How do you wear suede boots in rainy weather?

Makrame

I am eyeing Sam Edelman Petty booties in the YLF store (I like the low heel) but the black color is only available in suede. I usually stay away from suede and find a leather alternative/approximation of the style. Since many here live in rainy places (Seattle etc.), how do you deal with wearing suede when it rains? Weatherproofing? If so, which products?

13 years ago

Shopping

11 replies

Latest reply was from citygirldc

Active Member

I do weatherproof with Penguin products, usually. You have to read labels - not all the weatherproofing products are meant for suede. But I don't wear suede if there's really a downpour. Misty or drizzly weather I will wear them. And the more expensive the boots, the more careful I am with them, of course.

13 years ago

sinead

Active Member

I'm in Seattle and rely on the weatherproofing spray sold in the Nordstrom shoe dept- Synovia. They may sell something different now, this is from a couple of years ago. The guy told me to spray it really well, all over, wait 24 hours and respray. Do this in a really well ventilated area- it fumier than spray paint! The shoe will be slightly darker, but it never bothered me. Seems to work, although I still don't wear suede shoes when it's pouring down.

13 years ago

BethL

(website)

Veteran

I've used the Kiwi Boot and Shoe protector for years. It works very well if you follow the directions. You have to use it once, let the shoes dry, then spray them again, and then again after you've worn them in out in wet weather. If you use this stuff, though, use it outside, it smells awful, and since it's made by SC Johnson, it's probably highly toxic. I don't really like using it for that reason, but, as I said, it does work. I have a pair of gray suede booties that were an Angie pick about a year ago, and it has kept them looking like new. It seems to repel dirt, too. Like Cindy, I don't wear my suede shoes if it's pouring.

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I use whatever suede protectant is convenient and have never had a problem with spotting. I follow the directions, which usually means spraying, drying and re-spraying. And repeating every year to 6 mos.

I prefer suede footwear because it typically doesn't cut into or pinch my feet and tends to mold to my foot and be the most comfortable. I think what you have to avoid is salt. So, in the winter, if they salt the roads you'd probably want them to stay at home. That's never been an issue for me because I'm usually in my Wellies by then, anyway!

I also don't wear them if it's pouring, but that honestly is only a few days per winter, usually, in Seattle. We're more of a slow drizzle to soft mist kinda town.

13 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

Oh, I completely forgot about salt - that's the nemesis of my leather boots! I read a couple of years ago that a gentle solution of vinegar helps take the salt stains out of leather, and also started using a weather protectant for the boots so at least some of the time my winter boots look OK.

I seem to have the knack for leaving the house in sunny weather and returning in a downpour so I don't think I will be able to avoid that. I guess that is the difference between Seattle and Northeast. Something to ponder...

I will be lucky if I finally remember to leave a rainjacket in the car.

13 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I use the kiwi spray, which protects them from splashes and stuff, but I try to avoid wearing suede shoes if it's actively raining. Some brands like la canadienne actually make waterproof suede boots that are supposedly rainproof but I've never tried them out.

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I live in Wisconsin, so I avoid suede. The salt eats them, and with snow a real possibility from late October into early May, I make do without.

I would go to a cobbler or high end shoe retailer and see what they recommend.

13 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

Makes sense. I should probably stay away from suede since we also have snow from October until April.

13 years ago

Keix

Veteran

I also live in the Northeast and I worry constantly about my suede shoes. Especially in spring and fall, it's not uncommon for the weather to alternate between sunshine and downpour.

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I love suede and have a few pairs of suede shoes. I use the usual waterproof protectors but really I just don't wear them on a really rainy day.

13 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I only wear suede on non rainy /snowy days.

13 years ago

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