Does suede get wet in winter? How to protect suede shoes from getting wet. Water - away! Protecting suede shoes from water

With the onset of wet weather, it is especially important to feel comfortable in autumn shoes: you get a little wet, cold, and a cold will immediately make itself felt. But even in the summer, squelching in shoes is no good, because even those who like to walk barefoot in the rain are unlikely to like having wet feet on a constant basis. What can you do to your shoes to protect them from moisture? It all depends on the type of material and the reason for getting wet.

If it's all about the sole

In search of protection from moisture, we first of all turn our attention to leather or suede care products, without skimping on impregnations and wax creams. But what if the problem is not so much in the upper part of the shoes, but in the sole? But it is precisely this material that comes into direct contact with wet asphalt or damp soil, and it is its damage or poor quality that is the cause of your wet feet.

Agree, you rarely step into such deep puddles that your shoe goes under the water up to your ankle, but if you still have such a sin, then it’s better to get a pair of rubber boots right now. The fact is that if you step into a shallow puddle, you will very quickly feel moisture on your feet, but neither leather nor good quality suede can let water through so quickly. Most often, moisture gets inside not through the main material, but through poor-quality seams, poorly glued soles, or holes and cracks at the bottom of your shoes.

• Poor-quality seams can be coated and impregnated with any water-repellent cream or spray, and folk remedies include animal fat, wax, paraffin or castor oil. True, this method will not help get rid of the problem once and for all, and you will have to periodically update the protective layer.
• Poorly glued soles are more common on cheap leatherette shoes, but regardless of the base material, there is only one solution: tear off the sole and glue it, or better yet, re-stitch it. Of course, not everyone has the skills of a shoemaker, and most likely you will have to take your shoes to the workshop, so think about whether this pair of shoes is worth the money and time spent on it.
• Cracks or holes in shoes can be sealed. Although, in order to get ahead of the problem, it is better to do this with new boots. To do this, you need to lightly sand the sole to strengthen the adhesion of the material to the surface, apply drying oil and let it dry completely. A more radical way to deal with leaking soles would be to install soles on top of the original sole.

Shoes from trusted brands are distinguished by high quality seams and soles, which means that the risk of coming home with wet socks in such shoes will be much less. In addition, well-known brands do not skimp on the initial impregnation of leather or nubuck, which is also an undeniable advantage.

Leather and suede care

Although caring for water-repellent leather and nubuck has more aesthetic weight than practical weight, poor quality leather can actually leak moisture quite quickly, unlike thick leather made to specifications. And it’s unlikely that you want leather or suede to absorb slush, becoming covered with a disgusting coating of dirt, even if your feet are completely dry. We tell you what you need to do to make your shoes look chic even in the fall and not wear out.

• Leather

The shoe care market is full of water-repellent compounds for any material, so they will be the easiest to use. For leather, you can use impregnation in the form of a spray, but a more classic option is special waxes and creams. Just keep in mind that emulsion cream will not protect against moisture: you need to choose a more expensive organic product with a high content of fat, wax and oils.

For leather, unlike suede, there are many folk remedies that can protect shoes from getting wet. The simplest thing is to treat the skin and seams with castor oil instead of cream, but you can also make mixtures: ½ tbsp. l. turpentine plus 4 tsp. flaxseed oil and fish oil; 1 tsp. paraffin or wax plus 1 tsp. flaxseed oil or a 1:1 mixture of castor oil and animal fat.

In folk recipes, flaxseed oil can be replaced or supplemented with rendered animal fat. Waterfowl fat is considered best.

• Suede and nubuck

Neither wax nor cream is suitable for suede, and the only way to protect it from moisture is to use special impregnations in the form of a spray, which are made on the basis of water-repellent emulsions.

Regardless of what treatment you choose and what material you are dealing with, impregnation can only be done on clean and dry shoes at least 6 hours before going outside. The procedure must be repeated regularly as necessary, since the effect of wax and sprays is not endless.

In order to properly impregnate new boots with a protective substance, you can resort to multiple initial treatment of the shoes. To do this, shoes need to be lubricated or treated with a suitable product 3 times at intervals a day before you start wearing them. You need to spray the spray or apply oil or cream until the shoes stop actively absorbing them.

