Will height-increasing shoes get damaged when worn in rainy weather? Complete rainy-day care guide for 4 major materials: genuine leather, synthetic leather, suede, mesh fabric

Author: Tallizen Editorial Team · Leather Craft Consultant Chen Yijun · Last updated 2026-10-11 · 13 min read

Direct answer: Will height-increasing shoes get damaged when worn in the rain?

Short answer:Genuine leather is not suitable; synthetic leather/suede is okay but requires immediate care, mesh fabric is basically waterproof. For specific materials:

• Top-grain genuine leather → ❌ Do not wear, it absorbs water, deforms, leaves water stains, and the structural layer will also lose support
• Split leather (recycled leather) → ❌ Less water-resistant than genuine leather, will crack when wet
• Synthetic leather (PU/PVC) → ⚠️ Can be worn but will undergo hydrolysis, will peel off naturally after 1~2 years
• Suede (nubuck leather) → ⚠️ Can be worn briefly, but when wet, must be immediately brushed dry + sprayed with waterproof spray
• Mesh fabric/flyknit → ✅ Most suitable for rainy days, lightly waterproof, quick-drying

The ‘rainy day difference’ between height-increasing shoes and regular shoes is: if the height-increasing layer is a ‘memory foam + adhesive’ structure, when wet, not only the upper will be damaged,the height-increasing layer will also lose support, which is irreversible.

I. Rainy Day Performance Comparison of 4 Main Materials for Height-Increasing Shoes

Table 1: Common Materials for Height-Increasing Shoes × Rainy Day Performance (Tested by Taiwan Footwear Association 2026)

Key finding:Mesh materialamong all common height-increasing shoe materials,performs best in rainy conditions, and the structural layer is also least likely to be damaged. That’s why in recent years, sports casual height-increasing shoes mostly use mesh + flyknit materials.

II. 5 NG behaviors for rainy height-increasing shoes

NG 1: Drying with a hair dryer when wet

Wrong: Hot air from the hair dryer will cause leather to shrink and deform, and the adhesive will also become brittle.

Correct solution: Stuff the shoes with newspaper or tissue to absorb moisture, air dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated area,for at least 24~48 hours.

NG 2: After wearing in rain, throw them in the shoe cabinet

Wrong: Wet shoes trapped in the shoe cabinet will get moldy; mold starts growing in just 24 hours.

Correct solution: First remove the insole from wet shoes, wipe the shoe body dry with a dry cloth,air-dry the insole separately in a ventilated area, and also place the shoes in a ventilated spot (don’t put them back in the cabinet).

NG 3: Wearing height-increasing shoes and stepping in puddles

Wrong: Even for mesh shoes, puddle water can seep in through the shoe opening,soaking the entire inside of the shoe.

Correct solution: Avoid puddles by walking around or stepping over them,don’t walk through puddles. It’s recommended to bring lightweight slippers when going out in the rain to change into at the office.

NG 4: Drying wet shoes in a shoe dryer

Wrong: High temperatures will damage the memory foam structure,causing the lift layer to lose elasticity, which is irreversible.

Correct solution: Air-dry at room temperature. If you’re in a real hurry, use a “shoe dryer” (air-dry at room temperature, $9.99–$18.99), do not use a clothes dryer.

NG 5: Putting wet shoes in a plastic bag immediately

Wrong: Sealing traps moisture inside, causing mold to grow faster.

Correct solution: Air-dry wet shoes first,and only put them back in the shoe box or bag once they are completely dry.

III. 5 Essential Items for Height-Increasing Shoes in Rain

3.1 Waterproof Spray ($6.99–$15.99)

Brand Recommendations:

• Crep Protect ($10.99–$15.99) — Suitable for mesh / knit / suede
• TARRAGO ($7.99–$12.99) — Suitable for genuine leather / patent leather
• Scotchgard ($6.99–$9.99) — Suitable for synthetic leather

How to Use:

1. Ensure shoes are completely clean and dry
2. Spray 2~3 layers from a distance of 20~30cm
3. Wait 24 hours for full absorption before wearing
4. Reapply every 2~3 weeks (especially when worn frequently in rain)

3.2 Shoe Dryer ($9.99–$18.99)

Recommended Models:

• Constant temperature type (no more than 40°C)
• Plug-in type (can be used in the office)

How to Use:

1. Stuff paper towels inside the shoes to absorb moisture (removes 50% of moisture)
2. Plug in the shoe dryer and place it inside the shoes
3. Air-dry completely for 6~12 hours

3.3 Shoe Wax ($4.99–$9.99)

Recommended: Meibai Brand or Formosa Plastics shoe wax.

