Sneakerheads everywhere know the feeling of waking up on a rainy morning and worrying about whether their beloved Dunks will get ruined if they wear them outside. Dunks, with their canvas uppers and soft suede overlays, seem like they could easily get water damaged. So do Dunks actually get ruined in the rain? Let’s take a look at the facts.
The Short Answer
The short answer is: Yes, Dunks can absolutely get ruined in the rain if exposed to enough water. The canvas material will absorb moisture, while the suede and any leather elements can become warped, discolored, and start peeling if they get too wet. However, the level of damage depends on how much rainwater actually gets on the shoe. A light drizzle may not do much harm, while standing in deep puddles can spell disaster for your Dunks.
How Dunks Get Damaged in the Rain
To understand why rain damages Dunks, you have to understand the materials they’re made of. The upper portions of Dunks are usually constructed from canvas or nylon. These fabrics are quite breathable and lightweight, which make them ideal for skate shoes. However, canvas and nylon absorb and retain moisture very easily. When soaked in water, the fibers swell up, stretch out, and become misshapen. Over time, this can lead to tears, holes, and other degradation of the material.
In addition to the upper canvas, many Dunks feature suede or leather overlays on high-wear areas like the toe box, laces, and heel counter. Suede is nothing more than the underside of leather, with a soft nap of short fibers on the surface. When suede gets wet, those surface fibers become saturated and the material loses its soft texture. The suede can stiffen up and start peeling away from the underlying leather once it dries.
Leather is a bit heartier than suede when wet. However, extended exposure to moisture can still cause leather to stretch, harden, or flake. Once sufficiently soaked, the natural oils in the leather begin to wash away. This speeds up the breakdown of the fibers over time.
Key Parts of Dunks Vulnerable to Rain Damage
While no part of a Dunk is completely waterproof, some portions are more vulnerable than others:
- Canvas or nylon uppers – Absorb water easily leading to tears, holes, and misshapen fabric.
- Back heel tab – Often suede, which can harden and peel away when wet.
- Toe box – Common area for suede and leather overlays to protect against wear. Materials can warp and crack when soaked.
- Eyelets and laces – Absorb moisture and may fray over time.
- Inner lining – Can retain water and take a long time to fully dry out.
- Outsole – The rubber outsole won’t suffer damage per se, but wet traction will be reduced.
Do Suede/Leather Protectants Help?
If you want to protect your Dunks from the occasional rainy day outing, applying a suede or leather protector spray can be helpful. These sprays contain polymers and waxes that adhere to the outer surface of the material to make it more water resistant, while still allowing air to pass through. A light misting over the vulnerable suede and leather portions of your Dunks will cause water to bead up and roll off the surface rather than absorbing directly into the fibers.
That said, they are not an invisible shield. The protection offered is modest at best. While treated suede and leather will fare better in the rain than untreated, soaking conditions or prolonged exposure can still lead to damage. The protective coating itself can also wear away over time with repeated use.
Caring for Dunks After Getting Them Wet
Okay, so your Dunks did happen to get wet in the rain. Don’t panic. Here are some tips for drying them out and minimizing potential damage:
- Remove the laces and insoles to allow the inside to dry out.
- Stuff the toe box with newspaper or towels absorb excess moisture.
- Allow them to air dry naturally – avoid applying heat which can further damage materials.
- Place suede Dunks on a towel and gently brush the nap up with a suede brush once fully dried.
- Apply a leather conditioner to replenish oils if leather portions feel stiff or dried out.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
When it comes to keeping your Dunks looking fresh, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Anytime there is rain in the forecast, consider leaving the Dunks at home and opting for a more weather-resistant shoe. If you must wear your Dunks, spraying on a protector beforehand will provide a bit more peace of mind against mother nature’s wrath. And if they do happen get soaked, now you know how to dry them out the right way.
At the end of the day, Dunks are casual fashion and lifestyle shoes rather than performance gear built for all conditions. Part of owning these iconic shoes is accepting they simply aren’t designed for heavy-duty water and abrasion resistance like a hiking boot or rubber rain boot. The trade-off is getting that irreplaceable Dunk look and charm. It’s up to each sneakerhead to determine if it’s worth the risk of ruining their Dunks in rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do canvas Dunks hold up better in rain than leather?
Not necessarily. Both canvas and leather Dunks can become damaged when wet. However, leather may be slightly more water resistant initially. Either way, soaking any Dunks in rain can lead to permanent damage over time.
Can Dunks go in the washing machine?
Definitely don’t put Dunks in the washing machine! They should only be spot cleaned by hand when needed. Machine washing can destroy the materials.
Do Dunk soles peel off when wet?
No, Dunk soles are made of durable rubber that bonds tightly to the upper. They won’t peel or flake off when wet. The main issue is water damage to the canvas, suede and leather portions.
Are SB Dunks more water resistant?
No, Nike SB Dunks are not significantly more water resistant than standard Dunks. They are still made from similar canvas and suede materials that can become damaged when saturated.
Should I use waterproof spray on my Dunks?
Aftermarket waterproof sprays are not recommended for Dunks as they can alter breathability and cause materials to degrade quicker. A suede/leather protector spray is better for modest water resistance.
The Bottom Line
Dunks are prone to water damage if exposed to heavy rain or puddles. The canvas uppers absorb moisture while suede/leather elements can become warped and cracked. Using protector sprays can help, but they don’t make Dunks impervious to wet conditions. Letting Dunks properly air dry and using conditioners afterward can minimize damage. But for serious water resistance, consider wearing other shoes in rainy weather.