Protection · 5 min read

How to Store Shoes in Dubai's Heat and Humidity

Mould, cracked leather and warped soles are storage problems. Here's how to store shoes properly here.

The two enemies: heat and trapped moisture

Dubai's summer humidity spikes near the coast, and closed cupboards trap it. That moisture breeds mould on leather and lining. Heat, meanwhile, dries and cracks leather and can soften adhesives. Good storage manages both.

Before you store

Always clean and fully dry shoes before storing — dirt holds moisture and feeds mould. Condition leather so it doesn't dry out in storage.

Storage best practice

Use breathable cotton dust bags, not plastic, which traps humidity. Insert cedar shoe trees or acid-free paper to hold shape and absorb moisture. Add silica gel packets in the cupboard. Keep shoes out of direct sun and away from exterior walls that heat up.

Seasonal and long-term storage

For shoes you won't wear for months, check them every few weeks for mould. Rotate stored leather shoes out occasionally to air. For a valuable collection, professional cleaning and conditioning before long storage pays off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I store shoes in plastic boxes?

No — plastic traps humidity and breeds mould. Use breathable cotton dust bags with silica gel nearby.

How do I stop mould on stored leather shoes?

Clean and fully dry before storing, condition the leather, use silica gel, and check every few weeks.

Do shoe trees really help?

Yes — cedar shoe trees hold shape and absorb moisture, which matters a lot in humid coastal areas.