How to Use:

1. Genuine leather shoes are waxed to form a protective layer
2. After rain, wipe with a dry cloth to restore shine
3. Maintain every 2 months

3.4 Replacement insoles ($9.99–$15.99)

Insoles are hard to dry completely when wet,it is recommended to prepare a pair of replacement insoles. All Tallizen height-increasing shoes can purchase replacement insoles separately, $10.99/pair.

3.5 Waterproof shoe covers ($3.99–$6.99)

Suitable occasions:

• Must wear height-increasing leather shoes to work, but have no alternative on rainy days
• Traveling for multiple days, wearing height-increasing shoes every day

Brand: Search “height-increasing shoe covers” on Taobao/Shopee, $3.99–$6.99 inner layer waterproof fabric, outer layer non-slip rubber.

IV. What to do if height-increasing shoes get wet? 8-step first aid method

Scenario: You were halfway there when it suddenly poured, your height-increasing shoes are completely wet. Below are the steps to take within 24 hours after returning home:

Step 1 (Immediately after returning home, 0~5 minutes)

1. Take off shoes, remove insoles
2. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe off remaining moisture on the shoe exterior
3. Wipe insoles dry with a dry cloth

Step 2 (0~30 minutes)

1. Roll newspaper or toilet paper into a ball, stuff into the shoe
2. Change the paper towel every 30 minutes (Old paper towels are saturated with water, new ones continue to absorb)
3. Repeat 3~4 times (about 2 hours)

Step 3 (After 2 hours)

1. Take out the paper towels
2. Replace with a shoe dryer or place in a ventilated area to air dry,at least 24~48 hours

Step 4 (After 48 hours)

1. Check if the inside of the shoe is completely dry
2. Check if the height-increasing layer still has elasticity (press for 0.5 seconds and it bounces back is OK)

⚠️ If any of the following occurs → The shoe is damaged, needs repair or disposal

• Obvious water stains on the upper
• The height-increasing layer takes more than 1 second to bounce back when pressed (memory layer failed)
• The shoe has a musty smell or visible mold spots
• The sole’s adhesive joint is lifting (adhesive failed)

V. Customer wet shoe test: Tallizen height-increasing shoes’ performance in rain

Customer Case 1: Mesh height-increasing sneakers (playing golf in rain)

Mr. Liu, 35 years old, salesperson

“I wore these mesh height-increasing sneakers to play golf, then a thunderstorm hit after noon, I ran for 30 minutes to take shelter, my feet got wet.”

Treatment: Used shoe dryer for 6 hours after returning home, air dried for 24 hours,still has memory elasticity after wearing for 1 year.

Customer Case 2: Top-grain genuine leather height-increasing leather shoes (light rain)

Mr. Zhang, 42 years old, a lawyer

“Wearing 6cm patent leather derbies to court, it started drizzling halfway, and the upper got splashed with water.”

Handling: After returning home, wiped dry with a dry cloth, air-dried for 48 hours,no water stains on the upper, structure normal. Patent leather performs better than regular genuine leather.

Customer Case 3: Suede height-increasing casual shoes (heavy rain)

Ms. Wang, 28 years old, in marketing

“Wore them camping and got caught in heavy rain, shoes were completely soaked.”

Handling: Sent to a professional shoe repair shop for emergency care, $9.99 for waterproof spray,after 6 months of wear, the upper still had slight water stains. Recommend not wearing this material in the rain.

Customer Case 4: Synthetic leather height-increasing ankle boots (commuting through puddles)

Mr. Lin, 38 years old, an engineer

“Commuting route had puddles, stepped in them.”

Handling: Absorbed moisture with newspaper + air-dried for 24 hours,after 1.5 years of wear, slight hydrolysis on the surface, this is the normal lifespan of synthetic leather.

Section 6: “Natural Rain Index” for different shoe styles

Table 2: Height-increasing shoe styles × Rain safety level

Most recommended shoe styles for rainy days:Mesh athletic casual height-increasing shoes + patent leather derbies. The former for casual occasions, the latter for business occasions.

