Wet weather is often the arch-nemesis of the sneakerhead. We spend all this money on nice pairs for our collections, and step outside only to get them drenched. In this article we examine wearing sneakers in the rain!
So, Can You Wear Sneakers In Rain?
You can wear sneakers in the rain. The wet weather can damage certain types of materials though, so shoes made of dark leather or water-resistant materials are advisable vs suede and other delicate materials.
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Wet weather can damage certain types of materials very quickly, and can even make sneakers stink if not aerated properly! Aggressively rocking some kicks in the rain can make them deteriorate faster. For sneaker enthusiasts and collectors this is an issue, as most want to keep their sneakers as pristine as possible while wearing.
The sad truth is there’s no certain way to keep a pair of sneakers 100% perfect after being caught in the rain. The good news is that there are pairs you can choose where the impact of the rain is less extreme over time.
Few items of clothing are truly waterproof, especially when it comes to sneakers. At best, most sneakers that function well in the rain are water resistant. For example, Nike releases Gore-tex enhanced pairs and “winterized” pairs every year, typically towards the end of the fall season. While these might keep your feet dry, any suede or other delicate materials on these kicks will still take damage from the rain.
None of this should stop you from wearing sneakers in wet weather. However, you can make smarter choices about which pairs you expose to the elements.
Can Rain Ruin Sneakers?
While rain won’t completely destroy most sneakers, it can damage the materials and also stink if not allowed to air out and dry properly.
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Most pairs that you buy should hold up in the rain. After all, sneakers are designed to be worn, and if they can’t handle a little basic wet weather, then they aren’t good sneakers! However, certain materials used on sneakers will be more problematic when doused in rain.
The top materials to watch out for are suede (including nubuck), mesh, hemp and top quality leather.
Suede, and to a lesser degree nubuck, will completely change when hit with rainy weather. The big deal about these materials is the soft texture, which is delicate and essentially ruined once it gets soaked. While the shoe will still be wearable, it won’t ever have the exact same texture as it did when new.
Materials like hemp and canvas might seem rugged, and they may well be good at not taking a lot of actual damage from rain. However rainwater generally contains some amount of dirt, and hemp and canvas looks dingy fairly quickly after being caught in a rainstorm. This may be cleanable or it may not.
Higher quality leathers tend to stain in certain ways. For some, this is part of the appeal, vs a more “plasticky” cheaper leather. In the rain though, the cheaper leather can win out as it generally will not develop the same worn look as a full grain leather.
As for the “stink”, certain bacteria like to hang out in damp places, so if you do get a sneaker wet, especially on the interior, be sure to air it out as soon as possible to curb the formation of said bacteria.
How Well Do Jordans Hold Up In The Rain?
Jordans can hold up surprisingly well in the rain, provided the upper is all leather. Suede and nubuck will change texture when soaked by wet weather, but many of the all-leather pairs are tanks!
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As mentioned above, cheaper leathers actually do a bit better in wet weather as far as looks. They may not be functionally as hardy or luxurious as their full-grain counterparts, however they are easier to clean and recover a bit quicker from a day out in the rain.
So can you wear leather Jordans in the rain? I actually opt for it! Some of my favorite rain shoes are all-leather Jordan 1 highs. The high cut helps keep my pants away from the ground and thus slightly drier. The leather upper tends to be on the cheaper side on most 1s and thus cleans up well. I opt for darker colors like those found on the Royal 1s. The combination of smooth leather and dark colors means you can barely tell I’ve gotten these pairs wet at all!
Are Jordans Waterproof?
Most Air Jordans are not waterproof by default. Some pairs such as the Air Jordan 1 Element contain Gore-tex technology which helps them be more durable and water-resistant.
What Trainers Are Waterproof?
Check for modern runners and hiking sneakers with Gore-tex or similar enhancements. These are generally designed for outdoor use in all different kinds of weather. The sneaker will usually state in its marketing or included tags how water-resistant it is.
What Sneakers Should I Wear In The Rain If I Don’t Have Waterproof Sneakers?
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My strategy for rainy weather is the following:
Choose a dedicated beater. This is also my strategy for keeping the bulk of my shoes clean. If I know I’m going somewhere where there’s going to be a lot of dirt, or just wet weather in general, I will have a sneaker I have assigned for this type of weather. I know and accept that this shoe is here to take damage so the rest of my pairs don’t have to.
I don’t like to use protectant or waterproofing sprays as I think they can affect the texture and color of sneakers. However, many find these useful so if they are your thing, don’t let me stop you. For my purposes, having a pair of dedicated beaters as mentioned above removes the necessity of spraying my other pairs down with protectants.
For rain beaters, I opt for a pair that is intended for outdoor wear such as a winterized sneaker or a modern runner designed for all-terrain and wet weather.
