is hot car bad for leather shoes
Last Updated: january 9, 2025
One hot afternoon, I left my leather shoes in my car for hours while rushing to an appointment. When I returned, the sun had turned my car into an oven. When I took my shoes out, they looked unusually dry and dull. After a few days of wearing them, the soles of the shoes separated. That’s when I learned the hard way: is a hot car bad for leather shoes? The answer was yes. I fixed them with the best shoe repair glue, and I was able to extend their life a little.
Leather shoes are a valuable investment in style and durability. While they are made to last, they also require proper care. If you’ve ever wondered, is a hot car bad for leather shoes? The answer is yes. After ruining a pair of my shoes in the heat of a car, let’s learn how heat affects leather, how to prevent heat damage, and more.
How Heat Affects Leather
Leather is a natural material, which is both a blessing and a curse. It is durable and elegant, but it is also very sensitive to environmental conditions.
Heat especially affects the natural oils in leather, causing it to lose these oils, which are essential to keeping the leather soft and supple.
Typically, when the oils in leather dry out, the leather becomes brittle and prone to cracking. You may notice that the top layer of leather has started to wrinkle or shrink. In my case, my loafers had hardened, looking as if they had aged ten years overnight. The beautiful finish that was once appreciated looked damaged and uneven.
Signs of Heat Damage in Leather Shoes
- Drying and Cracking: Prolonged exposure to heat causes leather to lose its moisture content, which can lead to cracks that are difficult to repair.
- Fading: Sunlight entering through car windows can raise the car’s temperature to 45°C (113°F), causing leather shoes to fade and look shabby and worn.
- Deformation: Heat can distort the shape of the shoe, ruining its structure and making it uncomfortable to wear.
- Weak Adhesion: High temperatures can weaken the adhesives used in shoes, causing soles to separate.
How to Prevent Heat Damage
Prevention is better than cure. After my experience, I was forced to learn how to properly care for my leather shoes. is a hot car bad for leather shoes? Absolutely. Here are some tips to protect your leather shoes from heat damage:
- Avoid Leaving Shoes in a Hot Car: It may seem simple, but it is easy to forget. Make it a habit to remove your shoes as soon as you park.
- Store Properly: Always store your leather shoes in a cool, dry place. If you travel, use a shoe bag or box for extra protection.
- Condition the Leather: Regularly apply a high-quality leather conditioner to maintain moisture and suppleness. This creates a protective barrier against drying out and cracking.
- Use a Protective Spray: Leather sprays can protect your shoes from UV rays and minor heat exposure.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: If you must temporarily leave your shoes in the car, place them in the trunk or cover them with a cloth to reduce exposure to direct sunlight.
By adopting these habits, I was able to extend the life of my leather shoes and avoid another accident.
What to Do If Your Leather Shoes Are Damaged by Heat
Is a hot car bad for leather shoes? If you’ve already suffered heat damage, don’t despair. While they may not return to their original condition, you can take steps to restore them as much as possible:
- Clean the Shoes Gently: Start by wiping away any dirt or debris with a soft microfiber cloth.
- Apply Leather Conditioner: Use a conditioner or leather balm to rehydrate the material. Massage gently, allowing the leather to absorb the moisture.
- Reshape the Shoes: If the shoes are warped, stuff them with newspaper or use a shoe stretcher to help them regain their shape.
- Get Professional Help: For serious damage, it’s best to take them to a professional cobbler. They have the tools and expertise to repair cracks, repaint faded areas, and fix split soles.
Conclusion
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About This Article
Co-authored by:
Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist