Are 3D printed shoes waterproof?

Last updated: 2026-10-29

Most 3D printed slides and shoes are water-friendly rather than waterproof. The elastomers they are printed from, such as TPU and elastomeric polyurethane, absorb very little water, so the material is not harmed by getting wet. But an open lattice lets water flow straight through, so your foot will get wet.

Material vs structure

"Waterproof" can mean two things. The material may be water-resistant: it does not soak up water or swell. The shoe may keep water out: a sealed upper and sole. Printed lattice footwear usually has the first property but not the second, by design.

How fast do they dry?

Because there is little to absorb water, a lattice mostly needs to drain. Water held in small cells and on strut surfaces evaporates over minutes to hours depending on cell size, temperature and airflow. Our PFL Dry-Out Time method describes a repeatable way to measure this.

Care tips

Rinse with fresh water after the beach or pool; sand and chlorine can sit inside the lattice.
Hang heel-down or stand on edge to let water drain.
Avoid long periods in direct sun and heat when not wearing them; some resins can yellow or stiffen with heavy UV exposure.
Do not use a clothes dryer or other strong heat.

Good uses

Showers, pool decks, boats and hot-weather walking all suit a water-friendly lattice. For rain or cold puddles where you want dry feet, a sealed shoe is the better choice.