Can You Wear Leather Shoes in the Rain- Yes/No! 4 Best Hacks

Last updated on August 11th, 2024 at 08:07 am

Leather shoes are highly preferred due to their strength and longevity. But it becomes difficult to protect it from water also because one of its properties like it is porous.

Rainwater is more acidic than plain water and contains typically minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc. Such minerals and acids damage the surface of the shoe even if your shoe is waterproof.

Most people use an umbrella or raincoat when raining but, when it comes to shoes, you can’t save them from anything, right?

So, does this mean that you cannot go out in the rain wearing leather shoes?

No, not like that. You can find a solution to this by taking some precautions, which we will see in this article.

According to a Researchgate report, using technology, the waterproofing of shoes is made in many footwear industries. Some of them like Out Dry Technology, and Gore-Tex Technology is famous.

Before moving to the solution, first, you need to see the impact of water on different leather shoe materials, also I will discuss here the demerits of shoe exposure in the rain.

Let’s start….

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Impact of Rainwater on Different Shoes

Impact on Cloth Shoes or Fabric Shoes

Whenever we step out in the rain, our clothes get wet but in the case of cloth shoes, it is even worse. Because here there is not only water, but also soil, and sewage everything seems to be there.

Gradually the cloth of the shoe starts to deteriorate and starts breaking after a couple of uses. Getting water inside the shoes is a different problem that cannot be ignored.

Along with this, it is common for such shoes to get torn or holes in the sole. Meanwhile, it is a good idea to neglect to wear this kind of shoes when it is raining outside.

But if you are stuck somewhere in the rain, you can save your expensive friend by paying attention to some points.

• First, try to find a shelter to save the shoe from wet in the rain.
• Wrap the shoe with any water-repelling material like a shoe disposal non-slipcover, which you can buy from any store.

After coming back first clean the mud stains and wash the shoe with detergent water and dry it properly.

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Impact on Full Grain and Top Grain Leather Shoes

Full-grain and top-grain leather, both are different. The uppermost layer is known as full grain and the 2^nd layer is known as top grain leather. Both are highly durable and costly.

This type of leather has a fat or oil-like layer that protects the shoe from water. But at the same time, it is necessary to sprinkle some water from time to time to maintain moisture so that the leather of the shoe does not become stiff.

But now since leather is a porous material, over-watering and then not drying properly leads to damage to the fabric. Due to the rain, soil trapped in the small pores of the shoe, breathing is not done properly, then it is common for the shoes to smell bad.

To save your costly shoes,

• Always make sure to rehydrate properly the shoe after drying.
• Never wash roughly your shoes with detergent.
• After drying using a horsehair brush, brush properly everywhere so that the pores get cleaned properly.

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Impact on Suede Leather Shoes

The innermost layer is mostly preferred for softness, which increases its demand and price to the next level. This softness is the main reason behind its destruction.

In the case of top grain or full grain leather, it is not tanned properly due to which an oil-like thing always remains on it. But in the case of suede, no such quality remains due to several tanning processes.

Suede leather should be handled with care as it is destroyed due to water and attracts fungus very quickly.

• Always nourish the shoe with a good quality leather conditioner.

Make sure to keep away it from water.

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Impact on Faux Leather Shoes

Faux leather or artificial leather has always been in news. The main reason behind this being liked the most is its low price and premium quality.

This shoe, which is sold for almost half the price of an original leather shoe, does not have much bad effect of water on it. Because it is made from petroleum, polyurethane, and polyvinyl products.

But due to being artificial, not all faux leather shoes are made with the same composition, due to which water has a bad effect on some types of them.

For example, if the amount of PVC is more, then there is not much danger from water, but polyester starts losing its mechanical strength as soon as it comes in contact with water for a long time.

In some cases, due to excessive contact with water, the problem of peeling can be seen more.

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Comparison Chart: Types of Leather and Water Resistance

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Is It Bad If Leather Shoes Get Wet in Rain

There is nothing much to be afraid of in this, but at the same time, it brings some problems along with it.

Attracts Dust and Mud

It is common for the shoe to get soiled and dusty due to water contact. But it is not a smart move to ignore it.

If not cleaned properly, these small particles of dirt and dust get accumulate around the stitch area and near the sole of the shoes. Afterward, it gradually damages the shoe by penetrating the protective layer.

After coming from outside always make sure to remove mud and dust by using a wet clean cloth and then apply conditioner to create again a protective layer.

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Accelerates Sole Damage

The sole is not made up of leather but is quite hard and more rigid material than leather. The main reason behind it being made like this is that it protects the feet from whatever comes under the shoe.

After a few months of use, the process of its damage gets accelerated due to the regular application of water. Along with this, the part which is attached to the shoe with the help of gum also starts loosening.

After wearing the shoe dry the sole with the help of sunlight or a hair dryer and then remove all the debris from it by using a horsehair brush by pressing a bit.

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Risk Of Fungus

Now it is very clear that where water remains, there is bound to be fungus. It can be a hazardous problem for your shoes because it not only damages the outer part but also the inner part of the shoe gets damaged.

The infected shoe looks full of white or grey patches which destroy the appearance of the shoe.

