Waterproof your Nike Air Forces for rainy days | Guide by SHOEGR

Rainy days and Nike Air Forces don’t always go hand in hand. You step out looking sharp, and before you know it, puddles, splashes, and surprise drizzles leave your crisp kicks soggy and stained. Sound familiar?

If you love your Nike Air Force and want to keep them fresh—even in the rain—this blog is for you. At SHOEGR, we understand how much you value your sneakers. Here’s a real, practical guide on how to protect them the right way without ruining the look or comfort.

Why do you need to waterproof your Air Forces?

Nike Air Forces are stylish, comfy, and go well with almost any outfit. But they’re not built for heavy rain or muddy roads. Water, dirt, and moisture can cause:

• Stains and patches on the fabric or leather.

• Bad smells due to wet insoles.

• Color fading or yellowing of soles.

• Fungus or mold inside the shoe (yes, that happens too).

That’s why it’s a good idea to give your sneakers some extra protection before stepping out into the rain.

Step-by-step guide to waterproof your Nike Air Forces

Step 1: Clean your Air Forces first

Before applying anything, your sneakers need to be clean.

• Use a sneaker cleaner (like SHOEGR’s foam or solution formula) and a shoe cleaning brush to remove dirt and stains. You can also opt for a complete shoe cleaning kit that comes with everything you need for shoe cleaning.

• Don’t forget the soles and tongue area—dirt there can prevent the waterproof spray from sticking properly.

• If your shoes are not too dirty for a complete cleaning session then you can also clean them with SHOEGR sneaker wipes ideal for quick results removing stains and dirt.

• Let them dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Apply the stain & water repellent spray

This is the most important step. A good repellent spray like SHOEGR Coat creates an invisible layer on your shoes that stops water from soaking in. It helps protect the material from stains, water damage, and even spills.

How to apply:

• Shake the bottle well before use. Hold the spray bottle around 20 cm away from the shoe.

• Spray a light, even coat over the entire surface of the shoe — including the tongue, laces, and around the sole.

• Do not over-spray. A light mist is enough.

• Let your shoes dry for at least 6-8 hours in a cool, dry place.

For better protection, repeat the spray once more after the first coat dries. A double layer gives more lasting results, especially during rains.

Step 3: Store them properly

Waterproofing is great, but how you store your sneakers is also important. Avoid leaving them in damp or humid places.

Here’s how to store them right:

• Always keep your shoes in a cool, dry space.

• Stuff them with newspaper or use shoe trees to maintain shape.

• Don’t put wet shoes back in the box or closet.

• If they get wet, dry them naturally — avoid using a hairdryer or direct heat.

• Better to store your premium collection shoes in SHOEGR clear side sneaker crates.

What about suede Nike Air Forces?

If you own suede or mixed-material Air Forces, be even more careful.

• Use a suede-specific cleaner before waterproofing. SHOEGR suede shoe cleaner kit is the perfect choice for cleaning your suede shoes. It includes a  suede brush and suede eraser.

• Gently brush the suede with a suede brush to raise the nap.

• Apply a suede-safe waterproof spray—never use a regular waterproofer on suede, as it may darken or stain it. SHOEGR Coat is suitable for suede materials too, so you can use it. 

Bonus tips for rainy day sneaker care

1. Avoid deep puddles: No matter how waterproof your shoes are, stepping in deep water can still be risky.

2. Use waterproof covers: If you're walking long distances, consider shoe covers or overshoes that go over your sneakers.

3. Carry sneaker wipes: We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating. Sneaker wipes can be a real savior during the rainy season.

4. Reapply spray every few weeks: The effect of the water repellent spray doesn’t last forever. Reapply every 2–3 weeks during the monsoon season for best results.

Can you wear Nike Air Forces in heavy rain?

Let’s be honest: no amount of waterproofing makes sneakers 100% rainproof. If it’s pouring, and you’ll be walking through puddles or muddy roads, consider wearing waterproof boots or rain-specific sneakers instead.

But for regular rainy days with a few splashes here and there—yes, with proper protection, your Nike Air Forces can handle it.

Final thoughts

Your sneakers are more than just shoes—they’re part of your identity. With just a little care and the right waterproof spray, you can step out in your Nike Air Forces even during the rainy season.

SHOEGR’s waterproof protector spray is designed to keep your sneakers safe, stylish, and stain-free. Whether it’s leather, suede, or canvas—we’ve got you covered. For more monsoon shoe care tips you can read our blog: Gear up for monsoon with SHOEGR’s top-notch shoe care tips.

Stay fresh. Stay protected. Stay connected with SHOEGR.