Section 7: 5-step SOP for rainy day care of height-increasing shoes (once a month)

Whether or not they’ve actually gotten wet in the rain,once-a-month upper careis the most effective prevention:

SOP 1: Clean

Use a soft-bristled brush to remove surface dust and dirt.

SOP 2: Condition

For genuine leather materials, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner (mink oil / neatsfoot oil).

SOP 3: Protect

Spray the entire shoe with waterproof spray 2~3 layers, then air dry for 24 hours.

SOP 4: Dry

Place in a well-ventilated area, insert a shoe tree inside (to prevent deformation).

SOP 5: Check

Monthly check:

1. Are the sole joints lifting?
2. Does the height-increasing layer bounce back quickly when pressed?
3. Are there any cracks on the shoe opening edges?

If any issues are found, send for repair or replace before they worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can height-increasing shoes be exposed to sunlight when wet?

A: Not recommended, UV rays will accelerate the aging of the EVA memory layer. Air drying is the correct method.

Q2: What to do if height-increasing shoes get wet and develop an odor?
A: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes, air dry for 24 hours then brush off. Do not use air fresheners to mask the smell (the odor will return if mold is not eliminated).

Q3: Can height-increasing shoes be washed in a washing machine?

A: Absolutely not. The washing machine will damage the adhesive, memory layer, and upper material, ruining them in one wash. Only wipe with a damp cloth on affected areas.

Q4: How much does it cost to repair height-increasing shoes when they get wet?

A: Depends on material and damage: Minor water stain treatment $6.99–$15.99; Memory layer replacement $24.99–$46.99; Severe mold that cannot be repaired $31.99+ – better to buy new.

Q5: Which material is most durable for height-increasing shoes?
A: For long-term durability: Mesh > Patent leather > Top-grain genuine leather > Synthetic leather > Suede > Split leather. However, genuine leather is most elegant for non-rainy occasions; choose mesh or patent leather if worn mostly in rain.

Q6: Do height-increasing shoes get ruined if they get wet once?

A: Not necessarily. Depends on material and wetness level: Brief soaking + immediate correct treatment = most can be saved; Long-term soaking or continuing to wear while wet = most will be ruined.
+ immediate correct treatment = most can be saved;Long-term soaking or continuing to wear while wet = most will be ruined.

Q7: Will height-increasing shoes get moldy if stored in a shoe box?
A: No, if the shoes are completely dry before storing. Tallizen places desiccants inside boxes before shipping. Do not put wet shoes in the shoe box (incorrect practice).

Final Notes

Whether height-increasing shoes get ruined in the rain depends on the material and how quickly you handle them.

The most common issues our customers face are “wearing low-quality materials” and “improper handling when wet”, not that “height-increasing shoes are inherently forbidden in rain”.

If you live in a place like Taiwan where “afternoon thunderstorms + typhoon season” are frequent,Top shoe choices for rain: Mesh athletic casual height-increasing shoes (for rainy commutes), and patent leather Derby shoes for the office (for important meetings).

All material height-increasing shoe styles are listed on 4 cm height increase to 10 cm height increase pages.Each page clearly marks the material, you can choose the suitable shoe type according to your needs.

References and external links

1. Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs — Footwear material classification and labeling CNS regulations
2. Taiwan Footwear Manufacturers Association — Upper material characteristics explanation
3. Republic of China Leather Association — Footwear care guidelines
4. Tallizen height-increasing shoes — 2026 customer rainy day feedback (n=874)

About the author

Tallizen Editorial Team + Leather Craft Consultant Chen Yijun — Chen Yijun has a background in chemistry from National Taiwan Normal University, previously worked as a leather chemical R&D engineer at Formosa Plastics, and has served as Tallizen’s upper material consultant since 2026. The material characteristics in this article were compiled by Chen Yijun from the internal material laboratory.

Last updated 2026-10-11. © Tallizen Height-Increasing Shoes Store, unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Shop the Styles Mentioned in This Guide

For wet weather, boots with covered uppers and grippy outsoles are the safer pick; see the care notes above.

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Further reading

• Commute Height-Increasing Shoes — Height-increasing shoes for the daily commute
• 8 cm Height Increase — 8 cm lift styles and proportion guidance

Still deciding? Browse all height-increasing shoes →　Free shipping and a 30-day trial on every pair.