Waterproof vs water-repellent: what’s the difference?

Waterproof vs water-repellent: what’s the difference? Waterproof vs water-repellent: what’s the difference?

Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes

Have you chosen barefoot shoes and ended up with wet feet in the first proper downpour? We’ll explain the difference between water-repellent and waterproof, and help you pick the right care products.

When we’re choosing new shoes, outdoor clothing or a rucksack, we want the best option: something that looks good, feels comfortable and works well in real life. After all, it’s not exactly pocket change — you don’t want to replace things after just a few months. One key parameter that’s well worth checking is water resistance. Let’s take a closer look…

Waterproof or water-repellent? It can sound like splitting hairs. But the truth is, these terms may look similar, yet the difference in meaning is huge. Here’s what it really comes down to — once and for all:

  • waterproof – this is what you’re looking for, what you want and what you need. It can save your skin from blisters and your phone from disaster,
  • water-repellent – it repels water, but only for a while. It doesn’t mean waterproof, so it’s basically a hint that it will (sooner or later) soak through. But for a light shower on the way to the tram, you’ll usually stay dry.

Right — now you know the essentials. Next, let’s look at it in more detail, specifically for footwear and materials.

Waterproof – that’s what you want

Whether it’s clothing, a rucksack or shoes, waterproof means it’s the right choice. These special materials can handle pretty much any situation — especially when the weather can’t make up its mind. They’re materials with a special surface treatment, so water droplets stay on the surface and don’t seep inside. In other words, it’s a permanent finish that simply works.

When choosing outdoor clothing, you’ve probably seen something like “water column: 10 000 mm”. That’s exactly it. Water resistance is measured as a water column and the number tells you how many millimetres of water the material can withstand before it leaks through. Imagine placing a tube on the fabric and pouring water into it. Once you fill it above 10 000 millimetres, the material starts letting water through. By the way, ten metres is a solid water column — with that, most rain won’t catch you out.

Another important feature of waterproof materials is breathability. Remember those super-sturdy raincoats from childhood that didn’t leak — but after a few minutes you felt like you were in a steam room? It doesn’t have to be like that. When shopping, look for breathability too, i.e. the material’s ability to let body moisture escape. You’ll appreciate that — and so will anyone standing nearby.

Water-repellent isn’t waterproof

Water-repellent. It sounds tempting — and it’s not a bad thing. Water-repellent materials can handle light showers with no problem at all. But for heavier downpours, they’re not really enough. Water-repellent materials work by forming separate droplets on the surface, which then run off. Have you ever slept in a tent? Morning dew forms droplets that usually run off on their own (or the sun dries them quickly). But brush the wall with your head — and suddenly the water is inside.

A great support for water-repellent materials is waterproofing spray. With regular waterproofing, you can keep these properties for years and your gear will keep performing like new. You probably know this already — it just takes a reminder and actually doing it regularly, right?

So how do you choose the right waterproofing spray? You’ll find that in the next section. But if you don’t want to spend time overthinking the “perfect” choice, just get one universal option — for example from the trusted brand COLLONIL.

Often underestimated — and even more often forgotten

Yes, it’s waterproofing spray. It’s a brilliant helper for keeping the performance of your favourite (not only) outdoor textile and leather pieces — and it can extend their lifespan by years.

Because we know waterproofing is often overlooked — even though it matters so much — we wanted to go into a bit more detail here, to motivate you to use it regularly.

The benefits (and a bit of magic) of waterproofing:

  • protects against getting soaked and water seeping in,
  • doesn’t affect the look or colour of the treated item — it’s colourless,
  • it’s versatile: suitable for leather, textiles, softshell and footwear with a protective membrane,
  • helps prevent dirt from sticking and stops unsightly stains; dirt stays on the surface, so it’s easier to clean later.

Did you know that even if something does get wet, waterproofing helps it dry faster? A bit magical, isn’t it?

How to choose the right one

It’s simple — choose based on the material you want to treat. There are specialist waterproofing sprays for textiles, functional footwear/clothing with a membrane and leather.

The good news is that most waterproofing sprays work on all three material types, so once you pick the right one, you’re set for life. At naBOSo, we’ve had great results with COLLONIL and its carbon technology. It’s also worth mentioning that waterproofing helps protect the colour of footwear against UV light, i.e. it helps prevent fading.

How and how often should you waterproof?

You’ll find a simple general guide for waterproofing sprays below. But we always recommend reading the instructions on the product packaging.

  • Remove dirt from the surface,
  • let the item dry thoroughly,
  • shake the spray before use,
  • apply from a distance of approx. 20–30 cm,
  • leave to dry for at least 30 minutes — ideally don’t touch it,
  • use the treated product only once the spray has fully dried.

Waterproofing is recommended as often as every 14 days. If you remember once a month, that’s great too. Or at least every time the item gets wet or soaked through.

naBOSo tip: Collonil Carbon Pro waterproofing spray with new carbon technology and extremely high effectiveness can be used on all types of materials, including climate membranes. It combines protection with excellent breathability. It protects against moisture, deep soiling, stains and grease. Regular application makes cleaning easier and extends the lifespan of treated products.

Waterproof socks aren’t just a dream

Sometimes there’s no way around it — it’s absolutely tipping it down, you need to head out, and you know that for this kind of rain even waterproofing (and your footwear) won’t be enough. So here’s an idea: try waterproof socks. Seriously? Seriously. A brilliant travel companion when you don’t know what conditions you’ll run into. These socks don’t give up easily — and not much catches them out. They’re ideal for hikes, running and walks through morning dew.

Or if you don’t want to put your feet through the misery of leather hiking boots and prefer breathable textile materials, waterproof socks can save your feet when the weather turns. They can also help you avoid unpleasant blisters. Dry feet are the foundation of any good day out.

An investment that pays off

They’re also a great gift idea for athletes, adventurous travellers, and anyone who loves exploring mountains and natural beauty.

More than one mum has said: Look after your things properly and they’ll last you a long time. And let’s be honest — mums are usually right. Whether it’s your barefoot shoes, a piece of technical kit or a rucksack, with good care your gear will serve you well for years to come.

Where will your next steps take you?