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To avoid catching a cold and to dry your shoes quickly, try water-repellent spray, castor oil, alcohol, wax, paraffin, petroleum jelly, or a hairdryer. HouseWife has gathered popular hacks for those “wet” days.
The Dangers of Getting Wet
Unpredictable weather and puddles from melting snow make wet shoes an everyday nuisance. Wet feet cool down faster, which can weaken the immune system. Cold temperatures can impair the function of certain immune cells, allowing viruses to multiply. So keeping your feet dry during a thaw helps reduce the risk of catching a cold. Also consider protecting your shoes from water: there’s a second danger—fungal infections. The risk of developing fungus is particularly high for people who wear tight, non-breathable shoes that get wet. In the wet season, choose shoes and socks made from water-resistant materials and keep spare dry socks on hand.
Waterproof Socks
This accessory minimizes the risk of wet feet, even if your shoes aren’t up to the task. These socks feature a water-repellent membrane that still lets your feet “breathe.” Socks designed for wet weather may contain merino wool, which absorbs less moisture than other types of wool. Cotton socks are a poor choice during puddle season because they quickly soak up moisture, promoting fungi and bacteria and causing unpleasant odors. In cotton socks your feet can get cold and sweaty. Change socks daily during the wet season, and remember to change or wash your insoles as well.
Plastic Bags or Overshoes
An alternative to waterproof socks is simple plastic bags: polyethylene doesn’t let air or moisture vapor pass through, while non-water-resistant cellophane “breathes.” Use this trick together with spare dry socks. After removing wet socks and shoes, dry your feet with a towel, put on a dry pair of socks, wrap your feet in plastic bags, and put your shoes back on. This waterproof barrier will keep your feet dry until you can dry the shoes. A more convenient option is overshoes, which can usually be purchased for a few hryvnias at a nearby pharmacy. Wear overshoes over dry socks and put on your shoes before heading outside. Even in wet conditions, your feet will stay dry with this protection.
Waterproof Shoes
Certain synthetic materials are truly water-resistant. Specifically, rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) are water-resistant; EVA is a lightweight, flexible polymer often used in footwear. Not long ago, rubber boots and galoshes felt out of fashion, but now they no longer look like an anachronism. Old “fishing boots” and heavily embellished models have been replaced by a new generation of rubber footwear that looks almost indistinguishable from regular shoes. Rubber footwear is a practical solution for wet weather, although it’s not ideal for everyday wear. A downside of waterproof materials is that they don’t let your feet breathe and can trap sweat. Dust the inside of such shoes with moisture-absorbing baby powder or talcum during use.
Shoe Covers
Shoe covers are a modern alternative to rubber boots: they are also made of rubber but are worn over your shoes. This gear is waterproof and slip-resistant, making it suitable for puddles and icy conditions. It’s a convenient way to protect shoes not only from water but also from dirt. They’re compact enough to fit in a handbag, so you can carry them with you.
“Tractor” Soles
Among hacks for protecting shoes from getting wet, platform “tractor” soles are a must-have for the wet season. Tractor soles, common in grunge-style boots, are especially appreciated for navigating rough terrain. Sturdy boots are not only stylish but also highly practical. Footwear with thick polymer soles and deep treads stands up to dirt and puddles.
Shoes That Shouldn’t Get Wet
Leather and suede shoes are the least suitable for wet weather. Even new shoes made of genuine leather won’t fully protect your feet from water: they are vulnerable at the seams and where the sole meets the upper, and moisture can penetrate across the surface. Natural materials are permeable to air and water. Leather quickly absorbs moisture, requiring careful cleaning and longer drying times than synthetic materials. Avoid soaking leather, because soaking washes out the softening fats and oils, causing it to stiffen, lose shape, and become brittle. After being outside, wipe leather shoes with a damp cloth rather than washing them. While water resistance depends on the thickness and density of the leather, you can’t rely on leather shoes during a thaw without special treatments, which need to be reapplied regularly. There are products sold with footwear that protect leather from water.
Water-Repellent Spray
Shoe stores sell cans of spray that you can apply before heading outside. This is especially recommended for suede, whose fuzzy texture limits treatment options compared with smooth leather. Before buying a spray, check the manufacturer and read the label. Choose a product from a reputable brand with dual functionality: the spray should repel water and protect shoes from the salt that road crews spread in winter. Apply the treatment several times. When the material stops absorbing the product, dry the shoes in a well-ventilated area. This protection will last about a month, after which reapply the water-repellent spray.
