The ultimate guide to make your leather shoes last longer

You have found the perfect leather boots or even that stunning leather sandals that are the perfect match with your wedding dress…but how can you make them look as good as the day you first laid eyes on them?

Let us help you that with some amazing tips to maintain your shoes box-fresh!

There are many different ways to clean your leather shoes and many different tools you can use such as a smooth cloth or shoe polish.

POLISH YOUR SHOES EVERY SIX WEARS

Leather is natural, it’s skin so it has the capacity to dry out. Make sure to keep them in top shape by polishing and conditioning them as soon as they start to look a bit dull and worn out. This can help moisturise the leather while adding a layer of extra protection. Cream polish, in a neutral color, is best for shining shoes and if you need to conceal some scratches, use a cream a shade lighter than the shoe and it will be perfect. When choosing the product to use be aware that cream adds more moisture than wax which gives a more natural finish but if shine and protection is what you look for, go for wax. To apply on the shoe make sure to use a microfiber cloth and put the product in circular motion. If this DIY makes you uneasy take it to a professional cobbler and don’t stress over it!

BE SURE TO ROTATE THEM OFTEN

As much as you love a pair it is so important that you rotate the shoes you wear. Like we’ve said before, leather is skin and it need to breath. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row.  Give the shoes a break so it has time to air out and recover their shape. As our feet sweat throughout the day, the shoes will absorb the moisture and become damp. This will make your shoes stretch, crease and stain. Ensure that they have at least one day break so they can go back to their form.

DON’T OUTSMART THE WEATHER

If the forecast says it’s supposed to rain make sure you use appropriate footwear. Even if your shoes have been waterproofed, they can only take so much. Leather shoes in the rain are very likely to stain and damage them. Water can permeate through the sole make it more vulnerable to surface such as concrete. If, in any case, your leather shoes do get wet don’t try to dry them near a radiator or a window, heat and direct sunlight will crack and damage the leather. Instead, remove excess moisture and keep the shape of your shoes by stuffing them with newspaper as soon as you take them off and let them dry on their own.

JUST  BAG THEM

The best way to store your shoes is inside a bag that can keep the dusk away.

As time goes by, dust finds a way to get into leather and damaging them, Store the pair inside of a bag, a cotton one for example, to keep them safe and beautiful for longer.

BYE BYE STAINS!

As much care as you may have for you shoes sometimes there are some stains that get into them but don’t you worry, we got your back!

If, for some reason, you leather boots have some white salt stains all you need to do to remove them is get a solution that’s one part vinegar and three parts water. Dip a cotton towel into the solution and wipe the surface with the stain softly until it disappears. Make sure to let the boots dry naturally and don’t use any heat.

If you manage to get some oil stain on your shoes, use baby powder, unless the shoe is made of suede. Baby powder will absorb the stain and sort out your problem.  In case of a shoe made of suede, a much more delicate leather, use a suede brush to remove dirt or mud off your shoes and make sure to brush just in one direction. Brushing back and forth will damage the leather.

For simple dirt you can simply wipe the pair with a damp rag carefully.

All in all, leather shoes are a true investment in your wardrobe. With the proper care, they’ll last a long time and you’ll reap the benefit of a more expensive pair in both comfort and appearance. Learning how to take care of leather shoes isn’t that hard and that way you are making sure they will look as good as new in the years to come.