Rain-soaked shoes: blot dry with a soft cloth, insert shoetrees (or newspaper) to hold the shape and draw out moisture, then air-dry somewhere ventilated. Never dry with high heat.
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The full answer
Hair dryers, heaters, and harsh sunlight all cause leather to shrink, crack, and fade — this is the mistake that ruins many pairs after a single rainstorm. The correct sequence: wipe off water and mud with a well-wrung damp cloth → insert shoe trees/newspaper to draw moisture out from inside → let dry for 24 hours in a ventilated spot. Once the leather is completely dry, recondition with cream to replenish lost moisture. Suede shoes need different treatment: let them dry, then brush — no cream.
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How often should you polish leather shoes?
Shoes in regular wear only need deep cleaning and conditioning every 1–2 months — never daily polish. Thick layers of polish don't improve the look; they just build up old wax. What matters is conditioning on rhythm so the leather never dries out.
How to keep shoes mould-free through Hanoi's damp season?
Hanoi's damp season (Feb–Apr), at 85–95% humidity, is when shoes mould most. The best defense is humidity control: silica packs in the cabinet, cedar shoetrees, and never storing shoes in sealed cardboard boxes.
Should you polish leather shoes every day, or does it damage them?
You shouldn't polish (deep-condition) every day. All your shoes need daily is a quick brush to remove dust and a wipe with a soft cloth. Heavy daily polishing doesn't make shoes look better — it builds up wax and clogs the leather's pores so the leather can't "breathe".