Can Sperrys Get Wet? – Are They Waterproof?

Love your Sperrys? Don’t we all?!

I mean, they are the perfect mix of casual, but comfy, and to top it all off, add a piece of sophistication and class like no other.

As the creator of the famous boat shoe, Sperry has only become more and more popular through the years, making their beautiful boat shoes, loafers and the like, the envy of every eye.

But we’re talking specifically about boat shoes here. Even though Sperry boat shoes were created for use the water, can they be used in the water as well?

In other words, can Sperrys get wet?

Can Sperrys get wet?

The short answer is Yes, they can get wet, in fact, a little water can give add some character and make this already stylish shoe look even better.

Now that answer may sound a little confusing to you, so to give you a little bit more information about these good looking shoes, let’s take a look at the past.

Why it is OK to get your Sperrys Wet – A Look At The Past

Well, first off, let’s take a little stroll through time and remember why Sperrys were made.

Paul Sperry invented the beloved boat shoe in 1935, after realizing the need for a secure grip while out and about on his boat deck.

He then modeled the shoe’s traction after inspecting his dog’s paws and realizing why this beloved animal could stop so easily on the slippery ground.

And a great invention it was, as it is now one of the leading brands in footwear today, some 80+ years later.

Thus, it’s no wonder Sperry shoes have long been the go-to in the nautical world.

But that still leaves us with the ever-popular question:

Are Sperrys Waterproof?

According to the Sperry brand themselves, this beloved shoe is not waterproof, so don’t expect that if you do decide to take them in the sea, your feet won’t instantly be soaked. That is not going to happen. However, even though they aren’t considered waterproof, they will be ok if you get them wet.

In fact, some have even said that a once wet shoe, adds a bit of character later on, and I personally can’t disagree.

Remember, Sperrys were made with the intention of wearing on the water.

They are boat shoes, might I remind you, so some H20 is expected to get on them babies once in a while. That being said, I (personally) wouldn’t recommend using them like as a swim shoe, or intentionally getting them soaked.

I’m not saying you can’t do that, I just know that through frequent use, and soaking them in water for long periods of time, you will only start to deteriorate the material faster than if they were kept dry.

I’m by no means saying that if they get soaked several times, these shoes will one day just fall apart.

No.

After all, they are made from some of the best materials (genuine leather uppers and the eyelets are even made to avoid rust) while many are hand-stitched themselves.

I just personally like to make sure I get a long run with any of my purchases, but especially with something that is expected, and able, to last for years to come.

You may also enjoy reading: Are Sperrys Business Casual? Making The Best First Impression With These Boat Shoes

So what can you do if you unintentionally get your Sperrys wet?

Let’s face it-it’s going to happen. Whether you’re wearing your Sperrys on the high seas or out casually with your friends, your Sperrys (at some point in time) are bound to get wet. This could be from the ocean or even something as unexpected as a rain shower.

The point is, they will get wet.

So what can you do if unintentionally your Sperrys take in a little more water than you wanted?

First off, don’t fret. Like I mentioned before, these shoes aren’t waterproof, but they certainly can withstand the water.

Thus, at a convenient time, (sooner, rather than later,) start by taking a towel or washcloth and try to soak in any extra water still lingering on the surface.

Leather shoes like these tend to soak in the water pretty deep and fast, but do what you can to take any excess water off the surface.

This will only help the drying process move along that much faster.

Next, take out the insoles and let them dry on their own. Generally, water gathers to the inside near the bottom of the shoe, so if you take the insoles out, you’re already a step ahead.

It is important to note that if leather dries too quickly it can dry out and crack. For that reason, do not place your shoes in front of some heating source with the hopes of them drying quicker.

This could permanently damage your shoes.

Instead, for best results, always allow them to air dry.

Additionally, you could place a towel or newspapers inside shoes to help them retain their shape as they dry.

Finally, to keep the leather looking like new, try using a leather protector like this Leather Conditioner and Restorer by Leather Rescue.

Many like protector because it is gentle on shoes, as well as non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about any harmful toxins.

It deeply conditions the leather and can be used on treated or untreated leather materials. It also works fast- drying time is only about an hour or so.

Use this conditioner from time to time, whether your Sperrys got wet or not, to help restore and protect your shoes from the daily elements.

But just a side-note: This does not work on suede or nubuck, so keep that in mind when deciding on the right conditioner for your shoes.

Learn more about treating Suede Shoes here: Can You Wear Suede Shoes In The Rain?

Should Your Waterproof Sperrys?

While a little water won’t hurt your boat shoes, you can further protect them by waterproofing them if designed.

One such waterproofing product that I would recommend especially for leather products is AquaSeal.

It is extremely easy to use and offers a lot of protects.

Final thoughts

So while your Sperry’s can get wet, and some even like the ‘aged’ look that saltwater can provide, don’t expect that you won’t see any signs from use in the water.

In fact, do expect it. But, if you don’t mind,  or even want that look, then go for it!

However, if you are a person that wants to maintain the exact look you purchased, straight out of the shoe box, then be a little more cautious when bringing these around water.

Either way, keep in mind that they will definitely dry, it may just take a little longer than you planned on, especially if you’re not sailing in the sun with your beloved boat shoes on.

Have you worn your Sperrys in the ocean? How did they hold up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.