It’s no secret that Vancouver is a rainy city. In fact, it rains more than half of the year! While this can be frustrating for some, it also means that our shoes are constantly exposed to moisture and dirt. If you’re not careful, all that rain can quickly ruin your shoes – and your feet! In this article, we will discuss 10 ways that Vancouver rain can destroy your shoes (and how to prevent it). We’ll also provide some tips on how to clean your shoes after they’ve been exposed to the rain.
1. Salt stains
As the rain falls, it brings with it a lot of salt that can leave white streaks on your shoes, making them look dull and worn out. The best way to prevent this is to always spray your shoes with a waterproofing solution before heading out in the rain. To learn more, read our guide on salt stains.
2. Mold and mildew
Wet shoes are like a magnet for mold and mildew. When the rain soaks in and your shoes don’t have time to dry, you can soon find yourself with a smelly pair of shoes! To prevent this, always keep your shoes as dry as possible, and invest in an antimicrobial spray to ward off mold growth.
3. Discolouration
It’s also common for rain-exposed shoes to start discolouring, especially if they are made of leather. To protect your shoes from this, invest in a waterproof shoe protector that will help keep the colour looking vibrant and new.
4. Water damage
Rain can cause damage to the soles of your shoes and even damage the stitching. To prevent this, use a waterproofing solution that will help keep water from penetrating your shoes. If you’ve made the mistake of getting suede wet, you’ll know just how difficult it can be to recover from.
5. Cracked leather
Leather is particularly vulnerable to rain, as the wet weather can cause it to dry out and crack over time. To combat this, invest in a leather conditioner and apply it to your shoes regularly.
6. Smelly shoes
Wet shoes can quickly start to smell, as bacteria and mildew can grow in damp conditions. To prevent this, make sure that you let your wet shoes dry completely before wearing them again, or use an odour-eliminating spray to remove any bad odours. Additionally, be sure to pre-treat your shoes for Fall to add an extra layer of protection.
7. Damage to the upper
Rain can also cause damage to your shoes’ uppers, as water seeps in and weakens the material. To avoid this, invest in a shoe protector that is designed to keep rain out of your shoes.
8. Rotted laces
If you don’t clean your shoelaces regularly, rain can cause them to rot and break. To avoid this, choose laces that are made from a water-resistant material, such as nylon or polyester.
9. Squeaky soles
Wet shoes can start to squeak when you walk in them due to the moisture trapped in the sole material. This can be quite embarrassing, especially in public places! To prevent this, use a shoe-silencing spray before heading out into the rain.
10. Damp feet
Wet shoes can cause your feet to become sweaty and damp, leading to unpleasant odours and soreness. To avoid this, wear waterproof socks over your regular socks when you go out in the rain, and make sure that your shoes are always dry before you wear them.
Conclusion
By following these 10 tips, you can easily protect your shoes from the damaging effects of Vancouver rain. In addition to this, it’s also important to clean your shoes regularly in order to maintain their good condition and prevent dirt and grime from building up. So, don’t let Vancouver rain destroy your shoes – take the necessary steps to keep them looking great!
Tags: shoe cleaning
