Yes, it is not a good practice to store leather shoes left in a car on very hot days. The high temperature will dry and even crack the leather while driving out the natural oils within, which could result in stiffness along with damage. If the shoes are exposed to such heat for a long time, the shape of the shoes might wear and the color will fade off.
The leathery shoes should be stored cool and dry with minimum direct sunlight rays. If they do get exposed to extreme heat, a leather conditioner can probably restore lost moisture.
Leather shoes are not so much an investment but something you invest in style and comfort. But you’ll ruin that investment sooner than you could ever think about by leaving your leather shoes inside of a hot car. High temperatures dry and warp leather and can crack it; wear out the good looks of your shoes.
How Hot Car Environments Affect Leather Shoes, and What You Can Do Prevent It from Happening While this article tries to explain how hot car environments affect leather shoes, it also discusses the preventative measures you could take and even restoration of any damage done in the process. Read on to ensure your leather shoes remain in top condition, even during the hottest months.
Why Heat Damaged Leather Shoes
Leather is a herbal cloth that requires time to breathe in order to remain tender and supple. When the leather-based receives too hot, like on the temperatures inside a warm automobile on a given day, it leads to loss of the herbal oils in the leather-based and effects in dryness and cracking. The temperature inside the automobile can even attain as excessive as 150°F or 65°C on such a given warm day, making it a detrimental surroundings for your shoes. With time, the extreme warmness alters the configuration of the leather-based and thereby reduces the energy and lifespan.
How Heat Affects Leather Quality
When left in hot temperatures, leather can experience the following:
- Dryness and Cracking: The heat absorbs essential oils from the leather, making it brittle and vulnerable to cracks.
- Color Fading: Sunlight exposure at a high temperature also has color changes of the leather in the course. Too long in the sun causes it to lose its original color, appearing dull and faded.
- Distortion of Shape: Leather can warp under extreme heat, which affects the fit and shape of your shoes.
Simple Tips to Protect Leather Shoes in Hot Cars
1. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Try to park in the shade if possible, or cover your car with a car cover to avoid its direct exposure. Exposure through the glass doesn’t only increase heat under the sun but also makes it worse on your leather shoes.
2. Use Shoe Bags or Boxes
Store your shoes within breathable cloth shoe bags or shoe boxes. This will limit their direct exposure to heat and humidity. Also, they’ll be covered and protected from dust and accidental scratches.
3. Air Conditioning and Ventilation
Before leaving your shoes in a car, ensure the cabin is cool. Open windows slightly or use sunshades to allow ventilation and reduce heat buildup.
4. Remove Shoes from the Car
As much as possible, do not leave leather shoes for a long period in the car. If you really have to leave the car outdoors, it is also worth considering using insulated bags that may at least help keep the bags at stable temperatures.
Restoring Leather Shoes Damaged by Heat
If your shoes are already affected by heat, don’t despair. There are ways to revive your shoes:
- Condition the Leather: Apply a good leather conditioner to protect the leathers with an effort to restore oils and moisture lost. This will not allow cracking to progress, and the leathers remain soft.
- Polish for Protection: After conditioning, apply a leather polish to give the shoes a protective layer against future heat and environmental damage.
- Stuff with Newspaper or Use Shoe Trees: To restore the shape of the shoes, stuff them with newspaper or use shoe trees. This will help bring back their original form.
Long-Term Care for Leather Shoes
Extending the life of the leather shoes requires proper maintenance. Preventive care especially helps in case the shoes are exposed to warm environments from time to time. Cleaning, conditioning, and polishing a shoe will prevent it from wear and tear contributed by heat, moisture, and dirt.
1. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Never keep leather shoes in plastic or non-breathable containers. Cloth bag and places which have sufficient ventilation space are safe for putting them to avoid the accumulation of moisture.
2. Regular Conditioning
Like your skin, leather also dries out. Use a leather conditioner periodically to maintain its softness and suppleness and prevent cracking.
3. Quick Wipe After Use
Wear and tear is what constantly occurs when the dust and dirt that have accumulated in the shoes are not removed. Wipe your shoes clean immediately after wear for dust and dirt accumulation to prevent damage over time.
Conclusion
Leather shoes are a wardrobe basic. But one of the most important things you should know about leather shoes is that you must avoid them getting damaged due to heat, especially if they are Workstshein leather shoes. In order to keep your Workstshein leather shoes with you for years, then you ought to do the following precautions: among them is avoiding direct sunlight, storing them using protective methods, and also conditioning them very often. On an extremely hot day, you can keep your leather footwear in good condition. Make it a habit, and your shoes will always be ready to step out in style.
