Shoe Care

Caring For Your Leather Shoes

Leather rewards a little maintenance. A few minutes every couple of weeks will keep a pair looking sharp for years rather than months.

The Basics

Wipe After Wear

A dry cloth removes dust and street grit before it works into the grain. Ten seconds a day is enough.

Condition Regularly

Leather cream replaces oils lost through wear. Without it, leather dries and eventually cracks.

Use Shoe Trees

Cedar trees hold the shape, absorb moisture, and stop the toe box from collapsing into creases.

Rotate Your Pairs

Never wear the same pair two days running. Leather needs 24 hours to dry out fully between wears.

How Often

Task How Often Why
Wipe with dry cloth After each wear Stops grit abrading the surface
Insert shoe trees After each wear Holds shape, draws out moisture
Apply leather conditioner Every 2 to 4 weeks Keeps leather supple, prevents cracking
Polish Every 4 to 6 weeks Restores colour and shine
Check heels and soles Every few months Catch wear before it reaches the upper

Do And Do Not

Do

  • Use a shoehorn every time you put them on
  • Let wet shoes dry slowly at room temperature
  • Stuff wet shoes with newspaper to hold shape
  • Store away from direct sunlight
  • Use a conditioner that matches the leather colour

Do Not

  • Dry shoes near a heater or in direct sun
  • Force your foot in and crush the heel counter
  • Machine wash or soak leather shoes
  • Store in a sealed plastic bag
  • Wear the same pair every single day

If They Get Soaked

Wipe off surface water immediately, stuff the shoes with newspaper, and leave them somewhere cool with air moving around them. Change the newspaper after a few hours. Once fully dry, condition them, since water pulls oils out of leather as it evaporates.

Heat is the enemy here. A radiator or hairdryer will dry leather far too quickly and leave it stiff and cracked.

Suede And Nubuck

Suede needs a different approach. Use a suede brush to lift the nap rather than cream or polish, and treat with a suede protector spray before the first wear. Never apply leather conditioner to suede.

Questions?

If you are unsure how to treat a particular pair, get in touch and we will tell you what works for that leather.