How to Take Care of Your Leather Shoes
Autumn is finally hitting to the northern hemisphere and it’s time to fish out those leather boots from the back of the wardrobe. It is said that you can make your leather shoes last as long as you want if you take good care of them. Back in the day, most people owned only one pair of shoes and therefore had to take care of them out of necessity. These shoes lasted for the life of the person! Sadly, nowadays many of us don’t know how to take proper care of our leather shoes.
Taking care of leather shoes is not just about making your shoes look good, it’s also about preserving them. In the case of more expensive shoes or collectibles, taking proper care of them can be seen as though you’re protecting your investment. Keeping your leather shoes in great shape will remove the need to buy new shoes for every occasion and this – naturally – is one way of thinking green.
Leather needs some pampering
Without proper conditioning and care leather can dry out until it eventually cracks and falls apart. This actually happened to the lovely pair that cost me a small fortune. After this incident I firmly decided to be more responsible and take care of my leather shoes which really doesn’t take that much time or effort.
When you buy a pair of shoes it’s always good to coat them with a weather proofing to prevent them from water and weather damage. These products usually come on a spray. It’s good to use two to three coats to be sure that your shoes are covered properly. Reapply the proofing every now and then to guarantee protection.
Try to keep your leather shoes soft as they are intended to be. Use shoe wax and rub it in lightly using a soft natural cloth. Make sure to wipe away any excess polish. The best practice is to use natural products whenever possible to take care of your leather shoes. Harsh chemicals can be damaging and they’re definitely not nature friendly.
Show some TLC for your leather shoes
Remember to let your leather shoes breathe and rest! Shoes should rest at least 12 hours between wearing. If you’ve found a a pair of leather boots of your dreams, it’s always a good idea to use shoe trees between wearings to help shoes retain their shape.
Also, always remember to use a shoehorn for putting on your shoes, no matter how unnecessary it might feel. Your shoes will thank you if you remember to clean off dirt after every wear with a soft brush or rag.
Leather tends to shrink and get hard if it gets wet. Be gentle with your shoes and do your best to keep them dry. If your leather shoes do get wet, let them dry naturally.
Show some loving care for your leather shoes and you can enjoy them for ages!
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Sanna 17. September 2007 | How to? Shoes | Bookmark on: del.icio.us
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I needed that reminder, actually! So thank you, and I shall better my ways:)
Ahh I remember last Autumn and Winter when I actually started to take care of my new pair of boots, just because I paid 70 euros of them…
I need more shoe (leather) caring products, I only have a spray and a shot brush. I do brush my boots every night and put old newspaper inside so they dry bit quicker, and apply the spray every week, but I’d need some polishing stuff and uhmm.
And I feel so quilty, I bought hiking boots…300 euros…and I haven’t done anything to them for 2-3 years, though I bought some care product specially for them. OMG. Tomorrow. And I also didn’t take any care of my Dr. Martens and they are kinda ruined-looking…I am so sad….when I get my paycheck – I’m going to take all my shoes that need something like soles for winter to shoemaker…
the Grey: I’m happy if the article was beneficial for you. Writing it and doing some background research was definitely much needed reminder for me to buck up with this issue. ;)
indie: I think you already know your way around taking care of your shoes so keep up the good work! I have kept my Docs in pretty good shape for seven (!!!) years already by showing them a little TLC from time to time. Shoemakers can do small wonders for your shoes so I encourage you to invest a tenner or two in your favourite pair of shoes. Believe me, those now so ruined Docs of yours will shine like the pair off the shelf.
And don’t forget that leather bags need similar care too! (I always forget that though I take pretty good care of my shoes.)
My favorite shoe care product is Woly Perfect Gel. It’s transparent so it can be used for all colours, it dries fast and it doesn’t stain everything else.
Anu: You’re so right: leather bags need some love as well! I think I have never treated my leather bags the way I should have and therefore I promise to clean up my act. :)
I have a beautiful pairs of leather shoes that have stretched at the outer sides around the shape of my littles toes. Is there anyway of getting the leather to shrink back into the original shape of the shoe?
Ouch, I know the problem too well. Unfortunately I have to disappoint you. Once your leather shoes get stretched and/or disfigured there’s not much to do. Next time you buy leather shoes, please make sure that your shoes are wide enough, and that they fit your feet nicely.