Genre: Instruction

Why Care About Weatherproofing Your Footwear ? The leather of your shoe can usually withstand several thousands of flexes . However , when it encounters water , it loses its suppleness and this has an impact on the life of the shoe . Leather comes from animal skin and hence , comprises fat and proteins that retain a set amount of moisture after being tanned . The fibres that criss-cross each other in the corium give leather its unique strength . However , they are also prone to drying out and cracking if neglected . Thus , minimise rapid influxes , releases of moisture and exposure to acids or alkaline solutions . The last point is particularly worth emphasising as acids and alkaline solutions can damage the leather permanently . Additionally , salt and other harsh chemicals can leave stains on leather . Once they permeate the leather , they can be very difficult to remove . Thereafter , they will discolour and weaken the top layers of the shoe and eventually end up damaging the finish . The best remedy for this is a simple layer of wax polish that will act as the buffer between the leather and these harmful elements . How to Make Your Shoes Water Resistant Select a Waterproofing Compound Wax-based Polishes : Shoe pastes and creams only nourish the leather . Wax-based polishes create a shine and in doing so , create a thin protective layer that provides light resistance to water and salt . When availing of this option , ensure consistent application after every few wears or if the weather is hostile , after every wear . Specialty Waterproof Compounds : These compounds have a longer sticking period than polishes , when applied properly . Unlike polishes , these compounds seal out the moisture and can be used in conjunction with a polish , once the seal has been set . Spray-on Waterproofing Compounds : Water and stain protectors produced by many companies are safe for use on leather and suede . They usually dry up in 30 minutes and can be worn after the specified time is over . However , they should be used liberally as they lose their efficacy after a few wears . They merely form a protective coat on the leather and do not permeate it . Test and Prepare for Waterproofing For any shoe that is not black in colour , ensure that the compound chosen does not change the shoe's appearance . Do not be misled by the manufacturer's claims that the waterproofing compound does not alter the shoe's colour . Remove the laces of the shoe and clean the shoe thoroughly with a rag and a brush , rendering it free from dirt . Choose an area of the shoe that is not particularly exposed such as the shoe's tongue , under the laces . Apply a small amount of the compound and see how it reacts . If the reaction is satisfactory , apply the compound to another area like the inner back of the shoe . Apply the Water Resistant Compound Evenly and Ensure a Barrier is Formed The sole difference between a waterproof compound and a shining compound application is the attention you should pay to forming an unbroken seal . When shining your shoes , spot shining is an option . However , when waterproofing them , you need to ensure that a water tight barrier is formed if the process is to prove effective . Choose the Right Men's Footwear Beater Shoes : Some men wear shoes that they do n't care about when stepping out into adverse weather conditions . However , this does n't prove to be effective when they need to look professional . We recommend that you have the right equipment than have a pair of shoes , whose sole purpose is to be left to face the vagaries of the weather . Specialty Footwear : Solid footwear made of water-resistant materials such as gortex , synthetic leathers and non-slip rubber soles is commonly available nowadays . Their style design and durability make them practical favourites among men , even though they do not offer as much protection as galoshes . Boots : Boots can be used for a variety of purposes from hiking to work and are a great choice for dealing with inclement weather , since they protect the ankles and can reach up to knee-height as well . They can not be worn with a variety of outfits or men's suits and anything dressier than odd trousers would appear awkward . The dress boot has a wider range and can be worn with a tailor made men's suit ; however , it provides lesser protection than an actual pair of boots since it has a more delicate sole and a smaller heel . These can not traverse through puddles and hence , dress boots need to be treated as well as dress shoes . Boots , however , need to be regularly treated with waterproofing compounds depending on the wearer's environment and the frequency of use . Galoshes : These are rubber footwear that slip over shoes and protect them from the elements and include both over-shoes and over-boots . Since they encapsulate the feet completely , the feet remain dry . Additionally , they also provide excellent traction . The downsides to galoshes are that they need to fit properly and it can take some time to get used to the additional weight they bear . Measures to Take When Your Shoes Are Already Wet Pull the moisture from inside of the shoe using a small dry towel or even a newspaper . Draw the moisture out and replace the moist paper with dry paper , on an hourly basis . Let the shoes dry at room temperature rather than placing them near a source of heat . Heating them can cause the moisture to leave too quickly , thereby leading to the development of cracks on the leather . Cracks on leather can never be fixed . Once the shoes are dry and no further moisture is being drawn from within the shoe , clean and condition the shoe with a leather balm or cream and polish them normally .