Cover photo credit: Asphalt Gold
Having previously discussed dress shoes to wear in the rain , it’s time to look at casual shoes to wear in the rain.
We will be particularly interested in the case of sneakers, which currently reign supreme on our feet.
WEARING SNEAKERS IN THE RAIN: WHAT RISKS AND WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF PROBLEMS?
To begin, let's briefly recall the main fears about wearing classic sneakers in the rain:
- Wet feet if water gets into the shoes. Sneakers made of cotton canvas (like Vans, Converse) or in airy materials like mesh (like many sportier sneakers like New Balance, Nike) will take on water more quickly than leather sneakers
- Dirty, stained sneakers . This is particularly problematic on light models, where stains are more visible, or on those made of suede leather, which are a little more difficult to clean (suede leather does not particularly fear water, it rather fears water dirty).
- Risk of detachment on glued sneakers if water infiltrates
Classic canvas sneakers won't last long in a heavy downpour. Oliver Byunggyu Woo for Getty Images
If your sneakers have gotten wet, put them on wooden shoe trees , which will absorb the water and allow faster drying.
To clean your smooth or grained leather sneakers, you can use, for example, Shoe Cleaner from Jason Markk.
For your suede leather sneakers, use Omnidaim from the Saphir brand (or Vel Vel from Famaco).
To specifically clean the soles of your sneakers, scrub with a small brush (this can be a used toothbrush) dipped in soap mixed with a little water.
What about waterproofing? You can use it in small doses to provide light protection to your shoes, for light rain. We advise you to favor silicone-free sprays such as the Saphir, Nikwax or Granger's brands.
Granger's "Footwear Repel" spray, suitable for shoes.
THE GOOD SNEAKERS TO WEAR IN THE RAIN
By digging a little deeper into the subject, we come across quite a few sneaker models that combine water protection and style.
1. SNEAKERS WITH WATERPROOF MEMBRANE
Just like with parkas, it is possible to make a pair of sneakers waterproof by adding a membrane behind the outer material which prevents water from passing through.
This is a subject that Benoît raised in this video:
Many mainstream brands offer Gore-Tex sneakers such as:
High-top white Gore-Tex Vans, which have character, worn with raw selvedge jeans. Found on Sneaker District
In a different stylistic register, I also came across a Gore-Tex model from Arc'Teryx :
The aesthetic is more inspired by hiking shoes, but the pair has been refined in its lines and stylized. So much so that I could see it worn around town in urban techwear looks.
You just have to keep in mind that Gore-Tex sneakers are not suitable when the thermometer rises : they risk keeping you hot because of the membrane (which remains a layer of plastic that wraps your foot).
2. VENTILATED SNEAKERS
To have shoes that hold up well to the rain and are breathable, you have Ventile, which is a material that we like at BonneGueule and that you are starting to know if you follow us.
The principle: it is a very dense cotton canvas which prevents water from passing through. It is a natural material and there is no membrane.
I was able to see sneakers in Ventile at:
I've also seen them at Buzz Rickson's or The Hill Side, but these are pairs that are harder to find.
This pair of Buzz Rickson's military-style sneakers is very successful. Or when technicality supports a style approach
3. SNEAKERS WITH RUBBER SOLE THAT RUNS ON THE UPPER
I discovered this type of sneakers with the Allweather from the Japanese brand Moonstar , which you will find in France at Royal Cheese:
I found the shape original, well thought out and quite pretty . This rubber which goes up high and surrounds the shoe helps protect it well.
Also note the outsole with small nubs for grip.
The top of the upper is still a little exposed, but overall you have good protection against water, puddles, splashes.
Jordan had mentioned this pair in nuggets .
Moonstar offers a similar model in a low version, the Mudguard, which I also find has a certain charm:
To find this type of sneakers at a more affordable price, take a look at Novesta and its Rubber Sneaker:
As well as Aigle for a low version (on this pair, the top of the upper is not in cotton canvas but in recycled polyester. The material is therefore no longer natural but will resist rain better):
4. PATENT LEATHER SNEAKERS
We're talking about shoes with a shiny appearance here. We commonly speak of patent, polished or bookbound leather.
This effect is obtained by covering the leather with a layer of plastic.
We don't really recommend this type of shoe (because it doesn't age very well, because the appearance is unnatural) but they still have an advantage that interests us here: that of being very resistant to water. In fact, the drops flow onto the plastic layer without passing through it .
I only have one pair of sneakers in mind in this category that has an interesting look, and that's the Spazzolato model from National Standard . They have been offered by the brand for quite a long time.
The dark burgundy color on shiny leather is quite original on sneakers, you might like it:
THE FINAL WORD: HOW I PROCEED WHEN IT RAINS
In case of bad weather, I avoid wearing my nice sneakers so they don't get dirty.
I really like these Butteros . I wouldn't want the suede to change appearance or color when it gets rained
To counter this, I have a pair of Asahi in Ventile which fulfill their role well. I also sometimes wear German Army Trainers that have some experience, which I allow myself to dirty and mistreat without remorse.
These are not waterproof sneakers of course, but for light rain, they do the trick
And you, what sneakers do you wear when it rains? Have you ever had wet feet in sneakers? Tell us about it in the comments!
