As you reach for your favorite pair of sneakers, you realize it’s pouring down. But can you wear Converse in the rain? Is it an option?
Soggy Converse sneakers are pretty much a given when you’re trying to wear them year-round. When it’s raining outside, your best bet to keep your feet happy and healthy is rubber boots. We hate to break it to you, but Converse sneakers are the worst footwear to opt for when walking through puddles.
A little rain won’t dampen anyone’s day, but it’s definitely going to dampen your Converse sneakers. All-Stars are made with a canvas upper which means there’s nothing you can do to fully waterproof them, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make them more weather resistant.
Whether you like to go running in the rain or simply hate wearing rubber boots in the fall, you might be wondering whether you can get away with wearing your Converse sneakers regardless of the intermittent changes in the weather. We’d say yes, but there’s more to that answer than meets the eye.
Read more down below!
Can Converse get wet?
Converse sneakers are made with heat-resistant fabrics rather than waterproof ones – suede, leather, and cotton canvas are typically used for the upper part of Converse sneakers.
These fabrics can get wet without getting damaged or destroyed, but that doesn’t mean that you should wear your Converse in the rain. When you get your Converse wet, you’re guaranteed to get your feet wet, too.
Moreover, wet terrain often means mud. Converse sneakers are challenging to clean, especially when you get mud on your white Converse. With that out of the way, we’d say you can get your Converse wet, but that doesn’t mean you should.
Can you wear Converse in the rain?
Converse sneakers are not meant to be worn in the rain, there’s no question about that. They are lifestyle sneakers, which means they’re meant for everyday wear, whether you’re going to work, grabbing brunch with friends, or hitting the gym.
But they’re not meant for wet weather because they’re not made to be waterproof – sort of. Before you give up on the thought of wearing your Converse year-round, we do need to mention that Converse produces waterproof sneakers and sneaker/boot hybrids, too.
Some of the waterproof Converse sneakers you can choose between are:
- Chuck II Shield Canvas sneaker
- Chuck Taylor All-Star Terrain Counter Climate
- Chuck Taylor All-Star Lugged 2.0 Counter Climate
- Chuck 70 Counter Climate GORE-TEX
- Chuck Taylor All-Star Winter GORE-TEX®
- Chuck Taylor All-Star GORE-TEX® Lugged Waterproof Leather
- Chuck Taylor All-Star Lugged Winter
- Chuck Taylor All-Star Lugged Winter 2.0
- Chuck 70 AT-CX Counter Climate
- Chuck 70 Explore Waterproof
Sure, your Converse sneakers shouldn’t disintegrate when you wear them in the rain. But you’re definitely better off opting for one of the waterproof styles or waterproofing the ones you’ve already got.
And what about wearing Converse in the snow?
We’re pretty sure you already know the answer to that. Converse sneakers are bad when you wear them in the rain, but they’re worse in the snow. We can’t even fathom how wet, cold, and frosty your feet would feel afterward.
Not to mention how the two holes on the sides of the Converse sneakers would allow the snow to enter your shoes, too. Needless to say, you’re better off keeping your kicks locked up during the winter or opting for one of the waterproof, go-anywhere, ready-for-anything Converse sneakers.
We suggest going for Utility All-Terrain Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers or Winter GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers. We mentioned the possibility of turning your regular pair waterproof, too, but that’s going to require a little more effort on your part.
What can you do to make your Converse sneakers waterproof?
Okay, we can assume you’re Googling whether you can wear your Converse in the rain because they’re your favorite sneakers and you’re trying to get your money’s worth. On top of that, you don’t want to spend the next few months wearing soggy Converse sneakers.
We’ve brushed over the fact that you can’t fully waterproof your Converse sneakers because they’re made with a cotton canvas upper and relatively large eyelets that are guaranteed to get your feet wet.
Not to mention that the tongues aren’t gusseted, which makes the entire thing even worse. Nothing you do can be 100% effective, but there are a few tips and tricks that can save the day and prevent you from getting your Converse soaking wet.
