How To Care For Leather Shoes?
Without us ever really noticing or paying much attention while buying, most of our shoes are made out of some kind of leather. It's either suede or bonded leather, etc. One of the most significant reasons behind this is the durability and unmatched elegance they provide. From full-grain to split-suede, these treated animal hides and skins are reliable, trendy, and long-lasting. But don't be fooled by these words. No matter how tough these materials are, they still need proper care and maintenance to look as good as new for a long time.
Your leather shoes demand that they be cared for accordingly, whether they're boots, brogues, sneakers, or slippers. The process of cleaning and conditioning your leather footwear is simple, but it can help extend their life significantly. Therefore, take proper care of your shoes, show them some love, and invest in some of the best shoe care products including cleansers, conditioners, and polish. It may seem daunting to care for leather shoes, but leather is incredibly durable when treated correctly. Rest assured, even with regular and rough use, your shoes will serve you for a really long time if taken care of. All you need is to follow just a few simple steps to greatly improve the longevity of your leather footwear.
Clean them after every wear
Leather shoes are comparatively more delicate and prone to damage when exposed to dust or any other impurities. The most important step in caring for your shoes is to keep them clean. The cleaning methods or the material you use for cleaning them may vary depending on the type of leather your shoes are made from. You simply cannot neglect your leather care if you expect it to serve you for a long time. Make sure your shoes are free of dust and dirt using a soft brush. Use a leather cleaner to dampen a soft piece of cloth and start rubbing it gently on the surface of your leather. Don’t put any pressure as it can damage the leather. Some cleaners don't require rinsing so you can just wipe it off using a dry cloth and let it rest for a few hours.
Don't wear the same pair every day
We understand your desire to rock each and every look by pairing your stunning leather shoes with every outfit. As exciting as it may sound, you can damage your leather shoes by exposing them too much to heat, water, dust, and dirt. Hence, we recommend that you try different pairs regularly. Giving some rest to your precious leather pair is crucial to ensure longevity. Leather needs to breathe, just like your skin as it is made out of animal hide. Having at least two pairs of stunning leather shoes is important. You wouldn’t want to wear out your favorite leather shoe pair.
Keep shoe tree to maintain the shape
Most people don’t pay much attention to this aspect but a shoe tree is one of the most important parts of shoe care. Leather is a delicate material that needs continuous attention and to maintain its shape, efforts need to be made. Despite being so important, it’s usually the most overlooked step. Leather can absorb moisture from the air which eventually causes it to break down. A shoe tree acts as an antidote for that issue. It absorbs moisture and odor from the atmosphere, keeping your shoes safe. Your shoes stay in proper shape and avoid creasing. This simple step can increase the lifespan of your leather shoes significantly.
Polish them frequently
Leather is also sensitive to moisture, so it should not be allowed to get wet or too dry, as it can crack. You're already familiar with this, right? Well, leather is an unpredictable material but fortunately, there's an easy way to keep a healthy balance for your dear leather shoe pairs. Polish them on a regular basis using a good polish and soft brush.
Shoe polish moisturizes leather and helps repel dust and water while adding a protective layer. In addition to covering blemishes and restoring color, it hides scuffs and scuff marks. There are a lot of wax and cream polishes available in the market that you can pick from based on the type of leather you're dealing with. Using a microfiber cloth, rub the polish on shoes using circular motions. Using a pig hairbrush will make it easier to go deeper. Buff the shoe and restore its shine after using a polishing glove or brush.
Store in a cotton bag
If you're taking a break from your daily routine and planning a trip into the woods, you won't be taking your leather shoes with you. In such circumstances, don't just leave them open in your closet. The accumulation of dust in leather can cause it to stain and degrade over time. To protect your shoes while allowing them to breathe, keep them in a fabric dust bag if you won't be wearing them often. Leather shoes often come with these bags but if you don’t have one, you can order it online or find it in a supermarket.
These simple yet valuable steps will make a huge long-term impact on your leather shoes. The will help you keep them as good as new for a long time.
