How to Take Care of your Wet Shoes
Rainy season is here again. It’s a relief that we’re finally going to take a break from the summer heat, but the rain can be pretty bothersome too.
Let’s admit that we may (or may not) tend to ‘accidentally’ forget to bring our umbrellas whenever we go out for school, work, or outings. You can say that the rain doesn’t bother you anyway (cue Frozen song) and you don’t mind getting soaked, but honestly you can get sick and, annoyingly, get your clothes wet — or worse, your shoes soaked.
Clothes can be easily cleaned. You just hand wash or put them in the washing machine — easy. Cleaning shoes, however, are much more complicated. It is intricate and you can damage your shoes if you don’t know the proper way of cleaning it. For sure, no one wants that because shoes can be really expensive.
This is why we want to show you ways you can save your shoes when they get wet from the rain:
Level 1 – Shoes Just soaked
1. Newspaper is your best Friend
For shoes that are just wet but not dirty, this is the quickest solution. Ball up some old newspaper and put them inside your shoes. This will make sure that the paper absorbs the water inside and maintains the shape of the shoes as it dries. You may have to change the newspaper once in awhile if it gets too wet. Finally, cover the shoes with newspaper to dry the outside part, too.
If caused by flood, bacteria can still live in your shoes if don’t disinfect it. After your shoes dry up, you can dab some alcohol on your shoes. You can also put foot powder inside to fight off the odor.
2. Heater Vent or Fan
If you have time and needs to dry your shoes quickly, you can use a heater vent of a fan to dry up your shoes. You can opt to combine tip #1 and add newspaper inside to absorb moisture while placing it in front of an electric fan or heater vent.
Again, be sure to sanitize and deodorize if needed.
3. Limit Sun Exposure
Most people just put their wet shoes under the sun — which is partly correct. Drying shoes this way is probably the best way as it can also remove the unwanted odor. But leaving your shoes to dry under the sun can leave your shoes to become dry and crispy afterwards. If you must, make sure to keep an eye out for this, if not stick to step 1 and 2.
Level 2 – Soaked and Splattered with Mud
Dish-washing Liquid + Baking Soda
1. Take out Laces
2. Use wet cloth/rug/wipes to remove easy dirts.
3. If there are persistent dirts, mix ⅓ water, ⅓ dishwashing liquid (for cleansing), and ⅓ baking soda (for disinfecting without harsh chemicals). Mix. Prepare to use toothbrush for canvass, rubber, suede, or felt shoes; sponge for leather and other types of delicate shoes.
4. Dip the toothbrush/sponge in your solution and gently scrub shoes.
5. Wipe with wet cloth/rug/wipes after. DO NOT soak the shoes any longer.
6. Let dry using Level 1 instructions (as seen above).
Level 3 – Insoles/Laces Are Just Too Dirty/Smelly
If your insoles or laces are just to smelly or dirty, try to clean it like you would with shoes. If it’s not effective, you can just buy a new one. Almost every shoe store has those in stock. New insoles would make your shoes free from any feet bacteria and new laces can make your shoes look brand new (especially if you cleaned the shoes well!). Weigh what you want to do.
Additional Tips:
1. Always Wear Socks
Socks are important for many reasons. One, it can give comfort to the wearer. Two, it can protect your feet from bacterias/fungi, especially if your shoes got soaked in the flood. Just wash the socks properly and make sure your feet is cleaned thoroughly, too.
2. Use a Protection spray
Yes, you heard it right. There is a spray that can make your shoes water-resistant by giving it an protective coating. There are several brands, such as CREP, that sell these sprays. Using this product, you’re free to run in the rain with less worries of dirt and the likes.
Now, what are your tips for runners this rainy season? Share this article and share it to us!
