at a wallet-friendly price point, making it a top contender for keeping your cherished budget sneakers in pristine condition.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- It's a budget-friendly shoe protector with excellent value due to its generous amount of formula
- The crystal-clear, silicone-free formulation protects without altering the appearance or texture of shoes
- Its user-friendly trigger spray ensures even distribution, making it ideal for maintaining budget sneakers in pristine condition
Read More: Best leather shoe cleaners
adidas Originals Shoe Protector
Best suede sneaker protector spray
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose adidas Originals Shoe Protector
The adidas Originals Shoe Protector is a top choice for suede sneakers, thanks to its innovative 360-degree dispensing cap, which delivers a fine mist for even coverage. This ensures no area is left unprotected, keeping your suede shoes in pristine condition.
Using breathable, hydrophobic Nano-technology, this spray creates an invisible barrier that repels water and prevents stains while maintaining the material's breathability. Its water-based, eco-friendly formula dries invisibly too, preserving the natural look and color of your sneakers.
Additionally, the option to buy refills makes this spray a more economical and sustainable choice for long-term sneaker care, allowing you to reuse the bottle and save on costs.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- It features a 360-degree dispensing cap for even coverage
- Nano-technology repels water and prevents stains while preserving the material's natural look and color
- Eco-friendly and refillable
Read More: Best shoe crease protectors
Kaps Nano Protector
Best leather sneaker protector spray
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose Kaps Nano Protector
For a reliable method to keep your leather shoes clean and well-protected, we highly recommend Kaps Nano Protector. This spray employs a specially crafted formula to create a TEX membrane, effectively shielding your sneakers from moisture and dirt.
What truly distinguishes this spray is its unique ability to maintain breathability for both leather and fabric sneakers. It ensures that the material retains its softness and flexibility while being safeguarded from external elements.
Whether your shoes are neutral-toned or vibrant and bold, this spray works effectively across all colors, providing thorough weather protection. Overall, it's an excellent choice for keeping your shoes in top condition.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- It uses a TEX membrane to shield leather shoes from moisture and dirt while maintaining breathability
- It preserves the softness and flexibility of both leather and fabric sneakers
- Works effectively on all colors, providing thorough weather protection for any type of shoe
Read More: Best leather shoe conditioners
Collonil Carbon Pro
Best white sneaker protector spray
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose Collonil Carbon Pro
The Collonil Carbon Pro shoe spray is an ideal choice for protecting delicate white sneakers, thanks to its compatibility with materials like GORE-TEX and Sympatex. It forms an invisible membrane on your shoes, offering long-lasting protection from moisture, heavy rain, and dirt, while delivering a remarkable pearling effect.
Despite its strong waterproofing abilities, it maintains breathability, preserving the comfort and quality of your sneakers. Simple yet effective, the Collonil Carbon Pro spray is a must-have for sneaker enthusiasts looking to keep their footwear clean and protected.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Collonil Carbon Pro creates an invisible membrane that protects delicate white sneakers from moisture, rain, and dirt
- Compatible with materials like GORE-TEX and Sympatex
- It's a simple and effective solution for sneaker enthusiasts to keep their footwear clean and well-protected
Read More: Best suede cleaner for shoes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are usually a ton of questions that emerge when trying to figure out whether a sneaker protector spray is right for you. Don't worry though, because we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions right here.
Do sneaker protector sprays expire?
Sneaker protector sprays may or may not have an expiry date depending on the ingredients used in the spray, although in our experience they often don't expire. We'd recommend checking the can though to confirm if there is an expiration date or not.
However, the effectiveness of the spray will vary based on several factors such as the number of wears, weather conditions, the fabric of your shoes, and the type of spray used.
Typically, the shoe protector spray will last for about two to four weeks after application. To get a more accurate estimate, it is advisable to check the brand's website.
How does a sneaker protector spray work?
Sneaker protector sprays are specifically made to safeguard your shoes against dirt, stains, and water damage. Their primary function is to establish a shield on the shoe's exterior, effectively repelling liquids and preventing them from permeating the material.
Typically, these sprays incorporate a blend of water-resistant components like silicone or fluoropolymer, alongside solvents or propellants for uniform application. When sprayed onto your shoes, these ingredients form a protective barrier.
This is a hydrophobic barrier that stops water, dirt, and various liquids from infiltrating the shoe's fabric. As a result, spills and blemishes are less likely to leave lasting marks, with water simply rolling off the surface.
It's important to understand though that while sneaker protector sprays offer substantial protection, they can't completely protect your shoes. They won't provide absolute immunity against all stains or damages. Nevertheless, they represent a practical solution for prolonging your shoes' lifespan and preserving their fresh appearance for an extended period.
How much should you spend on sneaker protector spray?
The price of sneaker protector spray can vary depending on the brand, the size of the bottle, and the specific features of the spray. However, sneaker protector sprays aren't overly expensive, with a good quality option usually costing below 50 dollars or pounds.
That said, while it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, it's important to choose a high-quality spray that will effectively protect your sneakers from damage and extend their lifespan. Investing in a reputable brand and product can save you money in the long run by helping to prevent costly damage or the need for frequent replacements.
Additionally, it's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the spray is used properly and effectively. Some sprays may require multiple coats or a certain drying time, so it's important to read and follow the instructions carefully.
Can sneaker protector sprays be used on suede or nubuck shoes?
Yes, sneaker protector sprays can generally be used on suede or nubuck shoes. However, it is important to check the specific product instructions to ensure compatibility with these materials.
Some sneaker protector sprays are specifically formulated for use on suede and nubuck, while others may be suitable for a variety of materials. It's recommended to do a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe before applying the spray to the entire surface. This helps to ensure that the spray does not cause any discoloration or damage to the suede or nubuck material.
Following the manufacturer's instructions is crucial to achieve the best results and protect your shoes effectively.