Caring for shoes made from other materials

If you are dealing with wet non-leather shoes, then no store-bought care will do. The thing is that using oil or sprays on leatherette is pointless, since it does not absorb water or fat, and on fabric it is simply stupid. It turns out that nothing can protect you from getting your fabric sneakers wet, but leatherette shoes can still be saved.

We mentioned that leatherette itself does not absorb moisture, which means that the problem most likely lies in a poorly glued, poorly sewn or damaged sole, which brings us back to the very first point of discussion. You already know what you need to do: take care of the soles, and you can wear the boots for a long time without the risk of getting your feet wet.

Having these simple means and methods for caring for your boots in your arsenal, you will no longer catch a cold due to an oversight by the shoe manufacturer or bad weather.

Shoes made of suede or nubuck always look elegant and stylish. In addition, wearing shoes, boots, boots made of these materials is truly comfortable, since both suede and nubuck are very elastic and soft. However, many consider such shoes to be impractical. And in vain!

If you take proper care of suede, it doesn’t matter whether it’s fashionable women’s boots or children’s winter boots, it will serve you for a long time and will please both your feet and your eyes, as they say. The methods of care are simple, you just need to apply them systematically, and not occasionally.

Water - away! Protecting suede shoes from water

So, you bought suede shoes. The first thing you absolutely need to do is protect it from water. Treat your new item with a protective water-repellent agent. It is better to do this three times, each time allowing the product to absorb and the shoes to dry. During wear, water-repellent prophylaxis should be done at least once every three weeks, and if there is dirt and slush outside, then more often - weekly. This will help suede and nubuck not only not get wet, but also not absorb salt and get dirty.

Dry - don't rush. If your suede shoes are wet

If suede shoes are wet, then do not rush to clean and soak them. First of all, dry it. Ideally, wet shoes, shoes or boots should be put on special lasts so that the suede straightens out and the shoes take their shape. But if there are no such pads, ordinary newsprint will do. Stuff your shoes with old newspapers and, if they are very wet, change them periodically. The paper will easily absorb excess moisture, allowing the shoes to dry. The only caveat is that do not try to speed up the process by attaching shoes to radiators or heaters. It will dry quickly, but suede or nubuck will become stiff and lose their elasticity. After such intense drying, they can simply crack and even tear.

And an eraser will do. Cleaning dirt from suede shoes

You need to clean suede shoes from dirt without waiting for them to become scabby. For high-quality cleaning, it is better to stock up on additional accessories such as a hard porous sponge brush and a brush with rubberized teeth. If you don’t have them, you can take an ordinary eraser. The top layer of the material can be easily “invigorated”, returning the velvety feel to the suede, using a crepe brush. A special foam cleaner will help remove street dirt. But let us remind you that you only need to apply it to dry shoes! What you absolutely cannot do with suede shoes is wash them; it is better to immediately throw them in the trash.

No chemistry

It is strictly not recommended to use any solvents or bleaches to clean suede products. If the shoes are very dirty, prepare an ordinary soap solution based on baby soap or any delicate laundry powder. Add a little ammonia to it (proportion 1:5) and wipe your shoes with this liquid. After such a “bath,” rinse the suede with water acidified with vinegar at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water.

Suede Tricks

A few tricks for caring for suede shoes. If the material becomes shiny, clean these places with ordinary table salt or rub with the side of a new matchbox.

To keep the suede pile looking neat, run a dry brush over it in one direction.

If the suede pile is long and curls, treat it with steam by holding the suede over a container of boiling water and scrubbing it with a wire brush.

A surefire way to restore the color of brown suede is coffee. Apply coffee grounds to discolored and worn areas, let them dry, and then brush with a dry brush. Another way to “rejuvenate” suede is to smoke it over a candle flame.

It is better to take care of suede shoes in the evening, rather than putting it off until the morning, before you need to put on your shoes, boots or shoes. Overnight, the suede will recover and will again have an attractive, stylish appearance.

