Best Sneaker Protector Spray 2024


Someone in a black jumper holding a black can of sneaker protector spray in front of a white, black, and orange Nike Air Max.
Credit: Collonil

Want to keep your kicks looking fresh and clean for longer? Look no further than the best sneaker protector sprays on the market.

While top shoe deodorizers keep the inside of your sneakers smelling nice, protector sprays are essential for protecting the outer layers from dirt, water, and other stains. They do this by filling in the gaps in the material, creating a barrier against unwanted intruders.

Fortunately, we've scoured the internet to find you standout sprays that are not only effective but also affordable and highly rated based on customer reviews. So, whether you're looking for a spray that works on all materials, like Crep Protect Shoe Protector, or something specifically for leather sneakers, like Kaps Nano Protector, we've got you covered.

Don't let your best sneakers fall victim to stains and wear and tear. Add a sneaker protector spray to your cleaning arsenal today and keep your kicks looking fresh for longer!

Best shoe protector sprays

  1. Crep Protect Shoe Protector - best overall option
  2. Rust-Oleum Shield H2O - top budget pick
  3. Kiwi Protect-All Waterproofer - best for suede shoes
  4. Kaps Nano Protector - excellent for leather sneakers
  5. Collonil Carbon Pro - best for white trainers
Crep Protect Shoe Protector spray can in black and purple with yellow trim.
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1. Crep Protect Shoe Protector

Best sneaker protector spray overall

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 colour, without the fear of causing any damage.

Whether you want to keep your prized Air Jordans spotless or maintain the freshness of your favourite 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.

Rust-Oleum Shield H2O product image of a blue bottle with a white spray lid and orange branding.
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Credit: Rust-Oleum

2. Rust-Oleum Shield H2O

Best budget sneaker protector spray

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.

Kiwi Protect-All Waterproofer product image of a grey can with a red lid.
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Credit: Kiwi

3. Kiwi Protect-All Waterproofer

Best suede sneaker protector spray

The Protect-All Waterproofer spray exemplifies Kiwi's expertise in the shoecare game and is widely regarded as one of the best suede protectors available.

The specially formulated spray acts as a barrier, effectively safeguarding your shoes against water and dirt infiltration while still allowing for proper breathability. This feature is particularly crucial for materials like suede, as they require ventilation to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Moreover, the spray's invisible shield attribute adds further appeal, making it a worthwhile choice for maintaining the freshness of your suede sneakers without causing any damage to the material.

Kaps Nano Protector product image of a black and blue can.
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Credit: Kaps

4. Kaps Nano Protector

Best leather sneaker protector spray

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 colours, providing thorough weather protection. Overall, it's an excellent choice for keeping your shoes in top condition.

Collonil Carbon Pro product image of a black can with orange details.
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Credit: Collonil

5. Collonil Carbon Pro

Best white sneaker protector spray

This Collonil Carbon Pro shoe spray is suitable for a variety of materials and membranes like GORE-TEX or Sympatex, making it the perfect choice for safeguarding delicate white sneakers in our opinion.

It works by creating an invisible membrane on your sneakers, resulting in an impressive pearling effect and ensuring long-lasting protection against moisture, heavy rain, and dirt.

What sets Collonil apart is its commitment to maintaining the sneakers' breathability, even with highly effective waterproofing. This feature makes it an excellent option for preserving the quality of your sneakers.

Overall, the Collonil Carbon Pro shoe spray offers a simple yet efficient way to keep your white sneakers clean and protected, making it a worthy consideration for sneaker enthusiasts.

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.

Does sneaker protector spray 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 protector 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.

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