Shell cordovan + rain = ???

Mr. Moo · Jan 16, 2010

So I've read both sides of the argument. Some people, Ron Rider included, say that rain has less effect on shell than on calf, so if you wear calf in the rain you shouldn't have problems wearing shell in the rain. As long as you wipe them down and allow them to air dry, it's fine.

The other side of the argument is that some peoples' shell shoes develop small water stains, and worse, bubbling/blistering of the shell, which has never happened to any of my calf shoes and is the first I've heard of rain having this effect on shoes.

So which is it?

LeatherSOUL · Jan 16, 2010

On my last trip:

After 4 hours of walking around in the rain:

When I got home I used a small amount of Saphir Renno and finished with Alden paste wax. They look just fine now.

Not 100% sure about what causes those little bumps, I have a feeling it just depends on the actual shell.

rioni · Jan 16, 2010

I wear mine in the rain and just use Saphir creme cordovan in the rare case there are water marks.

srivats · Jan 16, 2010

I have shells that are perfectly normal after wearing in the rain. I also one pair of shells that show "welting" (raised bumps) after a couple of exposures to mild rain. I was alarmed at first, but with wear and brushing they've almost gone away.

As Tom said, it is just the nature of shell. Some show this behaviour, some don't. There is no way to tell what will happen unless they get wet. But from what I have read, the water spots do eventually go away.

I'd be more worried about the outsole wear than the uppers. Then again, shoes are meant to be worn. If I know there is a very good chance of rain (or if it is raining outside), I wear beaters or rubber soled shoes. But If I am caught in rain with leather soled shoes, so be it. Nothing to do but come home and take care of them.

Originally Posted by LeatherSOUL

Tom, I like those chukkas very much! Are those your flex-welt chukkas?

JayJay · Jan 16, 2010

I've worn mine in the rain and snow without experiencing any problems. Any water marks or welts that develop disappear shortly thereafter.

imatlas · Jan 16, 2010

My shell chukkas (similar to Tom's, but on the standard double leather sole) are my go-to boots for rainy days. The first time I got them wet the bumps appeared, but they went away once the shoes were fully dry and I don't think I've seen them since.

sw20 · Jan 16, 2010

Alden SC is <50% of cost of many of the fancy UK/EU brand calfskin shoes

Would wear new SC (in daily rotation) until need resoling; then put in rain-day fleet; and toss when next cohort of SC become rain-day worthy

Shoes, no matter how costly, are disposable commodities like $200K+ perf cars used for daily commuting in rain/sun in urban/suburban traffic

kolecho · Jan 16, 2010

Originally Posted by LeatherSOUL

Not 100% sure about what causes those little bumps, I have a feeling it just depends on the actual shell.

+1 on the latter.

mccvi · Jan 16, 2010

Originally Posted by rioni

I wear mine in the rain and just use Saphir creme cordovan in the rare case there are water marks.

+1, Saphir for cordovan does wonders for taking care of water marks (though i still try and avoid exposure ). Can be acquired via Francos.

bowtielover · Jan 17, 2010

Only if you like watermarks.

Don Carlos · Jan 17, 2010

Shell can handle a little bit of rain exposure if need be, but I wouldn't consider it a water-resistant or rain-friendly material.

SkinnyGoomba · Jan 17, 2010

I've worn shell loafers in snow and down pouring rain, and they're fine. No bumps, if they get bumps the bumps go away when they dry. If they dont a little paste clears it up.

srivats · Jan 17, 2010

Originally Posted by Arrogant Bastard

Shell can handle a little bit of rain exposure if need be, but I wouldn't consider it a water-resistant or rain-friendly material.

It is rain-friendlier than calfskin for sure.

DrZRM · Jan 17, 2010

#8 and black seem great in the rain, it seems to me the lighter colors like whiskey, the C&J brown of the darltons and the mid brown of my Riders are more likely to get water spots. They go away eventually, very quickly with the application of Creme Nubiana, but I avoid grabbing those shoes if it looks rainy. The darker colors hold up very well.

ramuman · Jan 17, 2010

Originally Posted by SkinnyGoomba

I've worn shell loafers in snow and down pouring rain, and they're fine. No bumps, if they get bumps the bumps go away when they dry. If they dont a little paste clears it up.

Agreed. Also, don't try to do anything to the shell right away other than dry it after it gets wet. Spots tend to disappear on their own over a few days.

Shell cordovan + rain = ???

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