Water Repellent vs. Waterproof Shoes: What is the Difference?

While both water-repellent and waterproof shoes protect against moisture and humidity, they do not offer the same level of protection. With so many different types of footwear available, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by all of the options on the market.  

It is important to consider all factors when choosing footwear that best suits the needs of your employees and is adapted to their workplace, particularly in food and beverage production. In addition, keeping your facilities in good condition, along with proper training and adequate breaks for your employees, will also help reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. 

The type of shoe your employees need will depend on the task at hand. Let us take a look at the differences between water repellent shoes vs. waterproof shoes with features from our Shoes For Crews styles to help you make the best decision possible. 

Water-repellent shoes 

1. Lightweight and metal free 

Wearing heavy footwear for long periods of time can be extremely uncomfortable and tiring. If a worker’s job involves a lot of walking and standing, a lightweight, water-repellent shoe is preferable. At Shoes For Crews, our comfortable designs can help take the pressure off the back, knees and joints. This feature helps keep crews dry and focused on the task at hand throughout the day. 

2. Water-repellent, sustainable materials

A good water-repellent shoe will not only keep feet dry and protected, it will also keep water out all day. The water-repellent uppers in some of our shoe styles can help crews get through the mildly wet shifts and finish the day dry. Many of our work shoes feature durable, recycled synthetic uppers, reducing our carbon footprint and helping us adopt a circular product range.  

3. Breathable and comfortable to wear

When production crews spend a lot of time standing in fixed positions, often performing repetitive tasks, they need a comfortable, supportive shoe with a wider heel to alleviate everyday aches and pains. Features such as extra-cushioned and removable insoles, padded collars and tongues are all important. The protective, water-repellent coating can eventually wear off so we recommend replacing this type of shoe every six months or less. 

4. Best for light daily use  

Water repellent footwear is ideal for day-to-day use, as it provides a basic level of protection against light spills and splashes. They are typically made from materials that have been treated with a special coating or spray to improve their resistance. This type of coating can be reapplied as often as necessary if a topcoat has previously been in place. We recommend replacing water repellent shoes every six months or less. 

Waterproof shoes 

1. Made from waterproof membranes or materials

This type of shoe is made from a combination of both fabric and water-resistant materials such as rubber, synthetic leather, neoprene or vinyl with a special layer woven into the shoe to keep feet warm and dry. 

2. Breathable and comfortable to wear

A common issue with water-resistant shoes is the availability of breathable materials. This is one of those features that is often overlooked but has a direct impact on comfort. The warm and wet environments found in the food production industry mean that employees’ feet need to be able to breathe, otherwise factors such as sweat and other strong odours can lead to the build-up of bacteria and mould. That is why we offer three-hole arch ventilation for breathability in some of our styles. 

3. Protect against spills

Waterproof shoes are best for activities such as prolonged exposure to water, working in slippery or wet working conditions or in factories where there is a risk of spillage throughout the day. This is why we created a special membrane called SpillGuard to provide necessary splash protection in many of our designs. 

4. Best choice for extremely wet conditions 

Waterproof shoes are an employee’s first line of defence when it comes to staying dry and warm. The waterproof layer or membrane is usually placed between the upper and the lining of the work shoes, making it virtually invisible. Small holes allow for air and excess moisture to pass through the shoe, while larger water droplets are blocked and cannot penetrate the material. 

Finally, this style is generally made with rubber outsoles and a solid, textured grip to provide traction on wet floors, helping to prevent costly slips, tips and falls. Our range of outsole technologies provide superior slip resistance and are tailored to meet specific requirements for various roles in the food and drink industry. 

As you can see from the features we have discussed, different roles in food and drink production can benefit from wearing water-repellent or waterproof work shoes. They may vary depending on the duties of the role and the environments in which teams work. Water-repellent shoes may be better for crews who spend time in slightly wet conditions, while waterproof work shoes may be preferred by workers who have prolonged exposure to wet and damp environments. With Shoes For Crew’s range of water-repellent and waterproof footwear, there’s a style to suit every need. 

Interested in learning more about one or more of the features in this article? Contact one of our footwear specialists to find out how you can request a free trial pair. Browse our full range or download our Catalogue to learn about specific styles that are perfect for the food and drink production industry.