As an alternative, I find dark-colored leather sneakers made from cheaper leathers to also make good rain beaters. The lesser quality smooth composite leathers used on a lot of sneakers (many Jordans for example) tend to clean up easily and are built like tanks. I try to opt for a pair with darker colors and no open mesh panels. Most look almost good as new once they are given a quick clean-up after wearing them out.
Are Waterproof Sneakers Worth It?
If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rainy weather, a pair of water-resistant sneakers will last a lot longer. These kicks will help avoid wetness, coldness and stinky bacteria.
Personally, I don’t see enough rain where I live to warrant buying some waterproof boots. However, many live in areas that are constantly inundated by heavy rain. If you live in a place like that, buying a dedicated waterproof pair might be very helpful. For the rest of us, a pair of beaters that we set aside for rainy days can be enough.
You can wear sneakers in the rain. The wet weather can damage certain types of materials though, so shoes made of dark leather or water-resistant materials are advisable vs suede and other delicate materials.
The best protection is prevention and the smartest thing you can do is wear your brand new shoes on a day that it is not scheduled to rain, break that leather in, open those pores up, and then give them a good shining and feel confident to face the rain.
“I would recommend wearing white sneakers for the right weather and occasion,” said Steven Tran, co-founder of Sole Fresh, a Jersey City-based shop that specializes in shoe care and restoration, “so don't wear it in the rain or snow.
Rain doesn't mean a lack of style, and chunky soles or platforms are a good way to keep up with the weather. To stay dry and avoid slipping, bring out your leather shoes with soles that grip the ground: boots, ankle boots or sneakers.
Choose materials that are difficult to absorb water and, if they do absorb water, dry quickly. Water-resistant fabrics include synthetic fabric, silk, and wool. If they get wet, synthetic fabrics (polyester, polyamide, nylon...) are always the best option.
Because leather is a porous material, it will quickly soak in that water. This rapid influx of water, followed by a release when the water dries, can lead to premature damage and cracking of the leather. Letting your shoes get soaked in the rain is no way to take care of your investment.
Place in a dry area: Keep your shoes indoors, away from direct sunlight, in an area that is dry and well-ventilated. You may also place them by a fan or vent with warm air to dry them faster. Replace the newspaper as needed: If your shoes are soaking wet, you may need to replace the newspapers a few times.
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.
Yes, you actually can wear white sneakers in the fall and winter. I wore my white sneakers to death this summer. They're so bright and fresh and fun, and now that we're heading into colder weather, lots of you are asking if you can wear white sneakers in the fall. And the answer is, YES YOU CAN.
Gore-Tex is the most well-known and reputable waterproofing technology, and many brands, like Nike and Brooks, will incorporate Gore-Tex membranes into their shoe models because they are both breathable and waterproof. (Look for shoe models that have GTX or Gore-Tex in the name.)
We'd say go for it! You see, sandals may not be as good-looking as shoes. But it's super comfortable to wear during the rains. You won't have to worry about any damage because, who cares, right?
Rainwater in itself is considered to be clean for washing clothes. Rainwater is naturally acidic, and this means it is naturally soft. Depending on where you live, your mains water could be a much harder water that needs to be treated to decrease the hardness.
Leather pants and a high-low sweater are a great choice, along with ankle length boots. Ruffle or georgette skirts are another great option. You can throw in an oversized or leather jacket and strut around as you walk down with an umbrella.
In most cases, you don't need waterproof trail-running shoes, even if you're running on wet and muddy trails. Waterproof trail-running shoes can trap water inside and cause your feet to overheat and sweat, which is why many trail runners choose very breathable, non-waterproof shoes instead.
We recommend that you regularly waterproof your trainers. A period of four to six weeks is a good guideline. However, it depends on how often you wear a specific pair. This is because wearing your shoes causes the protective layer to wear off and needs to be renewed.
Can you wear canvas shoes in the rain? Just like suede and leather shoes, canvas shoes and trainers can soak up water very quickly, which can cause your footwear to rub or feel heavy. For the best protection against rain and showers, apply waterproofing spray to the upper.
As a rule, unless it has a waterproof membrane (which is essentially a plastic bag placed behind the material upper) a boot will never be completely waterproof. In a nutshell: the fact that footwear may be water-resistant does not mean it will be waterproof. And it's this misunderstanding that can create problems.
It's the bacteria that like to hang out in damp places. If your shoes don't get a chance to dry out between wearings, the bacteria in your shoes never have to pause their growth, reproduction, and waste production. This waste is what causes that oh so familiar foot odor.
First of all, wash your rain-soaked shoes with water to clean off the dirt. Then squeeze as much water out as possible. After that, blow dry your shoes with the dryer until they're dried. If possible, put your shoes in an airy spot overnight to get rid of any leftover moisture.
