How to Care for Your Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are an investment that, with proper care, can last for years while maintaining their beauty and functionality. Think of leather as a second skin – if neglected, it can dry out and crack. By dedicating some time each month to care for your shoes, you can keep them as pristine as they were on day one.
Here at SoleLution, we have 8 simple steps to follow to help clean, condition, protect and look after your leather shoes:
1. Preparing Your Shoes
Start by preparing your shoes for maintenance:
● Remove the laces: Check their condition. Replace them if they're worn or frayed.
● Insert cedar shoe trees: These will keep the leather taut, ensuring you have a smooth surface to work on. They also help maintain the shoe’s shape and absorb moisture.
2. Brushing Off Dirt
Before applying any creams or wax, remove all dirt and dust:
● Use a cleaning brush, for both smooth and textured leather.
● Pay attention to crevices, such as brogue perforations, tassels, and the edges between the leather and sole (known in the trade as the feather edge).
Thorough brushing ensures no residue is left behind, preventing stains during the care process.
3. Deep Cleaning
Once your shoe
s are free from dirt,
proceed with a deep clean:
● Apply a nourishing cream or cleaning foam using a clean, dry cloth in circular motions. These act as a cleansing milk, removing old polish and nourishing the leather simultaneously.
● This step will help to prep
are the shoes and the leather for the next steps…
4. Conditioning the Leather
Conditioning is key to keeping leather supple and moisturised:
● Choose a shoe cream that matches the colour of y
our shoes, or opt for a neutral cream, especially if
you have
a multi-coloured leather shoe.
● Use a welt brush for delicate areas and creases.
● Apply the cream all over the shoe using a round cream brush in circular motions. Don’t forget the tongue as this area is easily forgotten!
● Let the cream sit for a moment or two, to allow the leather to absorb it fully.
5. Polishing for Shine
Once the conditioning cre
am has dried:
● Use a polishing brush in circular motions to create a light shine.
● For a mirror-like finish, use a polish glove to buff the leather to perfection.
6. Waterproofing Your Shoes
Protect your leather shoes from water damage, which can cause discoloration, warping, and cracking:
● Select a waterproofing spray designed specifically for leather. Avoid silicone-based sprays, which can alter the texture, colour and appearance of leather.
● Test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first (perhaps the tongue?)
● Spray evenly from a safe distance of 6–8 inches and allow the shoes to dry.
● It's wise to spray a second or third time to make sure you haven't missed a bit of the shoe. Leave the shoes to dry completely overnight to allow the waterproof protector to bond fully with the leather of the shoe.
7. Maintaining Shape with Shoe Trees
Preserve your shoes' shape and prevent wrinkles:
● Insert cedar shoe trees after every wear. Cedar absorbs moisture and keeps shoes smelling fresh.
● This step is a long-term investment that helps maintain the leather’s smooth surface and original form.
8. Storing Your Shoes Properly
Proper storage is as vital as regular cleaning:
● Use dust bags: Store your shoes in fabric dust bags to protect them from dust and direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
● Avoid plastic bags: Leather needs ventilation. Opt for breathable storage options.
● Rotate your shoes: Give each pair at least 24 hours to air out before wearing them again. Rotating pairs helps prevent wear and tear.
Extra Bonus - Special Care for Suede and Nubuck Shoes
For delicate materials like suede, velvet, or nubuck:
● Use a specialised cleaning brush with a rubber component for gentle cleaning.
● Brush in all directions to remove dirt lodged between the fibers.
● Focus on folds and edges with a light touch to avoid damage.
Extra Bonus – 4 Tips for Long-Lasting Leather Shoes
- Use a shoe horn when putting on shoes to avoid unnecessary creases or scratches.
- Insert cedar shoe trees at the end of each day to maintain shape and prevent wrinkles.
- Avoid walking in rain with leather shoes; water can cause irreversible damage.
- Steer clear of harsh waterproofing chemicals. Instead, rely on cleaning milk to tackle stains and maintain the leather's integrity.
By following these steps, your leather shoes will remain a timeless staple in your wardrobe, looking as elegant as the day you first wore them. Regular care not only enhances their longevity but also ensures they stay a true reflection of your style. Happy shoe care! And if you are anything like us at SoleLution, you’ll love the ritual it becomes by looking after your leather shoes and caring for them.
We sell a range of shoe care products from Woly and Famaco both instore and online. The Waterproof Protectors are not available on line due to restrictions on shipping. You can see the rest of our range of shoe care products here