Why Does Damp Leather Change Fit?
Natural leather absorbs moisture during coastal outings, making collagen fibers pliable and flexible under tension. When dried too quickly with intense heat, those fibers contract abruptly, causing shrinkage, curling, and stiffness. Leather that is not waterproof can soak through in a heavy downpour. For wetter days, our Lae‘ahi Lī ‘Ili (lah-eh-AH-hee LEE EE-lee) in Tapa is made with premium waterproof full-grain leather to keep your feet dry in any weather. Choosing the right material for expected moisture levels keeps the upper supple and maintains original sizing across repeated wear.