Put the shoes onto some newspaper and then insert a ball shaped piece of newspaper into the shoe up to the toe and wrap the outside of the shoe in newspaper too. The paper will draw out the moisture. Remove and replace with dry paper after an hour. This is the best method to protect your shoes.
That's because the bacteria breeds in wet or moist environments on and around the feet. So once your feet start to sweat again, the odor may reappear—especially if you slip your feet back into the same footwear that contributed to the smell, to begin with.
What Causes the Squeak? The noises you hear when your shoes are squeaking may be caused by air or moisture getting trapped different parts of the shoe. Predominantly, this is usually in the insole area and when the insole rubs against another part of the shoe, it creates that squeaking noise.
Drying out any excess moisture from shoes is an easy and effective way to rid them of odors. Put your shoes in direct sunlight for a few hours after a run to let them dry completely before their next wear.
For many years, fashion experts insisted that white shoes should only be worn before Labor Day. The reasoning was that white was a summer color, and wearing white shoes after the end of summer would be considered gauche. However, times have changed, and white shoes are now considered acceptable for year-round wear.
Q: Can an older man wear white sneakers? A: Absolutely they can. In fact, we did a whole video about it. White sneakers like Adidas Stan Smiths and are a classic casual item for any man, regardless of age.
For sports or any athletic activities, crew socks would work well with white shoes. Crew socks are often ribbed at the top, so they stay up really well while you're exercising. As for color, just make sure to match the socks to your gym clothes, and go for neutrals if your exercise top is bold or patterned.
The synthetic materials in modern sneakers will begin to crumble into dust whether or not they are ever worn, even if they are kept in their boxes in a cool dark place. After five to ten years the midsole foams will get hard and the cushioning will deteriorate noticeably.
Stuff them with scrunched up newspapers after each wear.
Newspapers are easily accessible, and they're great at absorbing moisture. If you've had an unlucky day and your shoes are drenched in rain, or your feet sweat a lot, stuff those kicks with newspapers to help them dry faster – it also reduces the funky smell.
Walking shoes won't always have a waterproof lining, and are therefore best suited to drier weather. This also makes them more breathable, which is useful during the summer months.
Water shoes are great for protection and support, where regular shoes might not be as helpful. Wearing sneakers and going for a swim would be a disaster. You'd end up with soggy shoes and blistered feet.
That said, Crocs lack arch support, so exercising, walking for an extended period of time, or working in them is not recommended by foot specialists. The plastic construction may also lead to sweaty, stinky feet and even blisters.
Whether you're enjoying the beach with your family, paddling down a river or trekking through mountain creeks, be sure to wear your water shoes. They will help keep your feet protected, drier and more comfortable, so you can enjoy every moment of your outdoor adventures.
Do You Wear Socks With Rain Boots?? This is a question we hear all the time and the answer is - it's up to you! Our wellies are lined with neoprene to make them soft and cushy inside so socks are not required for comfort; however, wearing socks can make it a bit easier to slip the rain boots on and off.
Place in a dry area: Keep your shoes indoors, away from direct sunlight, in an area that is dry and well-ventilated. You may also place them by a fan or vent with warm air to dry them faster. Replace the newspaper as needed: If your shoes are soaking wet, you may need to replace the newspapers a few times.
Soaking your shoes in water can damage the fabric and adhesives. 2. Don't use bleach or household cleaning supplies to clean your shoes. Stick to gentle, clothing-safe options.
Dry rot can also happen if your shoes are being stored in extreme conditions — very hot or cold temperatures as well as high humidity. The degradation won't happen overnight. It's a slow process that will inevitably destroy your shoes no matter how expensive or cheap they were.
Leaving your lovely running shoes wet for a prolonged period of time leads to water damage, where water and bacteria permeate the shoe deep into the fabric. This leads to the shoe becoming weaker and misshapen, not good for you wearing them the next time!
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.
One of the best ways to dry your shoes quickly is to use a floor fan. To do so, first, remove the insoles so that you can airdry them separately. Then, open up the laces and place your shoes on top of the fan. Finally, let the fan run for a few hours until your shoes dry.
We recommend that you regularly waterproof your trainers. A period of four to six weeks is a good guideline. However, it depends on how often you wear a specific pair. This is because wearing your shoes causes the protective layer to wear off and needs to be renewed.
Wash your shoes in a gentle, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin setting. Remember to place them in a closed mesh bag with the laces and insoles removed. This helps preserve the condition of your favorite sneakers and protect your washer from damage.
If you are walking 30 minutes a day or an average of three to four hours a week, replace your shoes every six months. If you are walking 60 minutes a day or an average of seven hours a week, replace your shoes every three months. Plan on replacing your fitness walking shoes every three to six months, or by 500 miles.
On average, heavily worn but well-maintained Goodyear-welted shoes can last between 5-10 years. A pair that is rotated out among a collection of shoes should last between 10 to 20 years.
Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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