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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Justin, I had another idea. Like lately EBay is full of shoes that looked ripped off stock or instagram photos from people such as your brand and Gaziano Girling to name a few (that I could instantly recognize). One thing they have in common are that they are all from Pakistan and show pictures of totally handmade shoes. However no one has done a review of this.
They all have a price point of $170ish. They promise gyw, which is just BS. But someone needs to do a review! So how about it? I think it would be amusing, educational and also to warn people what you get when you order something like this. Like review your own knockoff? Then get Tony Gaziano to see if he can recognize his own knockoff (which I’m 100% sure he will).
Thanks for sharing Sam. The problem is that I absolutely despise these companies. They should be ashamed of themselves, not only for rippping off people like me and Tony who have worked hard to get where we are but also the customers who are being duped into thinking they are getting something good. I have seen the end product and they are nothing shy of cheap shit
Justin, is it possible to know where you bought these brown suede boots? thks
Yes of course they are by my brand J.FitzPatrick footwear http://www.jfitzpatrickfootwear.com
Hello Justin,
I saw on youtube that you purchased meermin suedes for rainy weather.
I am considering purchasing a dark brown suede chukka for rainy days as you suggest, but feel unsure about what good suede is.
Did you find meermin suede to be okay for rainy days without use of additional chemicals? In your opinion, would a step up in price to Loake 1880 (or higher) be worthwhile? Sorry for asking about competitor brands..
No worries Sunny. I havent actually worn the Meermins but if they use Charles Stead Repello suede then they will be just fine. English shoes usually use good suede too. Loake should also be fine
Hehehe… Great ones…. Just waiting for tariffs (UE’s) to drop… ;
let’s hope soon! I would love free trade to the EU to reach all of my customers again!
I have CF Stead Repello suede and love it. However I also have Horween Chromexcel and find it very resistant to water and snow and chemicals – as a “oil stuffed” leather. Also as you mention grain leathers also work well and are a staple of English country side brogue shoes and boots.
Thanks for sharing Brian. Indeed those other leathers you mention work well too