Do you worry about wearing your boots on rainy days, fearing they'll get damaged? Daily wear and rain can harm your favourite boots.
Whether your boots are leather, suede, or rubber, they may wear out over time. Proper care helps them last longer.
Here are tips for caring for women’s boots during rainy days.
1. Choose the Right Boots
Before stepping out, prepare for the unpredictable weather. Although you have access to the weather forecasts, there are times when even the forecast says that it’s going to be a sunny day, there’s a chance that it’ll still rain, especially nowadays, due to climate change.
So, before going out, it’s best to choose the right boots for the rain. Usually, boots that are made of synthetic materials are ideal for this kind of weather. However, if you only have one pair of boots, you can prepare them in advance to limit the damage they can get from being rained on.
2. Use a Waterproof Spray
One of the most common ways to ensure that your boots are protected before going out in the rain is to use waterproof spray. It adds another layer of protection to your boots, especially when it comes to moisture and dirt.
However, when buying a waterproof spray for women’s boots, you should ensure that the kind of spray you’re using is based on the material. Usually, it’s indicated in the can, but you can also look for online recommendations about the best waterproof spray for boots.
3. Don’t Soak Your Boots
Even if you’re using water-resistant boots or you’ve already applied waterproof spray, soaking your boots in the rain can still have a significant impact on them. Besides, if boots are soaked in water, it can affect the stitching, structure, and may cause permanent damage or stains.
If your boots have unfortunately become wet due to stepping in flooded areas, remove them immediately and bring them to a professional shoe or boot restoration shop. Unfortunately, if you don’t know how to take care of boots after being soaked for a while, you might end up ruining them.
4. Dry Boots Properly
When your boots get wet, you might think it’s ideal to dry them immediately, so you expose them to heat, such as the sunlight or the heater. Unfortunately, this method can do more harm than good.
Instead, there are a few extra steps you need to take to gradually dry the boots. These steps include using something to absorb the moisture, such as clean towels or newspapers, and replacing them after a few hours (or once the newspapers or towels are too wet to absorb moisture). Once the boots are not too wet, you can have them air-dried, but keep them away from direct sunlight. Keep the newspapers inside the boots to maintain their shape.
5. Remove Mud and Dirt Immediately
Whenever you encounter rain outside, there’s a chance that you’ll collect dirt or stains. So, once you reach home, wipe the dirt gently using a damp cloth or a soft brush. After that, you can start adding leather cleaner for leather boots and the stain eraser for suede boots.
Once all the dirt has been removed, air-dry the boots, and avoid forcing them to dry, similar to the instructions mentioned before (like exposing them to direct sunlight or a heater).
6. Apply Moisturiser or Conditioner
If your boots are often exposed to rain, they can dry out over time. So, as a part of the steps to ensure your boots are in good condition, you should apply conditioner or moisturiser regularly. These products are ideal to ensure that the leather stays soft, flexible, and hydrated.
As for other materials, you can consult with a local professional shoe shop about the best products they use for the specific material your boots are made of.
7. Store Them Properly
The last thing you would want to do to your boots is to just toss them in your cabinet and leave them there. Aside from not cleaning and drying them, leaving them moist in a closed area can cause mould, and can completely ruin your boots and cabinet.
So, when you get home and your boots are soaked from the rain, ensure to clean and dry them first, use boot shapers, keep them in a breathable bag, and store them in a cool, dry place.
8. Rotate Your Footwear
Even if you already have a go-to pair of boots, invest in other footwear or boots, so that you can avoid wearing the same pair every day. Besides, if a pair of boots gets wet today, it’s impossible that they’ll be completely dry tomorrow, so wearing another pair of footwear is the best option.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your boots during rainy days can be a daunting task, but it shouldn’t be that way. By considering the tips listed in this article, you can ensure that your favourite boots can last longer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer at Mou, a company established in London in 2002 that brings artisanal, handcrafted footwear and accessories made from luxurious natural fibres. In her free time, you can find her browsing the internet for the latest hairstyles and hair care tips.
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