Join the Shopper Shoes community by subscribing to our newsletter. Stay informed about the latest trends in footwear for men, women, and kids, including new arrivals and exclusive offers.
As a Portland-based footwear shop, we pride ourselves on offering a curated selection of sneakers and boots that cater to every style and need. Our newsletter will keep you updated on:
- New product launches
- Special promotions and discounts
- Size guides to help you find the perfect fit
- Easy return policies for hassle-free shopping
Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your shoe collection with the best from Shopper Shoes. Sign up today and step into a world of stylish possibilities!
Umbrellas, Rain and Your Shoes: What Portland Walkers Should Know
The umbrella market has changed a lot in recent years. Brands now range from big outdoor retailers such as REI to specialist makers like Senz, known for asymmetric storm umbrellas, and GustBuster, which focuses on wind-resistant designs. Alongside them, large manufacturers in China, including firms around Tiantang and Shenzhen, produce a huge share of the everyday folding and stick umbrellas sold worldwide. For a shopper, the result is more choice than ever, from cheap compact models to engineered canopies meant to survive a gusty winter afternoon.
In a city like Portland, where drizzle can last for days, an umbrella is only half of a rain-ready outfit. Even the best canopy leaves your feet exposed to puddles, splashes from passing traffic and wet grass. That is why rain gear and footwear are worth planning together.
Pairing rain protection with the right shoes
- Match coverage to your commute. A compact umbrella suits short walks between bus stops, but longer walks call for water-resistant boots or sneakers with treated uppers.
- Look at the sole. Wet pavement, leaves and metal grates get slippery. Rubber outsoles with deeper grooves grip better than flat, smooth soles.
- Think about drying time. Mesh running shoes breathe well but soak through quickly. Leather or synthetic uppers with a water-repellent finish keep feet drier for longer.
- Fit still matters. If you plan to wear thicker socks in cold, damp weather, check sizing carefully. Our size guide explains how to measure your feet at home.
Caring for footwear in wet seasons
After a rainy day, stuff damp shoes with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature, away from heaters, which can crack leather and warp soles. Reapply a water-repellent spray every few weeks during the wet months, and rotate between two pairs so each has time to dry fully.
A good umbrella keeps your head and shoulders dry. The right pair of boots or weather-ready sneakers does the same for the rest of you. Browse our new arrivals for styles that handle Pacific Northwest weather.
Also on this site: Occasions · For delicious chicken grinds that · Stores