Olga Nikitina

Reading time: 9 minutes

A A

In the autumn and winter season, wet shoes become a real disaster. After a walk, your feet always end up wet, your shoes quickly lose their original appearance, and there’s no need to talk about the unpleasant smell from wet boots.

What to do if your boots get wet, and how to prepare your shoes for winter?

Why do shoes get wet in winter, and how to properly prepare them for this time of year?

Everyone knows that wet feet are a reason to come down with a fever and runny nose. Therefore, it is important that shoes remain dry during the snowy or rainy season.

Why do boots get wet in winter?

• The sole has come off. Most often, such a “wet matter” is associated precisely with damage to the sole or its poor-quality “adhesion” to the boot itself.
• Poorly made shoes. Cheap boots “2 pairs for the price of 1” are always of poor quality. Manufacturers use low-quality materials, and the production process leaves much to be desired. Considering that suede and leather themselves do not allow moisture to pass through, we can confidently talk about poor-quality seams or the presence of holes and cracks.
• Chemical reagents. They are used to sprinkle roads in the winter, and it’s no secret that such products can “kill” even the strongest boots in one winter.
• No special impregnation on shoes (note – the task of the manufacturer).
• Synthetic materials. Frost causes artificial leather and other synthetic materials to crack, as a result of which shoes also lose their “moisture resistance.”

So that when winter begins you don’t have to urgently shell out for a second pair of shoes, buy it in advance.

Prepare your first pair for winter with the help of simple tips and specialists from a shoe workshop:

1. We evaluate the integrity of the sole, seams, leather and accessories.
2. We wash and clean the surface.
3. We change heels (if necessary) and strengthen the heels.
4. We sew (strengthen) the seams.
5. Reinforce (if necessary) the sole. This preventive measure will help compact the sole, protect it from rapid abrasion and provide anti-slip properties. It is important to ensure that the master uses only high-quality material that will be resistant to reagents and frost. For example, wear-resistant rubber or polyurethane. Such a budget option as resit (note – and microporous rubber) should be abandoned.

You can also...

• Impregnate poor-quality seams with a special agent with water-repellent properties. True, this manipulation will have to be repeated periodically.
• Dry the cracks and holes (note - sand the surface, and then apply drying oil and wait for it to dry).
• Install outsoles (rolling) on ​​top of your sole if you do not want to change it completely.
• Buy fat-containing (nutrient) products for leather shoes. They will restore elasticity to the boots and prevent cracking.
• Buy creams/aerosols based on beeswax for patent leather shoes.
• Find special products for shoes with breathable membranes. Such products will enhance the water-repellent effect and support pore breathing.

7 best folk recipes that will make shoes waterproof at home!

It’s not only in winter that you have to think about water-repellent agents for shoes. They won’t interfere with summer shoes either (who likes squishy shoes).

For your attention - folk and store-bought remedies for protecting shoes from moisture.

Strengthening the water-repellent properties of leather shoes: 7 best “folk” recipes

• Lamb lard (about 50 g) + flax oil (about 50 g) + regular turpentine (10 g). Mix the ingredients, having previously melted the lard, and apply the still warm mixture to the boots using a soft cloth.
• Wax + flax oil. Melt 30 g of wax (you can use paraffin) over low heat and mix with pre-purchased linseed oil (10 g is enough). Apply the warm mixture to the boots and gently rub in with a woolen cloth.
• Castor oil. As a rule, every girl has it. But it is recommended to use it exclusively for rough skin (note: it will ruin thin skin). Simply rub the oil into the leather surface and polish.
• Beeswax (about 20 g) + regular turpentine (about 10-15 g) + crushed rosin (no more than 50 g). Mix all ingredients and apply to boots with a soft cloth. Wait for absorption.
• Glycerin (about 20 g) + liquid fish oil (40 g) + turpentine (about 30 g) + beeswax (about 10 g). Mix everything, melt over low heat and mix with glycerin. Next, apply the mixture to your shoes.
• Castor oil + any animal fat. We take these components in equal proportions, after melting the fat. Next, mix them and apply the mixture to the shoes and their seams.
• Wax or paraffin. Rub the boots with a candle until the surface is completely covered. Next, we heat this wax coating evenly using a hairdryer. An ingenious recipe that reliably saves shoes from getting wet.

