Caring for Your Leather Footwear: Essential Tips
By consistently following these simple yet effective care practices, you'll not only preserve the aesthetic appeal of your leather footwear but also significantly extend its life. A little dedication to care goes a long way in keeping your favourite leather shoes in top condition.
Cleaning Routine: After each wear, gently brush off loose dirt and debris.
Spot Treatment: For minor marks, use a damp cloth with a mild leather-safe cleaner. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Deep Clean: For a thorough clean, use a dedicated leather cleaner following product instructions. Apply with a soft cloth, avoiding harsh scrubbing.
Laces & Insoles: Remove and clean laces and removable insoles separately, allowing them to air dry completely.
Air Dry Only: Never use artificial heat sources like tumble dryers, as this can damage leather and adhesives.
Moisture Absorption: Stuff shoes with paper towels or shoe trees to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
Ventilation: Allow shoes to air dry completely in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Storage Environment: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space to prevent moisture build-up and mildew. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Shape Retention: Use shoe trees or stuff with clean paper to maintain shape and prevent creasing when not in use.
Protection: Store in original boxes or breathable shoe bags to protect from dust and maintain organization.
Enhanced Care Conditioning: Regularly apply a quality leather conditioner to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking. Follow product instructions carefully.
Weather Protection: Consider a water and stain repellent spray, testing first on a hidden area.
Rotation: Allow shoes to air out and rest between wears to extend their lifespan.
Caring for Your Non-Leather Footwear: Essential Tips
By consistently following these simple yet effective care practices, you'll not only preserve the aesthetic appeal of your footwear but also significantly extend its life. A little dedication to care goes a long way in keeping your favourite shoes in top condition.
Cleaning Routine: After each wear, use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove loose dirt and surface debris.
Spot Treatment: For minor marks, gently dab with a damp cloth using a small amount of mild soap (e.g., dish soap or laundry detergent diluted in water). Avoid excessive rubbing. Always test the solution on an inconspicuous area first to prevent discolouration.
Laces & Insoles: Wash laces separately in soapy water and clean removable insoles with soap and water. Allow both to air dry completely before reinserting.
Suede/Nubuck (non-leather versions): Synthetic suede/nubuck requires similar specific care (dry brushing, special erasers and general protectors) to its natural counterpart.
Air Dry Only: Never use a tumble dryer, direct heat, or direct sunlight, as high temperatures can shrink fabric, damage adhesives, or cause colours to fade.
Moisture Absorption: Stuff shoes loosely with paper towels or clean rags to absorb internal moisture and help maintain their shape.
Ventilation: Allow shoes to air dry completely in a cool, well-ventilated area. Ensuring they carefully dry prevents mildew and unpleasant odours.
Storage Environment: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space to prevent moisture build-up and mildew. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Shape Retention: Use shoe trees or stuff with clean paper to help maintain the shoe's form when not in use.
Protection: Store in original boxes or breathable shoe bags to protect from dust and keep them organised.
Enhanced Care for Weather Protection: Textile shoes offer varying levels of protection. Consider using a fabric protector spray to repel water and stains, especially for canvas or woven materials. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Rotation: Allow textile shoes to air out and recover between wears. This helps them dry thoroughly and extends their lifespan.
Avoid Submersion: While some textiles can be washed, avoid fully submerging shoes as it can compromise internal structures or adhesives.
