How to Protect Shoes from Rain

How water affects leather

When leather gets wet, its fibres swell and change shape. Drying too quickly or near heat can make leather lose suppleness, crack or darken permanently. Moisture can also encourage mould and unpleasant odours inside shoes.

Caution

Never place wet shoes near a radiator or in direct sunlight. Heat accelerates leather deterioration. Let them dry at room temperature, stuffed with newspaper.

Protect shoes from rain with waterproofing spray

Protective sprays create a water-repellent layer on the leather surface, helping water roll off while allowing the material to breathe.

• Apply spray to clean, dry shoes from approximately 20 cm away

• Cover the surface with a light, even layer

• Leave to dry for five minutes, then repeat for longer-lasting protection

• Reapply every 2–4 weeks or after heavy exposure to rain

Different materials need different protection

Smooth leather shoes work well with conventional sprays. For suede and nubuck, use a product made for those materials: a general-purpose spray may alter the texture and flatten the nap.

Tradigo tip

For suede shoes, first use a soft brush to revive the nap, then apply protective spray for a more even result.

After the rain: what to do

If shoes get wet, remove the laces promptly, stuff them with newspaper, changing it hourly, and let them dry away from heat. Once dry, condition suitable leather with grease or balm to restore suppleness.