Any mild acidic solution like vinegar or lemon juice can kill these fungi spores easily. Make a dilute solution of it and apply it on the infected area and make it dry, also you can keep the shoe under sunlight for some minutes.

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Shoe Gets Slippery

If you notice leather formal shoes are more slippery because the sole surface is almost smooth or has fewer bits. After a month or two of wearing, the shoe sole gets completely smooth.

Whenever you step out in the rain wearing such a shoe, the risk of slipping is very high. So, avoid wearing this kind of shoe, or when you are buying check the sole properly for better grip.

You can make the existing shoe less slippery with emery paper. Clean the sole properly and with the emery paper rub the bottom area by pressing a little. In this way, you will have a slight reduction in slipping from the shoes.

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Risk Of Peeling

When the surface of the shoe becomes too soft, then the layer starts coming out like an onion. One of the major reasons for this happening is the water staying on the shoes for a long time.

But this can be kept within limits by taking proper care and by following some steps.

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Wet Shoe Squeaks More

When water goes inside the shoe, due to friction, noise starts coming from inside the shoe, which is very irritating. Also, there is a risk of infection on your feet if you wear a shoe with full of water in it for a long time.

A very good solution for this is that you can keep cotton balls inside the shoe for some time or keep it under sunlight for some time. However, there are several more reasons for shoe squeaking which I discussed before properly.

You May Also Read: How To Stop Leather Shoe Squeaking

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How to Protect Leather Shoes from Rain

Using a Waterproofing Spray

In the list, this is number one because it has less effort but is a time-consuming process. A waterproofing spray does not mean, it will waterproof the shoe but after application its ability to repel water increases.

But a good quality product is important, otherwise, if the chemical composition is not correct then the shoe may get damaged. If you are buying it make sure to check the review or take a professional’s advice.

This process tremendously works in the case of pure leather shoes which have a glossy or shiny finish. Keep in mind that do not apply it on cloth or fabric shoes especially.

Process:

• Make the shoe dust and mud free first and wipe out the stubborn mud stains with a clean wet cloth.
• Dry it properly, remove the laces, and keep the shoes on a piece of paper.
• Maintain one foot from the shoe and spray the solution to every area.
• Leave the shoe for four to five hours.
• Again repeat the same process but spray a little thicker this time.
• Leave the shoe for at least 36 to 48 hours.
• While spraying the solution you will notice the color of the shoe gets darker black or brown but believe me it’s normal.
• Now you can test by dropping water droplets on the shoe.
• You can compare side by side with another shoe, I am sure you will be surprised.

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Using Oily Substances

Oil simply repels water, so the process is simple. So, in this process, you can use any one oily thing like petroleum jelly, neats foot oil, mink oil, etc. Take anything but the method will remain the same.

This method is also good for any leather on the non-leather glossy finished shoe.

Process:

• Clean the shoe and now take petroleum jelly and apply it little by little on the shoes and spread it well.
• With a hair dryer blow the hot air on the shoe for some minutes.
• In this way, the jelly will melt and now with a clean cloth lightly rub all areas.
• After completion give rest on the shoes for 24 hours at least.
• The next day you can notice a shiny layer on the surface.

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Apply Wax

One miraculous quality of wax is that it does not allow water to stick to itself. Here you need paraffin wax which is mainly used to make candles.

This process works very well on cloth shoes and does not affect other types. But a major demerit of this process is that it can clog the pores of the shoes. But if you do as I tell you then there is nothing to fear.

Process:

• With a horsehair brush, remove the dust and mud stuck in the pores of the shoe and, if possible, wash the shoe.
• Dry the shoe properly.
• Now take a small wax bar and rub to all areas by pressing a little.
• It would be best to remember that a thick layer should not be made. This means you do not have to rub wax more than once.
• Now white marks will keep falling on the cloth of the shoe, then you must melt the applied wax well with the help of a hair dryer.
• It will take some time to do this, but you have to do it.
• Now leave the shoe for some 5-6 hours.
• Now you can see by pouring water on the shoe.

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Silicon Casing

Why are you trapping me? Where do I have the time to do all the above processes?

Are you thinking this too?

Basically, many of us are so busy we can’t even give time to our family. Then this is the right way for you.

If you look in the online or offline market, then a type of silicon cover is available for the shoes, which perfectly fits over the shoes. But keep in mind when you are buying these, buy according to the size of your shoes.

Now its magic is that whether it is mud stains or dirt it doesn’t matter, this can survive easily. Also, there is no hassle of cleaning these, just by applying water, everything is clean.

You can carry it easily in your bag and whenever there is raining you can wear it over the shoe anytime and anywhere.

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Final Thoughts on Can You Wear Leather Shoes in the Rain

One thing that I have not mentioned in this article is regular polishing. Because the wax-based polish and conditioner repel water to a great extent.

Water damage shoes look very dirty but by giving a little effort and time, you can make them wearable. And for this, you do not even need to invest a lot. If you have peeling issues or fungus attacks on your shoes you can read these separately.

But if you take precautions in advance, then you do not need to think again later.

Do you like our efforts if so then make sure you comment down below your thoughts.

Thank you for reading….. HAVE A NICE DAY

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FAQs on Can You Wear Leather Shoes in the Rain