Dry feet despite the downpour: Picking the right footwear for rainy days

Windbreaker, check. Raincoat, check. Umbrella, check.

Rain shoes... Er—what about that old pair that you don't mind getting soaked and dirty? Check.

This is the thought process of many people rushing out the door into the rain. Shoes that are appropriate for the wet weather are often a neglected consideration until the last minute, but shoes that protect your feet from the elements are as important a part of your rainy day gear as your raincoat or your umbrella.

“Wearing suitable footwear during the rainy season is important. Trudging through the water, there’s always a risk of foot odor and fungal infection,” says Dr. Giselle Mary Lazaro, a dermatologist at the Makati Medical Center and NU.U Asia Center.

According to Dr. Lazaro, bacteria and fungi grow rapidly in high humidity, so we are more prone to infection during the wet, humid rainy season.

Sturdy and waterproof

Gilson Chu of Shoemakers Shop walks us through some products on the market that address our extremities’ needs in wet conditions.

“Waterproof shoes are most commendable. This means that the construction and materials of the shoes are designed to keep water out,” he says.

Currently on shelves in leading department stores are Sebago’s Dryside Marquette for Men, which look like regular Oxford boots but are actually waterproof, made from full-grain leather—stronger and more durable than leather that has been sanded to remove the grain.

Another brand with waterproof shoes is Hush Puppies. A popular style is its Quatro Slip On shoe, which is also made of full-grain waterproof leather.

Emergency shoes

The hardy shoes of the Sanuk brand are also water-repellent—and are more casual in style as well. Sanuk's Sunbrella collection is made from a tough fabric usually used for outdoor furniture. 

The shoes are surprisingly lightweight as well, and are a good alternative to the common rain boot.

What's more, the Castaway Sunbrella is so light that you can carry it in your bag, to be pulled out in case of unexpected rain or during soaked-shoe emergencies.

Shoes that breathe

When choosing shoes, water resistance should not be the only consideration, says Dr. Lazaro.

"Choose shoes that will make your feet breathe and will easily dry," she says.

"Breathable" shoes absorb sweat and wick it away through tiny holes on the outer sole. A knowledgeable salesperson will be able to guide you to shoes and brands that have this feature.

Materials such as canvas or cotton also allow your feet to breathe.

Get a grip

It is also vital for shoes to have good traction, to prevent slipping and falling.

The features of the outsole—the bottom of the shoe—are very important this season for that reason, says Shoemakers Shop's Chu.

"Outsoles should have more aggressive designs and be 'siped,' or wavy, to prevent slipping,” says Gilson Chu. Siping is the process of making grooves or slits in rubber to give it more traction—a must for any shoe with a rubber sole.

Rubber shoes and sneakers are most common and practical samples of shoes with grip soles, and they are also easy to clean and easy to dry.

Bensimon sneakers, recently introduced in the market, have a good grip and are made of cotton, canvas and rubber.