Getting your leather shoes in the rain may not seem as much of a nightmare as getting your canvas shoes wet, but it’s no less annoying. Leather may hold back the water, unlike canvas shoes and sneakers, but the water leaves its mark.

Water can cause significant damage to the shoes’ appearance and durability. Appearance is, after all, the main reason why we covet leather shoes, so it’s best to protect it from water damage.

But if you’re often caught in the rain with your leather shoes on, you may end up frequenting shoe repair shops in DC. Here’s why your shoes will need professional attention after a night out in the rain.

Sole deterioration

Leather shoes have a relatively long life, but wear and tear are inevitable. The sole, in particular, experiences severe rubbing off due to the friction between the shoe and the ground when you walk.

The deteriorating sole can weaken with exposure to rainwater. When the sole gets wet, water tends to stay in the sole if it isn’t dried quickly and deeply. The moisture can cause the sole to break down and become thin.

Thin soles, too, cause problems in the rain. If your shoes have a thin, worn-out sole, water can seep through it, making your feet wet, offering you no protection from the rain.

Image Filename: puddle-leather-shoes-sole

Image Alt Text: Stepping in puddles results in water seeping through the thin soles into the leather shoe.

Cracks in the leather

With use, leather shoes get cracks and bends on the surface of the shoe. When the shoes get wet, the water can deepen the cracks. Until the shoes are completely dry, the water can eat at the bends and cracks, worsening their appearance.

Since leather shoes take at least a day to dry properly, they can sustain sufficient water damage if worn while they’re wet. Regularly using shoe polish can help combat this. The polish creates a waterproof layer over the shoe protecting the cracks from retaining water. Apply it to the stitching of the shoe too, as it’s one of the weakest parts of the shoe and susceptible to most damage.

Salt stains

Salt stains are the worst form of damage the rain can cause to your shoes. Rainwater isn’t completely free from salt or mineral content, and it can settle on your shoes. When your shoes start to dry, you’ll notice stains near the bends where the water stays.

These salt stains can permanently scar the shoes, ruining their appearance. Unfortunately, there’s no way to salvage shoes after salt staining.

What you can do to minimize the loss is to rub your shoes dry vigorously after they’ve become wet. This can reduce the chances of permanent staining.

To save your leather shoes from severe water damage, get them thoroughly cleaned by a professional shoe repair service in DC. We, at Sterling Cleaners, are based in Washington DC and specialize in shoe repair and leather cleaning services. Connect with our experts today, who’ll ensure your shoes look as good as new after repairs.

• Share This Post :