Let’s talk about finding the best shoes for rain. You might not expect this, but a good quality suede is a top contender, handling wet weather surprisingly well. In my opinion, the best shoes for rain are often found in a dark brown suede. While I particularly favor this shade, any suede in a darker tone than snuff offers great performance when the skies open up. The reason lighter suedes aren’t ideal for rainy days is mainly due to the dirt that inevitably comes with them. This very issue with light suede has likely contributed to the undeserved reputation suede sometimes has for being unsuitable for rain – a total myth!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: when it comes to withstanding tough, wet weather, suede is often superior to leather. It still surprises many to hear that suede can be among the best shoes for rain. So many people mistakenly believe suede is as delicate as silk, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a durable material and should be your first thought when choosing footwear for those rainy days.
Still unsure about whether suede can be the best shoes for rain? Let’s look at some concrete evidence. The exceptional suede used here is from Charles F. Stead, a well-respected English tannery renowned for its incredibly durable and high-performing suede. Its slightly thicker construction, which I personally find advantageous, contributes to its impressive resilience, as you’ll see.
This torrential downpour provided the perfect opportunity to challenge the misconception that suede is delicate in wet weather. Observe the suede’s performance during the initial five minutes of rain, the following five minutes (the ‘drenched’ image), and the fantastic condition the morning after simply air-drying overnight and a light brushing – no steam was used. This real-world example demonstrates why high-quality suede can indeed be among the best shoes for rain.
Through years of wearing suede in various rainy conditions, I’ve observed that its textured surface seems to facilitate both effective water management and an even drying. Interestingly, I’ve never relied on rain protectant sprays, which I personally view with skepticism. Quality suede, like this Stead leather, doesn’t need them, and I prefer to avoid applying potentially harsh chemicals to my premium footwear. This natural durability reinforces the argument that dark suede can be a top choice for the best shoes for rain.
The images speak for themselves: these dark brown suede boots emerged unscathed from a day of heavy rain. My aftercare routine was simple: insert shoe trees, allow to air dry overnight on their sides, and give a quick brush in the morning. This straightforward process highlights the practicality and effectiveness of suede as a strong contender for the best shoes for rain.
So, the next time you see rain in the forecast, confidently choose your brown suede shoes or boots. Their proven ability to handle wet conditions makes them a reliable and arguably the best shoes for rain for those challenging days.
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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