Leather shoes are a staple in any formal wardrobe. They are classic, elegant, and comfortable. But like any other type of footwear, they require care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Leather is a natural material that needs to be treated with care. Extreme chemicals, exposure to the sun, and salt can all damage leather. And once leather is damaged, it’s difficult to repair. That’s why it’s important to take preventive measures to protect your leather shoes.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to care for your leather shoes.
Keep your leather shoes clean
Make sure to keep your shoes clean and looking their best by brushing or wiping them down after each wear. This will remove any dust, dirt, or debris that could potentially stain or damage the leather. You can use a shoe brush with natural bristles, or a soft microfiber cloth. If your shoes are slightly muddy, you can lightly spray them with water and rub them down with a cloth.
Protect your leather shoes from water
When the rainy season hits you’ll want to take steps to protect your suede and leather shoes from water and oil spills. If your leather shoes get damp or wet, make sure to let them dry out completely at room temperature before storing them away. This will prevent mould and mildew growth. If your shoes are soaking wet, stuff the inside with a small hand towel or paper towel to help absorb the moisture. Once they’re completely dry, clean and store them as usual.
Nourish your leather shoes
When it comes to caring for your leather shoes, it’s important to use natural materials. This means avoiding harsh, abrasive shoe polishes. Instead, opt for a leather conditioner. A leather conditioner will help keep the microscopic fibers in your shoes supple and prevent cracking. Apply the conditioner evenly over the shoe’s surface, then buff gently into the leather. Once the entire upper surface is covered, wipe away any excess cream with a soft cloth. Leave the conditioner to soak in for roughly ten minutes before buffing again. The conditioning cream will act as a protective barrier against water damage and keep the leather supple. Another bonus – leather conditioner can also help to fill and remove small scuff marks.
You should leave the shoes to air dry after conditioning. Buff them out using a cleaning cloth or a dry rag, and you’re all done.
No matter what kind of leather your shoes are made of, there are a few basic items you should have in your kit to help you properly care for them.
- Horsehair brush – is a specialized tool that is designed to clean dirt and grime from leather without damaging it. This brush can also be used for buffing leather.
- A soft, dry cloth – is the best way to clean leather shoes. If you don’t have a special brush, you can use a damp cloth and some soap. Microfiber cloths are the best option for cleaning.
- Saddle soap – is a special type of leather soap that doesn’t contain chemicals harmful to the material. It’s used for cleaning and conditioning all things leather
- Leather conditioner. Using a conditioner to help restore some of the leather’s natural oils. This keeps the leather fibers hydrated and prevents cracking and creasing.
- Shoe polish. Polishing the shoes with layers of shoe polish. This can cover up scuffs and restore the original shoe color.
- Waterproofing sprays. . This will protect them against inclement weather. However, be sure to choose a spray that won’t damage the leather, such as silicone or “instant-drying” sprays.
- Shoe trees. Using shoe trees, helps to preserve the shape of the shoe and absorb moisture when you’re not wearing them. This keeps the shoes dry and healthy for your feet.
- Leather cleaner. Over time, layers of polish can build up and trap dirt. Removing a polish layer can be difficult unless you have a leather cleaner on hand. Fortunately, there are many good leather cleaner options available that use saddle soap, so they shouldn’t be hard to find..
Polishing Shoes
When the dye in your shoes begins to break down from exposure to water and light, it’s time to reach for the shoe polish. Shoe polish not only restores the lost color, it also provides essential nutrients and oils to keep the leather looking supple and healthy. Whether you’re dealing with brown, dark brown, or white leather, shoe polish is a great way to keep your favorite leather shoes looking their best.
Here’s what you need to do to polish your shoes properly:
- Grab the horsehair shine brush.
- Apply plenty of polish to every surface you can reach in a circular motion.
- Let it air dry for a couple of hours.
- Use one of your shoe-shine brushes to buff out the shoes and get a nice matte look.
Can You Waterproof Leather?
Waterproofing your leather boots is a great way to protect them from the elements. However, it’s important to choose the right kind of waterproofing spray. Silicone sprays will actually leech moisture from the leather, which can cause the natural oils to evaporate. This can make the leather less pliable and more prone to damage.
A better option is to use a shoe polish that contains natural waxes. This will help to waterproof the leather without causing any damage. whichever route you choose, just be sure to reapply the waterproofing agent on a regular basis, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow.
Leather Protector for Shoes
Galoshes can be a great way to protect your leather shoes from water or mud. They’re especially popular in areas with a lot of rain.
They’re not usually the first choice for fashion, since lots of people don’t like the way they look. But sometimes it’s more important to protect your shoes than to worry about style.
Conclusion
Leather shoes are a wise investment. They usually last longer than other types of shoes, but they require the proper care to stay in good condition. following these tips will help you make sure your leather shoes stay in great shape.