1. Get your supplies
Before you do anything, get your hands on the right products that’ll make your Converse sneakers waterproof.
We suggest opting for a fluoropolymer-based product to waterproof your Converse because that’s the best for canvas. Silicone sprays and beeswax sprays are great for canvas, too.
When you’re done getting your waterproofing products, prepare a soft brush or a toothbrush to scrub the dirt off of your sneakers. Get a clean cloth, too, and a hairdryer to dry your sneakers when you’re done.
Cover your table or floor (depending on your chosen work surface) with paper, nylon, or a towel.
2. Clean your Converse
Spraying your Converse sneakers with a waterproofing spray while they’re dirty might make them appear permanently discolored and damaged, especially when they’re supposed to be white.
Because of that, make sure to clean them with a clean cloth, a soft brush, and a toothbrush to ensure they’re ready for waterproofing. But, on the off chance you need to clean them with warm water and soap, don’t forget to dry them completely before you start the waterproofing process.
3. Apply the product onto your Converse
Silicone, beeswax, and fluoropolymer-based sprays are perfect for waterproofing your Converse sneakers because they’re efficient, easy to apply, and quick to dry. Spray an even layer of the product around all areas of your sneakers. Allow your sneakers to dry before you apply a second layer.
Another effective and slightly cheaper way to waterproof your Converse sneakers would be to opt for regular beeswax. Rub a small amount of beeswax onto the canvas upper. Use a hairdryer to gently melt the beeswax into the fabric. Allow the beeswax to dry before you use a soft brush to remove the excess.
4. Allow your Converse to dry
Always allow your Converse to dry before you wear them. When you’re done waterproofing them, don’t forget to repeat the process now and then to ensure that the wet weather doesn’t affect the efficacy of the product. We can’t guarantee you won’t get your socks wet, though.
What are the best waterproof Converse sneakers out there?
Rainy days won’t go away? Waterproofing your Converse sneakers might not be the way to go when you need a pair to carry you through the rainy season. Get your hands on waterproof Converses and you’re good to go. With them, you can rock your favorite style year-round.
1. Utility All-Terrain Chuck Taylor All-Star
Now we’re talking! When you switch from your regular chucks to these Utility All-Terrain Chuck Taylor All-Stars during that cold, wet time of the year, you’re guaranteed to notice a difference.
With the classic look and feel of the Chuck Taylor high-tops, you won’t even notice you’re wearing boots rather than sneakers. Utility All-Terrain Chuck Taylor All-Stars are a hybrid between sneakers and boots.
They’re made with a warm interior lining for insulation, a waterproof leather upper, and a grippy outsole for improved traction. They’re made with a D-ring lacing system and waterproof laces to ensure everything stays in place.
Depending on your preferences, you can wear these Utility All-Terrain Chuck Taylor All-Stars everywhere you go. And don’t worry, these Converse boots are made for walking.
2. Winter GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All-Star
Okay, the name says everything you need to know about these outdoor-ready pair of Chuck Taylor kicks.
Where do we even start? They’re made with high-quality, hard-wearing fabrics, meaning they’re going to last you a long time. They’re wearable and versatile, and you’ll wear them with pretty much everything you own.
Winter GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All-Stars feature a simple sneaker silhouette, a super comfy polar fleece lining, an OrthoLite insole for comfort, and a gusseted tongue for added protection from the elements.
With a rugged appearance, hiking boot-inspired eyelets and laces, and a hiker-inspired tread, they’re perfect for winter.
3. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Nubuck
We’ve arrived at our third and final favorite pair of Converse kicks: Chuck Taylor All-Star Nubuck leather sneakers. Now, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers are one of the most popular lifestyle sneakers out there.
Whether you’re a skater-style connoisseur, a Converse sneakerhead, or someone who likes to stay on top of trends while staying comfortable, you’ve probably owned a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers.
But you’re already aware that the traditional canvas upper won’t hold up in the rain. Because of that, Converse re-engineered the classic, simple, sneaker silhouette with a waterproof Nubuck leather upper, inner booties, and rugged outsoles. What’s not to adore?
