Over the years, you might have noticed your favourite leather shoes developing cracks here and there, especially living in Singapore’s humid climate.
You may have assumed the humidity would keep your leather moist and supple, but the reality is different.
If you’re new to leather shoe care and feeling puzzled, don’t worry – we are here to help you understand why this happens and how to keep your shoes looking sharp.
1. The Myth About Humidity and Leather
Many people think that high humidity naturally keeps leather moist, so it should protect your shoes from drying out. However, without proper ventilation, the moisture can get trapped and actually weaken the leather fibres.
This leads to cracking and brittleness rather than keeping the leather soft.
Tip: When you aren’t wearing your shoes, avoid storing them in sealed plastic bags or dark, poorly ventilated areas.
Instead, air them out in a dry, well-ventilated spot to help the leather breathe.
2. Lack of Regular Conditioning
Leather is natural, so it needs care similar to skin.
Over time, leather loses its natural oils, which causes dryness and cracks.
Living in Singapore, your leather shoes might lose oils faster due to the climate fluctuations between humid days and air-conditioned indoors.
Action Step: Apply a good quality leather conditioner every few weeks.
This will replenish the crucial oils and keep your shoes supple. Use a soft cloth and gently work the conditioner in, letting it soak overnight.
3. Exposure to Sweat and Salt
Your feet naturally sweat, and in Singapore’s warm weather, this is even more common.
Sweat contains salt, which can be very damaging to leather.
Over time, this salt buildup can dry out the leather from the inside, leading to cracks.
Practical Example: After wearing your shoes all day, wipe the insides with a damp cloth and sprinkle some baking soda to absorb moisture and salt.
Shake out the baking soda before you wear them again.
4. Improper Drying Methods
When your leather shoes get wet from rain or cleaning, many people rush to dry them near heaters or under direct sunlight.
This actually causes the leather to dry out unevenly, resulting in stiffness and cracks.
Tip: Let your shoes dry naturally at room temperature.
Stuff them with newspaper to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape, and avoid placing them near direct heat sources.
5. Not Using Shoe Trees
If you leave your shoes without support after wearing, they can lose shape and develop creases that eventually crack.
Using wooden shoe trees helps maintain the leather’s form and absorbs moisture from sweat, preventing damage.
Action Step: Invest in a pair of cedar shoe trees. Insert them into your shoes right after you take them off and let them stay overnight.
Conclusion
Now that you know the real reasons why your leather shoes crack in Singapore’s humid weather, you can take better care of them with simple daily habits.
Note, it’s not the humidity itself but a combination of factors like poor ventilation, lack of conditioning, sweat damage, improper drying, and lack of support that affects your leather.
With a bit of attention and the right practices, your leather shoes can stay looking great for years.
Treat them well, and they’ll reward you with style and comfort.
If your shoes are already showing signs of wear, our Footwear Repair & Alterations service can help restore them.
For cracked leather, scuffs, or dull finishes, we also offer Leather Goods Repair & Cleaning tailored to Singapore’s climate.
View our full list of shoe and leather care services, or drop by any of our store locations islandwide to speak with us in person.