Important!

You cannot use paraffin, wax and organic creams for suede shoes - they require a more subtle approach.

For suede, suitable aerosols and emulsions are widely available in stores.

7 best store-bought products for protecting boots from getting wet

• Salamander Universal SMS. This spray is suitable for leather, textiles and suede. Reliably protects shoes from dirt and moisture, and also improves their appearance. The disadvantage is the strong smell (it is better to use the spray outside or on the balcony). The average price is about 350 rubles.
• Ecco. A unique effective spray that protects against moisture and dirt and does not disturb the air exchange of the material. It dries instantly and is economical to use. The average price is about 500 rubles.
• Collonil Nanopro. A revolutionary spray based on fluorocarbonate compounds is a real find for leather, textiles, nubuck, velor, etc. Creates the thinnest and most invisible, absolutely impenetrable and deep film on shoes. One of the advantages is high efficiency. The disadvantage is the price. The spray will cost an average of 600-800 rubles.
• KiwiAquaStop. This spray is suitable for leather and nubuck, as well as suede, textiles and artificial leather. Reliably protects shoes (dirt, moisture and reagents), dries quickly, restores appearance, and easily fits in a bag. Costs about 200 rubles.
• Salamander cream. Fat nourishing skin cream. Powerful water-repellent properties, restore shine, cover up scuffs, cost-effective, natural wax in the composition, no pungent chemical odor. The average price is about 160 rubles.
• Grangers G-Wax. A very effective impregnation cream for rough skin. Purpose – cleaning and protection from moisture and salt. Created on the basis of beeswax. The average price is about 350 rubles.
• SMS Olvist. High-quality Swedish impregnation for 100% protection against moisture and dirt. Designed for textile leather. Fully approved by customers. The average cost is about 300 rubles.

Of course, just buying the perfect product for your shoes is not enough.

It is also important to apply it correctly!

1. Method of 3rd application of impregnation. We apply the product to shoes three times with an interval between procedures of 1 day. Only after such a procedure can you be sure of the reliability of your shoes.
2. Using a spray, we spray it with more than one spray , and until the product stops being absorbed into the structure of the shoe.
3. When using impregnation on old shoes, be sure to thoroughly clean the surface first. shoes, then wash and dry thoroughly. And only then can you apply the product.
4. Choosing the right product! For example, oily water-repellent creams are only suitable for rough leather, while for other materials it is better to use sprays and emulsions. It is also worth noting that leatherette is not able to absorb oils and sprays.

Video recipes for all occasions, how to make shoes waterproof

Video: The secret to protecting shoes from moisture!

Video: How to extend the life of leather shoes to 20-30 years

Important!

If you bought expensive shoes for the winter, and they got wet in the first week of winter, you have every right contact the seller and request a refund or an equivalent exchange.

If the seller refuses, according to the law, you can insist on an independent examination procedure and sue, demanding reimbursement of all your costs, the amount spent on shoes, as well as payment for moral damages.

The site site thanks you for your attention to the article! We will be very pleased if you share your recipes for making boots or shoes waterproof!

Many people love noble suede shoes, because they are comfortable and soft, never go out of fashion, and look simply excellent, but only if they are properly looked after.

Many people prefer more practical leather products, which is easy to explain: such shoes are not afraid of moisture, are easy to clean, and retain their original appearance for a long time, while exquisite suede is only suitable for dry weather, requires special handling and is quite expensive. If you know how to care for suede shoes and follow simple rules, you can wear your favorite boots or shoes for a long time, which will delight you not only with comfort, but also with a neat appearance.

The very first rule

When buying shoes, do not forget to ask the seller if there are products on sale that will protect suede from moisture, dirt and salt, and purchase a suitable spray or aerosol along with a pair of shoes or boots. Thanks to this impregnation, the suede will become less wet and easier to clean.

When to wear

Try not to wear suede shoes in the rain, otherwise the resulting stains will be difficult to remove. A good time for suede is winter weather, when there is no dust or moisture, but not severe frost (up to -30°C). However, you need to take into account that in winter, city streets are sprinkled with a special mixture that spoils shoes. Therefore, in cold weather, it is important not to forget to apply protective impregnation before each exit from the house.

