Like your own feet, sensible care is also recommended for barefoot shoes. This not only contributes to the preservation of the shoe, so that you support a long service life, but also supports other factors. Above all, we would like to give you an understanding of the most important care method when caring for barefoot shoes and explain it in more detail: impregnation. Because thanks to the application of the impregnation spray, the material of the respective barefoot shoe is refined and, in addition, it has a water-repellent effect. This is especially nice if you don't want to go without a walk in wet weather with your favorite barefoot shoe.
Step 1: Cleaning the barefoot shoes
It is very important to clean the shoes properly before waterproofing. Any dirt should be removed as completely as possible. Also pay attention to the material of your barefoot shoes. While some are equipped with more robust fabrics, others are to be treated with a little gentler care. We recommend the classic way of dampening a cloth with water or using a brush. It is best to use a rather soft brush. Then start cleaning your shoes thoroughly from start to finish. Take the time you need to do this. The more thorough, the better.
Step 2: Impregnation
If your shoes have now been successfully cleaned, the impregnation can begin. Here, too, you have to pay attention to a few things so that you do not impregnate your barefoot shoes incorrectly or only half-heartedly. Nothing is more annoying than a small spot on the shoe that still lets water through, etc. We therefore recommend the following procedure for complete, optimal impregnation: Be sure to keep a little distance when you apply the impregnation spray. Ideally, this is 20 to 30 centimetres. It is also important that you maintain this distance. It should always be the same length and be even. If you don't keep this distance, the material will get much too wet.
Even impregnating the surfaces is not enough. Every edge, every seam - no matter how small - you should really get all corners of the barefoot shoe with the waterproofing spray.
If you have now completely impregnated everything, a sponge is recommended so that you can carefully work the spray into the material. Now let your barefoot shoes dry for about two to three minutes and remove the remains of the impregnation spray with a dry towel or similar.
Step 3: Repeat the process
In order to really seal the material completely and protect the barefoot shoes completely, it is essential that you repeat the impregnation process. We recommend that you do this at least two more times. At the same time, do not forget that after each impregnation, wait two minutes and remove the remnants dry. If you apply too much at once, the barefoot shoe will become far too damp, as described. This operation, on the other hand, makes it possible to apply several thin layers on top of each other, creating an optimal water-repellent effect and completely protecting the material. It is much faster to follow these steps than having to wait a long time for drying due to too much impregnation spray. That's our experience. So take your time
Step 4: Allow to dry properly
It is advisable - also based on experience - after the last impregnation to let the barefoot shoes dry properly again. This allows the impregnation spray to penetrate the material and form a strong protective barrier. Once you have left the barefoot shoes to dry for a while and removed the residue, you can finally start wearing your shoes as usual. You no longer have to pay attention to anything with regard to the impregnation spray when wearing them - wear your barefoot shoes as usual and enjoy the feeling.
How often should you waterproof barefoot shoes?
If you want optimal protection for your barefoot shoes, you should waterproof them regularly. The shoe and your protected feet will thank you for that. In addition to that, it's nice to be able to keep your shoes for a long time just by waterproofing them regularly. We asked and those who don't want to do without their barefoot shoes and who attach particular importance to long-term preservation and protection impregnate their shoes up to twice a week. In our opinion, however, applying full protection once a week is perfectly sufficient.