Care Guide · October 2026 · 5 min read
Wet Shoes in the Rainy Season: What to Do in the First 24 Hours
Caught in a Saigon downpour? The first day matters. A calm, gradual dry is kinder to leather than any quick fix.
Water beading on calf leather — inspect in good light to assess how much has soaked in
1. Blot Away Surface Water
Use a clean, absorbent cloth to gently blot the shoes. Don't rub hard: wet leather is more vulnerable to scuffing, and rubbing can spread dirt or leave marks.
If the insides are wet, remove the insoles if they come out easily. Loosely fill the shoes with clean, unprinted paper to draw out moisture. Replace it when it becomes damp.
2. Let Them Dry Slowly
Leave the shoes in a well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight, heaters and hair dryers. Strong or uneven heat can dry leather too quickly and may contribute to stiffness or cracking.
If you have wooden shoe trees, use them once the shoes are no longer soaking wet. They help support the shape as the leather dries. Avoid forcing a shoe tree into a shoe that has become tight or misshapen.
"Patience is the best leather care product when shoes are wet."
3. Give Them Time
Don't polish or condition wet leather. Wait until the shoes feel completely dry, including the lining. That may take longer than a few hours, depending on how wet they are and how much air can circulate.
The 24-hour mark is a checkpoint, not a deadline. If the shoes are still damp, keep drying them naturally.
4. Brush and Assess
Once dry, brush away loose dirt and inspect the leather in good light. If it looks dull or feels dry, a small amount of suitable cream can help restore its appearance. Apply sparingly and test on a less visible area first.
Water marks, stains or changes in colour may need a different treatment. Avoid layering products to cover them; the right approach depends on the leather and the finish.
Assess and condition only after the leather is completely dry
5. Treat Suede Separately
For suede and nubuck, let the shoes dry fully before brushing with a suede brush. Don't use smooth-leather cream or polish. If the nap stays flat or water marks remain, have the material assessed before trying stronger cleaners.
Suede requires a separate approach — never use smooth-leather products on it
A waterproofing spray applied before the season is better than managing the damage after
A Few Things to Avoid
- — Don't place wet shoes in direct sun or beside a heat source.
- — Don't scrub wet leather.
- — Don't apply polish or conditioner while the shoes are damp.
- — Don't wear them again until they're fully dry.
A rain-soaked pair can often recover well with patience. If the leather has stiffened, the colour has changed, or marks remain after drying, a professional assessment is a sensible next step.
"We look at the leather, the finish and the kind of damage before choosing how to clean or restore a pair."
— Marcher Saigon