If you get caught in the rain

We often leave the house in dry weather and return back in the rain or sleet, and then nothing can protect suede shoes from getting wet. When you get home, the first thing you do is take care of your favorite boots, putting everything aside. How to care for suede shoes if they are wet? Stuff your shoes with paper or newspapers and leave them away from radiators. It is important to dry suede at room temperature, otherwise it will become rough. To prevent bad weather from taking you by surprise, you need to apply special moisture protection products to suede shoes.

If your suede shoes get dirty

This can happen to anyone, so you need to know how to remove dirt so that it retains its original appearance. Soiled wet boots should not be cleaned with a brush, otherwise dirt may be rubbed in. Shoes should be stuffed with paper and left to dry away from heat sources. Change the paper several times every two hours. When the boots are dry, shake off the dirt and clean the shoes with a rubber brush. If the dirt has not come off, you need to dilute washing powder in water, add a little ammonia and gently wipe the surface of the shoes, being careful not to get them too wet. Then rinse with cold water.

How to clean suede shoes

Special brushes are used to care for suede shoes: made of polymer fiber, rubber, or metal. How to care for suede shoes with their help? For new shoes, brushes made of polymers or rubber are best suited, but not metal ones, which can scratch the surface of the leather. Metal should only be used for cleaning old suede shoes: its bristles will perfectly lift the fluff and significantly renew boots or shoes. If you don’t have a brush at hand, old, proven methods will always come to the rescue. How to care for suede shoes using home remedies? You can clean it with black bread crust and hold it over steam for a few minutes to raise the lint.

Let's trust the professionals

Some people prefer to take care of their shoes themselves, while for others, the ideal solution would be dry cleaning of suede shoes, which is carried out in several steps. Professional care involves not only cleaning, but also raising the pile, impregnating and painting. Our specialists will ensure the absolute quality of your shoes.

Anyone who loves suede products should know how to protect suede shoes from getting wet. For several seasons now, shoes made from this material have been at the peak of popularity. It looks beautiful, is soft, pleasant to the touch and has a presentable appearance. However, it is worth understanding that in our climate in the off-season and in winter, when there is precipitation and thaw, suede shoes can quickly lose their appearance. That is why it is necessary to ensure complete protection.

AquaBron shoe spray is perfect for caring for suede shoes. These are natural preparations that do not contain hazardous substances, are easy to use and guarantee long-term protection for suede shoes for up to 3 months. Spray "AquaBron" is easy to apply, does not leave stains, has no specific odor and does not cause an allergic reaction, which allows it to be used when caring for children's things.

Complex protection for suede shoes

1. Moisture protection

   Protection against getting wet consists of using water-repellent agents. Aerosols are applied to the surface of the shoes. To achieve a high-quality effect, the treatment must be carried out three times. After each spraying, it is necessary to dry the shoes naturally. Do not use batteries or electric dryers. Properly treated suede from getting wet is then easy to clean and serves for a long time.

2. Proper cleaning

   Suede is a capricious material that requires careful care. It is best to wear suede products in winter when it is frosty. To remove dirt, use a special brush with metal bristles or rubber bristles. If the product is not new, then it is best to choose a brush with metal bristles, which lifts the suede. To care for new shoes, a softer brush is required.

3. Updating the material

   Even those who wear their shoes carefully cannot be immune from unsightly whitish spots that appear due to the accumulation of dirt. It is quite difficult to get rid of such contaminants, so timely updating of shoes using special coloring sprays is required. The shoes are first cleaned and dried, after which paint is applied to them. This update helps refresh the color of the suede and protect it from getting wet.

4. Deep cleaning

   Heavily soiled shoes should not be washed under the tap. There are special foams for cleaning suede. They are applied to the surface of the material and help remove even heavy dirt. Among folk remedies, it is worth noting cleaning suede with ammonia, which is diluted with soap solution in a ratio of 5:1 and is used to treat a contaminated product.

After the season ends, suede shoes must be cleaned, treated with sprays and put in a box, since suede products do not like plastic bags.