Wax and Paraffin
The simplest home hack for making leather waterproof is to treat the shoes with paraffin or wax. Gently rub it into the outer surface of the boots and warm the shoes evenly with a hairdryer for better absorption. Do not use stearin candles: the fatty acids in their composition cannot protect leather from water. Mix 1 teaspoon of grated paraffin with 2 tablespoons of linseed oil, melt the mixture in a water bath, and apply it to the shoes. A similarly effective mixture can be made with 5 grams of wax, 5 grams of wood resin, 50 grams of melted lard, and 250 ml of linseed oil. Leather treated with such a mixture will become both soft and waterproof.
Petroleum Jelly, Fat, and Oil
Treating shoes—either right after purchase or later—with a pharmacy-grade greasy ointment can make leather waterproof. Petroleum jelly creates an invisible protective layer on the shoes, preventing leaks. Rub the product into clean, dry leather with a brush, then warm the treated areas with a hairdryer to melt the petroleum jelly and seal the pores. You can skip the hairdryer if you prefer. If you’re worried about damaging the leather, wipe the shoes with a dry cloth after treatment. For ongoing care, apply shoe cream. Instead of cream or petroleum jelly, treat the shoes with goose fat or castor oil. Apply a thin layer over the entire surface, including areas where the material meets the sole and the seams.
If Your Feet Get Wet
Change into dry shoes, massage your feet to restore circulation, and warm them in a hot bath or mustard soak. Rub cold feet with a dry towel or a cloth soaked in hot water. Massage each toe. For quick warming, soak the soles of thin socks in alcohol or vodka (pepper vodka works faster), put them on, then wear thick wool socks over them for an immediate rush of warmth. However, you can only rescue wet feet this way at home. If you arrive at work with wet feet, rub your feet with your hands or a wool cloth when you change shoes. This will create a rush of blood to your feet and boost circulation. To avoid catching a cold, keep a spare pair of shoes and an extra set of dry socks at work during puddle season.
What to Keep in Shoe Boxes
Manufacturers include packets of silica gel with new shoes. Silica gel is a desiccant: it absorbs moisture from the environment and protects the product in the box from getting damp before sale. Don’t throw away these packets after purchasing your shoes; keep them in the shoe box, as they’ll help in case of accidental wetting.
Handy Drying Solutions
Remove street shoes and dry them as soon as possible—for example, by stuffing them with tightly crumpled newspaper, which absorbs moisture well. Replace the paper as it becomes wet. Outdoors, dry moss is an excellent natural desiccant that absorbs moisture effectively. Everyday kitchen products can also help dry shoes: coffee beans, rice, sugar, heated salt, and baking soda (which absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors) are all good options. Place these materials in thin socks or fabric bags and insert them into your shoes. To ensure even filling, shake the shoes from time to time. You can also wrap boots in a towel, tucking the edge of the towel inside the shoes for stability—the fabric will absorb moisture faster than you expect.
How a Shoe Dryer Works
When you come in, wipe your shoes and dry them using a shoe dryer. A shoe dryer is designed to dry wet shoes safely. An electric dryer extends the lifespan of your shoes by warming them from the inside without harming the elasticity of the leather. Shoe dryers can run for more than eight hours continuously. This matters because leather products take a long time to dry—sneakers, for example, can take about 20 hours. Never leave an electric device unattended; compared with other drying options, a shoe dryer is the safest.
A Safe Alternative
If you don’t have a dedicated shoe dryer, use a fan or other household appliances. Blow air into shoes with a hairdryer on the cool setting or a vacuum cleaner in blow mode: direct the hose (without a nozzle) into the boot shaft or inside the shoe. This can dry a pair in about half an hour. A heated floor is a safe place to dry wet shoes—they’ll dry completely in about 12 hours. The best method is natural drying in a warm, well-ventilated area, such as a shaded balcony.
What Not to Do
Only dry laces and wet insoles on a radiator (always remove them from the shoes first). Before drying, pull out the tongue from boots and sneakers. Never dry shoes—especially leather—near heating appliances or in direct sunlight. Never use a heater, radiator, or towel dryer to dry wet boots and shoes. High temperatures can quickly deform footwear. This can cause creases, cracks, delamination, and sole separation. Take care of your shoes, and they will help protect your health in slush and bad weather!
