Rainy Season Shoe Care in Nairobi: Keeping Sneakers, Leather and Suede Looking Good

THE NAIROBI PROBLEM

Nairobi gets two rainy seasons: the long rains, roughly March to May, and the short rains, roughly October to December. Between them, the city's red soil does a lot of damage. Dry, it is dust. Wet, it is a stain that clings to white midsoles and soaks into suede.

Good shoes survive the rains well if you treat them with a little care. Here is what works.

BEFORE THE RAINS ARRIVE

• Protect leather and suede. Apply a water-repellent spray made for the material. Test it on a hidden spot first, let it dry fully, then do the whole shoe. Repeat every few weeks during the wet months.
• Condition smooth leather. A light coat of leather conditioner or cream keeps it supple, so it is less likely to crack after getting wet.
• Choose your rain pairs. Keep pale suede and light canvas for dry days. Darker leather, rubber-soled sneakers and gym shoes with mesh that dries quickly cope better with puddles.

CLEANING WHITE SNEAKERS

1. Let the mud dry first. Wet mud spreads. Dry mud brushes off.
2. Remove the laces and insoles.
3. Brush off loose dirt with a soft, dry brush.
4. Mix a little mild soap or washing-up liquid into a bowl of warm water.
5. Scrub the midsoles with an old toothbrush, then wipe the uppers with a soft cloth. Work in small circles.
6. Wipe away soap with a clean damp cloth.
7. Wash the laces separately by hand.

Avoid bleach on most sneakers. It can turn white soles yellow and weaken glue. Avoid the washing machine unless the label says the shoe is machine washable.

LEATHER OFFICIALS

Wipe off water and mud as soon as you get to the office or home. Use a damp cloth, never a soaking one. Once dry, apply polish or cream in the matching colour. Pale white rings after rain are usually salt or mineral marks. A cloth dampened with water and a little white vinegar often lifts them, followed by conditioner.

SUEDE AND NUBUCK

Suede needs the gentlest treatment.

• Let it dry completely before touching it.
• Use a suede brush to lift the nap, brushing in one direction.
• Rub small marks with a suede eraser or a clean pencil eraser.
• Never scrub suede with soap and water unless the care label allows it.

DRYING WITHOUT DAMAGE

This is where most shoes are ruined. Heat cracks leather, warps soles and melts glue.

• Do not dry shoes in direct sun, beside a jiko or on a heater.
• Stuff them with plain newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and keep the shape. Change the paper after a few hours.
• Leave them on their side in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
• Allow a full day, sometimes two. Do not wear damp leather shoes, as they stretch out of shape.

STORAGE IN DAMP MONTHS

Closed cupboards can grow mould on leather in humid weeks. Store shoes somewhere with air flow, keep them clean before putting them away, and use cedar shoe trees or paper stuffing for officials. A small sachet of silica gel in each shoe box helps.

A SIMPLE ROUTINE

• Daily: wipe off mud and water.
• Weekly: brush, clean and condition.
• Monthly in the rains: renew the water-repellent spray.

ROTATE YOUR PAIRS

The best rainy season habit is not wearing the same pair two days running. Shoes need time to dry out fully, and rotation doubles the life of both pairs.

If your current pairs are tired, take a look at our sneakers, officials and casuals, and see our delivery details for orders across Nairobi.