Can I wear leather Boots in the rain? Is rain bad for leather? Do leather shoes get ruined in the rain? Etc. Etc. Leather shoe lovers often wander around the web with such questions. Are you too? If so, your search is going to end here.
In this article, you'll come to know whether it is safe to wear leather shoes in the rain, what you should do primarily if your boots get wet, and how to fix and prevent potential water damage before it happens. So, without wasting a second, let's get started with the answer you've been searching for.
CAN YOU WEAR LEATHER SHOES IN THE RAIN?
Unfortunately, leather material quickly soaks water, and you may find little cracks on the shoes when the humidity dries out. So, avoiding the rain and logged water would be wise when you wear leather shoes. The problem starts when you can't resist the urge to wear leather shoes for the rainy season.
On the other hand, you can't wear them freely when it's raining outside. Right or not? The rainy season brings humidity, logged water, and mud. Not only in the rainy season, but many regions also get light to moderate rainfall for several months of the year.
In addition, the low-pressure area can form at any time of year and could see rainfall activity continuing for several days. Rainwater can ruin leather, but I won't suggest you keep your favorite leather shoes in the back of the closet during the rainy season.
Why would you stop wearing your desired outfit when there are few ways to prevent potential water damage? Keep scrolling to get quick solutions regarding this matter.
TIPS FOR WEARING LEATHER BOOTS IN THE RAIN
BE CAREFUL ABOUT STEPPING IN PUDDLES
It may sound like common sense, but it's worth reminding you. When you step into a puddle, the muddy water can penetrate the material and leave a mark on the material when dried. When the dirty water gets dried on the shoe as a layer, it is harder for the shoe to breathe.
Puddles may not completely ruin your shoes, but they may cause strains and do cleaning and drying more extended and complex.
POLISH YOUR LEATHER SHOES FREQUENTLY, ESPECIALLY BEFORE GOING OUT IN THEM
The material could lose natural moisture when leather boots get exposed to dirt, mud, water, and heat. Such unwanted elements fade the original color, dry out natural moisture, and ultimately crack the material. So, polish your shoes with the best boot oil, leather conditioner, or shoe cream.
IF SHOES GET WET, LET THEM DRY NATURALLY
If your shoes get entirely wet, don't panic. Wipe off excess water and dirt with a soft cloth or journal and leave it as it is for air drying in a calm, climate-controlled environment inside the home.
However, you can prevent potential water damage with minimal effort. Keep scrolling through the following two sections to learn the suitable methods for waterproofing leather shoes.
WHAT TO DO IF LEATHER BOOTS GET WET?
If you've worn leather shoes and the rain started, try to get home as soon as possible or take shelter in a covered place. Don't let the leather shoes be thoroughly soaked with water.
CLEAN THE SHOES
First, gently wipe off the excess moisture and lose dirt particles with a soft cloth. You can use a high-quality leather shoe cleaner to clean the mess if there are mud strains. After that, wipe off the shoe cleaner with a damp cloth.
DRY THE SHOES
Next, let the shoes dry naturally inside your home. In a panic, most of all, they make a massive mistake; they tend to accelerate the drying process using an electric heater or hair dryer.
Any heat source or blow dryer damages the material and creates more profound and permanent cracks. So, don't use any heat source or even place the shoes directly under sunlight. Sunlight could fade the color.
CONDITION THE SHOES
Once the shoes are completely dried, take a small amount of leather conditioner on your fingertips or lint-free soft cloth and apply a thin layer of conditioning evenly all over the shoes.
After that, keep the shoes as it is for at least two hours to let the material absorb the conditioner. Don't forget to remove excess conditioner with a soft, damp cloth.
NOTE:
HOW TO PROTECT LEATHER SHOES FROM THE RAIN
Leather material, especially the good ones, has some particular characteristics that make it the most stylish, comfortable, and durable material.
Another fact is leather material soaks water quickly. But on a positive note, leather can act as the most robust water-resistant material with a few waterproofing treatments.
Some water-repellent agents prevent water from getting soaked into the material and damaging it further. We must refer to our guide articles on How to Waterproof Leather Shoes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. HOW LONG DO LEATHER BOOTS LAST?
High-quality leather boots can withstand ten thousand miles of walking in suitable environmental conditions when looked after properly. The construction workers wear cowboy boots in the rain, extreme cold, and the sun's heat.
Since leather cowboy boots are sturdier than others, they can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years on average. On the other hand, the lifespan of work boots is around 1-year.
2. CAN I USE VASELINE ON MY LEATHER BOOTS?
Vaseline is a quick alternative to dedicated leather polishes. The gel adds an excellent shine to the shoe, but the glow wouldn't be long-lasting, unlike the shoe polishes.
CONCLUSION
Leather shoes are expensive but a good investment, as they last longer than shoes made of other materials. Regarding water resistance, leather is likely to be the most robust material with some waterproofing treatment.
Moreover, now you know how to fix water-damaged leather and, more importantly, how to prevent water damage before it happens. Henceforth, you don't need to worry about the limited usage of leather shoes. So, the next time, don't hesitate to go outside in leather shoes when it's raining. Just listen to the rhythm of falling rain and let the rainwater calm your soul. Wishing you a happy rainy day!
Charles is a Registered Nutritionist with a Master degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and a Bachelor degree in Nutritional Sciences from The Pennsylvania State University. He actively contributes to all trending fitness products and aims to provide consumers with reliable information and review fitness products. Thomas Berumen has an extensive fitness background. He has been working as a personal trainer for the past eight months. He is so dedicated and passionate to lead an active and healthy lifestyle and motivates his readers to do the same.