Excellent mail-in service that was easy to use, reasonably priced, and a fast turnaround time. Cannot recommend SoleHeeled enough!
Ashley, Melbourne
Easy, Reliable Shoe Waterproofing
Treating shoes with specialist waterproofing agents is a time-tested way to keep a new pair of shoes looking fresh for longer, by shielding otherwise delicate materials from water damage and stains caused by the elements and everyday accidents. Our team of shoe care and repair specialists have the experience it takes to deliver impeccable results, and our free Australia-wide shipping service makes protecting your footwear easier than ever.
Free Shipping
Order online with free packaging and shipping to and from our workshop
Quality
Have your shoes repaired by Australia’s best craftsmen, trusted since 1955
Service
We care about you and your shoes; your satisfaction is our highest priority
How it Works
1. Order Online
Answer a few questions to get an instant quote and complete your order.
2. Drop off
Drop your shoes off at any local post office for free packaging and shipping to us.
3. We repair
A team of experienced craftsmen will carefully waterproof for your shoes.
4. We return
We'll deliver your waterproofed shoes to you, wherever you are in Australia.
Shoe Waterproofing Services
Shoe waterproofing is the process of treating footwear to make it resistant to water. It involves applying a protective coating or treatment to the outer material of the shoes, creating a barrier that prevents water and other substances from staining and damaging the material. The same barrier makes shoes less prone to staining / discolouration and the development of mould or mildew. While waterproofing does not entirely prevent water seepage into the interior of the shoe (e.g. where that is caused by gaps that form between parts of the shoe), or complete protection against stains / water damage, it is essential to helping keep shoes looking and feeling their best.
Our professional shoe waterproofing services will help to ensure that your shoes are properly and safely protected. This is particularly important for delicate shoes / materials, where DIY methods (typically involving shoe waterproof spray) can cause irreversible damage.
Leather Shoe Waterproofing
Leather is a natural material, and so is prone to water damage. When leather shoes get wet, moisture can get into the leather fibres, causing them to become weak, warped, or cracked over time. Leather shoes that are regularly exposed to moisture without proper protection can also deteriorate faster and end up covered in mould or mildew.
Depending on the type and condition of the leather involved, we use a variety of specialist waterproofing agents available in the form of creams and sprays to treat the leather. If the leather is dirty or worn, then we are careful to first clean and condition the leather to ensure the leather is healthy and its surface is free of accumulated dirt and impurities.
Satin, Fabric & Suede Shoe Waterproofing
We recommend having your satin, fabric and suede shoes waterproofed before you wear them, particularly as these materials are more delicate and porous compared to leather or synthetic materials.
Satin is a luxurious and delicate fabric commonly used in formal shoes or special occasion footwear. However, satin is highly prone to absorbing water and other liquids, and come become discoloured and stained easily.
Fabric shoes, including canvas, cotton, or mesh materials, are popular for their breathability and comfort. However, they are prone to absorbing water, which can lead to stretching, colour fading, and even mould or mildew growth.
Suede shoes are highly susceptible to water damage. Water exposure can cause the suede to become stained, discoloured, and develop unsightly watermarks or spots. Wet suede can also lose its softness and become stiff or misshapen.
Waterproofing your satin, fabric and suede shoes helps to seal the fibres and prevent water absorption, keeping them dry and helping to prevent stains and discolouration. It also helps to minimise the effects of dirt and dust, making your shoes easier to clean and maintain.
We use a variety of specialist waterproofing agents, available as creams and sprays, depending on the specific type and condition of materials involved. If need be, we carefully clean any dirt or wear on the shoes, ensuring the surface is free from accumulated impurities, before the waterproofing treatment commences.
Looking for something else?
We also perform a variety of other specialist shoe care and repair services. If you do not see what you are looking for or you are not quite sure what your shoes need, learn more about our services or complete our order form — where you will be able to describe and upload photos of your shoes, which we will then review and recommend work for.
Trusted Shoe waterproofers Since 1955
What our Customers Think
Here is some of the feedback we have received from customers
Trusted by Luxury Brands
Australia-Wide Service
SoleHeeled operates across Australia. No matter where you live, our free and easy 2-way shipping service has you covered.
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Canberra
- Adelaide
- Hobart
- Darwin
And all regional areas ...
Shoe Waterproofing Examples
Recent Orders
Here is a list of recent waterproofing orders we have received from customers across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longevity of a waterproofing treatment depends on how the shoes are worn, the conditions in which they are worn, and how the shoes are maintained. Generally speaking, we expect our waterproofing treatments to provide effective protection for 6-12 months. Beyond this, periodic re-treatment is recommended.
While some waterproofing agents are known to leave some materials with a sheen on the surface and a slightly rougher feel, our waterproofing agents are specially formulated to avoid this, preserving the original look and feel of your shoes.
Waterproofing agents are available for use on a variety of different materials, though it is important to be careful in selecting specific agents and methods of application based on the materials involved. With this in mind, it is often best to consult professionals who can offer a tailored solution, especially when dealing with delicate shoes.
Yes, it is common and generally OK to waterproof shoes at home, usually with freely available shoe waterproofing sprays. However, a professional waterproofing service would help to offer superior results and avoid risks — using specialised waterproofing agents and techniques to achieve longer-lasting protection and ensure thorough coverage without potentially altering the look or feel of the shoes or damaging the underlying materials.
It's all very quick and easy — promise!
- Complete our online order form, where you'll be able to upload photos and describe the work you'd like done to the shoes. You'll get an instant quote based on your selection and then choose to either proceed with an order or request a custom quote.
- Once we've reviewed your order, we'll email you instructions for getting your shoes to us. If you live in Sydney, you'll have the option to drop the shoes off at our workshop. Otherwise, you'll be able to drop them off at a local Australia Post office, where they'll be packaged and shipped over to us for free.
- Once we receive your shoes, we'll repair and return them to you by courier.
The cost to waterproof shoes can vary, but prices start at $69.
Simply complete our order form to get a free diagnosis/quote for your particular shoes.
The time it takes to complete shoe waterproofing varies depending on the particular work required and the workload in the workshop when the shoes are received.
We are generally able to complete basic waterproofing within 3-5 business days of receiving shoes at the workshop.
If you will be using our free shipping service (rather than dropping off and picking up your shoes at the workshop), then you should also factor in shipping time via Australia Post. This varies depending on your location, but generally takes no more than a few business days if you're in a metropolitan area and otherwise up to 5 business days (if you're in a regional or remote area).
Once you submit your online order form, you'll be given a token that allows you to track everything online, throughout the process of getting your shoes waterproofed.
And whenever your shoes are in transit (whether on their way to our workshop via Australia Post or on the way back to you via courier), you'll have a parcel tracking number and receive real-time shipping notifications by email.
Yes, you can drop off and pick up your shoes at our workshop in Martin Place, Sydney provided that:
- You first complete your order online;
- You let us know (in the order form or by follow up email) that you'd like to drop off and/or pick up at the workshop; and
- We have emailed you a ticket that you'll need to print out and hand over at the workshop for ID and proof of payment.