PFAS40/ 100Poor
NIKWAX Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray

Nikwax · Shoe Waterproofing Sprays

NIKWAX Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray

Poor

Nikwax waterproofing historically uses PFAS-free wax formulas, but no public PFAS declaration; verify batch via direct contact.

Nikwax markets nubuck and suede treatments as traditionally wax-based products, historically lower PFAS risk than Teflon-family coating water-repellent coating. However, no public PFAS-free status appears on labels or website.

Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.

Material

Waterproofing spray (active ingredient unspecified on public labels)

Brand disclosure

Brand is silent on PFAS

Lab data

No public lab test

What we don’t know

Basis
Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
Lab test
None on record for this exact product
Brand statement
Nikwax has made none

Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.

Safer alternatives in Shoe Waterproofing Sprays

Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector

Scotchgard

Suede & Nubuck Protector

Proprietary liquid spray coating (composition unspecified)

PFAS Grade45Poor
Poor

Skip until brand discloses PFAS status or certifies PFAS-free.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield 2-Pack

Scotchgard

Heavy Duty Water Shield 2-Pack

Proprietary water-repellent coating (likely Teflon-family coating-based water-repellent coating)

PFAS Grade45Poor
Poor

Skip unless brand discloses coating chemistry; water shields historically rely on PFAS.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Kiwi Protect All Waterproofer Spray

Kiwi

Protect All Waterproofer Spray

Proprietary waterproof/water-repellent coating (unspecified)

PFAS Grade45Poor
Poor

Skip until Kiwi discloses coating chemistry or provides PFAS testing.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

More shoe waterproofing sprays grades

How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.