As most of us know, wearing leather in the rain is not recommended unless the leather is waterproof. Since there are a lot of them, is it okay to wear suede shoes on rainy days?
Generally speaking, suede shoes do not automatically spoil when they get wet if certain precautions are taken.
Can suede be worn in the rain?
Suede is made from animal hides, so it has some elasticity.
Suede and most leathers are not as water resistant as plastic or rubber. Suede shoes can handle occasional light rain if waterproofed Just like any other type of leather that risks exposure to the elements.
One of the risks of wearing suede in the rain is the effect the water has on the leather nap.
Will the rain stain my suede shoes?
An immediate risk when purchasing suede shoes is that they may change color. Suede often discolors and brightens when wet.
So if your shoes are well-polished and dark in color, they may not if they get wet. lost or faded.
Another negative effect of wetting suede shoes is the salt content in the water. This can occur if you live near an ocean where the rain contains salt particles, or if you happen to walk through the mud of salt-treated snow. It is the salt that gives the
While the suede is wet, the color will not fade, but when it dries, it may show a stain-like color fading. In addition, although it may not occur in a single rain, repeated wearing of suede may lead to severe discoloration.
watermark
Water doesn’t always discolor shoes, but it can also leave a watermark on the shoe after it dries. When it rains, it can watermark the surface of the suede, and when it dries, the stain will be visible.
Suede, unlike regular leather, has exposed fibers that absorb moisture. Delayed or insufficient drying will result in watermarking. Suede watermarks are very difficult to remove.
If you end up wearing suede shoes at the office, you can wipe them with a damp cloth before going outside. When you get home, wipe it again with a damp cloth to make it less absorbent.
Dry the suede immediately after wiping the sheath to reduce the chance of watermarks remaining on the surface.
Do suede shoes stretch in the rain?
Repeated exposure to wet weather can cause suede shoes and boots to stretch. Keep in mind that suede is a porous material and will get wet if it rains if not properly waterproofed. Suede leather stretches and changes shape when wet.
Some people use wet leather to stretch the leather to fit the shape and size of their feet, so this may not be a negative for everyone.
However, if the leather stretches, the more you use it, the easier it will be to damage and tear, so you need to be careful.
Will the rain change the leather nap?
Unfortunately, rain not only stretches the leather and changes its shape and color, it can also change the texture of the suede.
After being exposed to rain, untreated suede becomes stiff and brittle. The fluff will peel off from the surface and cause damage to the leather.
Another possibility is that the inherent shaggy texture of suede can become matte when wet and unappealing when dry.
Dirt and dust particles can soak into suede fibers. Liquids such as rain can deform suede fibers.
Generally speaking, you should avoid wearing non-waterproof suede shoes in the rain.
Will my suede shoes get moldy in the rain?
A common concern is that if the suede gets wet it will mold. Since suede is porous, mold can grow on it.
Mold spores eventually break down the suede fibers. The problem with mold is that you don’t notice it until the shoes change color.
Mold not only discolors, but also causes a musty smell that usually cannot be removed by simply scraping it off. Certain products are required to remove mold, but even that may not eliminate it completely.
It is recommended that you clean your suede shoes every time you get caught in the rain as they may develop mold.
How can I protect my suede shoes from the rain?
The best way to protect suede shoes from the harmful effects of rain is to waterproof them. To waterproof your shoes, follow these steps:
1.) Use a suede brush to clean the shoe by brushing the entire surface of the shoe. This helps prevent groves and channels where water seeps into the suede.
2.) If your suede shoes are not new, it is important to clean them. Purchase a suede shampoo and use it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Suede shoes that are not new should be cleaned before waterproofing. Otherwise, you’ll be sealing in dirt, grime, or particles in the suede when you apply the waterproofing treatment product.
3.) Once the suede shoes are completely clean, you can apply a suede waterproof product. Hold the spray about 6 to 8 inches away from the shoe and spray evenly in a back and forth motion.
4.) Once applied, allow the suede shoes to air dry completely.
What should I do if my suede shoes get wet?
If you wear suede shoes and get caught in a rainstorm, never leave them near a fireplace or heater to dry.
• Wipe your shoes with a microfiber cloth without rubbing them to absorb as much moisture as possible from the suede.
• Then use a very soft bristle brush to brush the wet fluff of the suede again in a back and forth motion.
• Place suede shoes in a place where they can slowly air dry, away from heat sources and vents.
• Once the suede shoes are dry, brush them again using only a soft bristle brush.
