The Right Way to Wear Your Custom Leather Boots in Rainy Winter Conditions

Leather is one of the most popular materials for footwear. It is a durable, nice-looking and high-quality product, which makes leather shoes and boots sought-after all year round, yet many people are wary of wearing leather out in the rain. Rainy winter weather and leather boots may seem like an unlikely pair, but don’t pack up your leather footwear just yet—armed with a little care and maintenance information, you will worry no more!

Here’s how to safely wear your custom boots in Baton Rouge, LA on rainy days and how to care for leather footwear when it does get wet.

Why leather reacts in water

Because leather is a porous material, it soaks up water quickly. Water will dry out and leave the material eventually, but the process can lead to premature damage, including cracks in the leather. Compared to other materials, pure leather is the strongest. This is good news if you own boots made of genuine leather, since they can withstand water damage and wrinkling for a considerable amount of time. In addition to rainwater, it’s also usually safe to wear leather shoes on low ice and in other typical winter conditions.

Saving your leather boots from water damage

As life would have it, chances are you will end up stepping in a water puddle or get caught in sudden rain showers while wearing your leather shoes. Let’s find out what you can do to protect your favorite leather boots in wet weather:

Keep them clean: Your mind probably went straight to a waterproofing treatment, but first things first: make sure they are thoroughly clean. Start by gently knocking off any dirt with a shoe brush. Dirt is damaging to leather, as it can penetrate into the material and either become permanent or difficult to remove. Use a damp cloth to rub away fresh stains on overly dirty custom boots in Baton Rouge, LA.

Weatherproof your boots: Note that most weatherproofing options won’t last forever. One of the most popular methods is coating leather in wax that provides a water barrier. Wax wears away over time, so it’s important to repeat this type of weatherproofing method every 15 days or according to the product manufacturer’s recommendation. How often you need to reapply also depends on the number of times the leather is exposed to water.

Wear a waterproof cover: Some leather boots are on store shelves already water-resistant or waterproofed, but extra weatherproofing is always a good call. You can also invest in a waterproof cover for your leather shoes. Keep covers in your car and at home for quick access.

What to do about wet leather shoes

To dry leather boots, take them off, wipe the outside and stuff newspaper inside to preserve the shape of the shoe. Don’t leave them next to a heat source. Once dry, remove the shoelaces and apply a leather conditioner. This will restore flexibility in the fibers and prevent further cracking.
Acadian Leather specializes in making high-quality custom boots in Baton Rouge, LA. Call us for more information!

Categorised in: Boots