However, with the rustic beauty of the rainy season also comes the muddy consequences. During the season ranging from October to April, the downpours can dampen your step if you are not prepared.

Therefore, to ensure that you can navigate Bali's wet environment, this guide will equip you with the knowledge on how you can protect your shoes in the rainy season of Bali.

Bali is one of the places with a tropical climate. That means humidity is high all year. And when the rainy season arrives, this weather intensifies, and the showers are heavy and sudden. That means that during these conditions, your shoes are going to face a lot of challenges.

• Persistent Moisture:

One of the ways the shoe material often degrades is through long exposure to moisture. The wetness loosens the adhesives and creates mould in your shoes.

• Mud and Dirt:

The rain makes the roads muddy, and walking around on them makes your shoes dirty. If not protected or cleaned, the dirt can stick and become difficult to remove.

• Odour Development:

The odour is developed when your shoes are damp. Combine this with the tropical heat, and the bacteria lead to unpleasant smells.

• Slippery Surfaces:

If your shoes don't have a grip on their soles, then you can easily slip on wet surfaces as they becomeslippery after rain.

We must make sure that whenever we choose our footwear, we can address these challenges, not only to preserve the footwear but also to stay comfortable.

Different materials of your shoes require different suitable protective measures.

1. Leather and Suede:

• Cleaning:

To clean leather, you can use any soft and damp cloth. For suede, you may need a brush with soft ends so as not to damage the surface.

• Conditioning:

For leather shoes, you need to apply a leather conditioner so that they stay supple and don’t crack. You can use well-known brands available in Bali, such as Tony Bianco, or you can use Laundry Bot Kuala Lumpur for expert conditioning of your shoes.

• Waterproofing Sprays:

Use waterproofing sprays, typically either silicone-based or fluoropolymer. Lightly spray coats on your shoes so that they can act as a shield, repelling water. About 2 to 3 coats will do the trick.

• Avoid Over-Saturating:

Don't add too much product as it can clog the pores of your shoes and affect their breathability.


2.Canvas and Fabric:

• Cleaning:

Slight use of a soap and water solution is good enough to clean your fabric shoes.

• Fabric Protectors:

You can use fabric protective waterproofing sprays. They cover individual fibres, blocking water effectively.

• Wax Treatments (for some canvas):

Some shoes can get greater water resistance by getting wax treatments.
But you must make sure that your shoes are suitable for wax treatments.


3.Synthetics and Rubber:

• Cleaning:

A swipe of water and soap solution can easily clean your rubber shoes.

• Natural Water Resistance:

Usually, a lot of synthetic materials and rubber are resistant to water. However, it is always better to dry them out if they are underwater for enhanced durability.

• Seam Sealing:

For some synthetic shoes, you may need to apply a seam sealer. These are usually applied to weaker stitching points where water can get in.

• Tread Inspection:

Always check the shoe treads. Make sure the depth and condition of the surface are firm so that the grip of your shoes doesn't decrease.

• Anti-Slip Sprays/Pads:

If your shoes have lesser treads, you can use anti-slip sprays or adhesive pads for increased traction and grip.

• Material Choice:

We recommend that any time you want to walk on wet or uneven plains, you should wear shoes with rubber soles. They have a superior grip on such terrains.

For Bali rainy season shoe care, you should always select suitable shoes for daily wear.

o Waterproof Sandals/Flip-Flops:
Waterproof sandals or flip-flops are always an ideal choice to stroll around. They are easy to clean and always dry quickly.

How you walk can also impact your shoes' exposure to moisture and dirt.

• Watch your step and avoid stepping on puddles.
• Avoid deep water.
• Don't drag your feet when walking to avoid excessive water and mud.

If you get exposed to water or mud, you must take action immediately. Here is how you can clean muddy shoes after rain in Bali:

• Initial Rinse (if possible):

If you get your shoes muddy, then try to access any tap or hose so you can remove the excess mud. This will prevent the mud from drying and caking on your shoes.

• Wipe Down:

Always make sure to wipe any excessive mud or water from your shoes. You can use a cloth or a towel to wipe it off.

• Remove Insoles:

If you wear shoes with removable insoles, you should immediately take them out. This way, the shoe interior does not get as dirty, and both can dry out.

• Loosen Laces:

Make sure to loosen your shoe laces so that the trapped mud or dirt can be cleaned.

Let us give you a strategy to avoid ruined shoes in Bali rain so you can prevent damage and increase the longevity of your shoes.

Thorough Cleaning for Mud and DirtRemove Excess Mud:
If your shoes have excessive mud and there is no way to wash them off right away, then let them dry slightly. Once it is dry, you can use a stiff brush to remove the excess. Don't scrub wet mud!

Spot Cleaning:
● For canvas or fabric shoes, you can use a mix of soap and water. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub off the dirty spot.
● For leather shoes, you can use a damp cloth to gently rub on the dirty spot and then a dry cloth to clean. You can also use a leather cleaner.
● For suede shoes, you need to use a suede brush and eraser for effective removal. Don't use water if you can.

Sole Cleaning:
You can use a brush or an old toothbrush to clean the soles. It will help remove any trapped or stubborn dirt and small stones.

Here are a few tricks for a quick dry of shoes in Bali's humidity to prevent any odour or mould:

I. Air Circulation:
Let your shoes dry in the air. Avoid direct sunlight. Instead, put your shoes under a fan to create an airflow and quicken the drying process.

II. Stuff Shoes with Absorbent Material:
Use newspapers to absorb moisture from your shoes. They will absorb the wetness, and you change them if they get soggy. Use silica gel packets for a similar effect.

III. Elevate Shoes or Place Vertically:
Place your shoes vertically to naturally let water fall out. You can also put them on an elevated surfaceso that the air can reach under the shoes as well.

IV. Odour Control and Disinfection
● You can sprinkle baking soda for overnight odour absorption. Just shake
off or vacuum the next morning.
● You can use antibacterial shoe spray or rubbing alcohol to kill any bacteria causing odour.
● Spray the solution of a few drops of tea tree oil and water.
● You can use activated charcoal inserts to absorb any moisture or odour in your shoes.

The Bali rainy season shoe care is an important consideration if you want to preserve your footwear.

These challenges and care routines can greatly help you save your shoes from residual moisture and protect your shoes in the rainy season of Bali.