Charleston, South Carolina, as well as most other parts of the Southest US got plenty of rainfall last night. In fact, it was enough rain to put 2 feet of water on Market street downtown. Anyway, I was out last night, and had to Ford my way through it to get to my Truck. Problem is, I was wearing my tutone Cordovan/Black Floorsheim leathers, my favorite shoes on earth. I shine them at least once or twice a week, and take spectacular care of them, but now they're waterlogged, and I'm worried it might damage them! I've had them in the open, stuffed full of newspaper. Is this the best way to dry them out, or is there a better way? Thanks for the advice guys! TK


'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing

 

Shoes and boots dry faster on their side than they do if you leave them standing upright on the sole. A light coat of Neatsfoot oil will help once they are dry.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-Sep-02 AT 05:32 AM (EST)]FYI,

Newspaper will NOT keep them from SHRINKING. (Leather SHRINKS as it dries.) Find something...anything, SOLID, to help retain their Shape while the leather dries. Even a block of wood is better than something as shapeless as newspaper. Do NOT put them near a heater or in the oven. Excessive heat will cause the leather to Crack, therefore ruining them.

(Many years of experience in knee-deep mud & water with my horses in leather boots.)

Jane

 

I'm an Allen Edmonds guy, but this advice is universal. Stuff them with newspaper for a short period of time(a few minutes)to absorb excess water. Then, use a pair of properly sized wooden shoe trees and put them in the shoes while they are still damp. As indicated above, avoid excess heat unless you like cracked, cardboard-like shoes. However, placing the shoes in a breezy area isn't a bad idea. Wait until they are bone-dry inside and out and treat your shoes with a good leather conditioner. Don't wear them until you use the conditioner.

 

Thanks for that advice, I did wear them tonight, but they seemed pretty dry. I'll get right on that leather conditioner!

'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing

 

I'm a pipefitter by trade,and my boots get wet very often.In Louisiana us Cajuns use a solution of neetsfoot oil and motor oil(12oz=10oz neetsfoot oil 2oz motor oil)thats as much as i have mixed.Trust me,it works!!!

 

I don't have shoe trees, but I went ahead and shined them again. They look good as new. They were a little tighter, but they still fit and feel great, aside from the inners being a little dry. I really need to get some leather conditioner on them. Thanks again for the advice everybody!

'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing