Rough leather inside boots gets damp every day with sweat. Problem? Solution?

[oneninetyseven]

Hi guys,

I recently acquired a pair of Red Wing Heritage 1911 work boots. They're great, though need a lot of breaking in, and I'm doing my best to get them nice and comfy. However, the inner (underside) of the tongue and most of the inside of the uppers is rough leather - and after a day of wearing them (I'm on my feet and moving a lot), this leather is definitely damp.

A) Is this a problem?

B) Should I actually try to dry this leather off somehow, and if so, how? (I'd love to hear it's not an issue, since it's not feasible for me to find a fan and put the boots in front of it or pat them with an absorbent cloth or whatever else every night.)

Right now I just keep them on the floor in my room with the tongues lifted up and forward, foam insoles taken out and a fabric sack of what I believe is some sort of volcanic rock to absorb moisture and odors in each boot. Good enough?

C) Should I purchase something to protect the rough leather, and if so, what - or is it not necessary?

Thanks for your help! I want these boots to last.

 

[F. Corbera]

I'm conflicted who should post next, Reevolving or iroh.

I will think on this question.

 

[MyOtherLife]

You should never wear the same footwear 2 days in a row. Alternate your footwear, giving each pair at least 24 hours to dry and air out.