Leather shoes are an investment, which is why you should look after them well. With proper care, they can last you many years. Every publication from the New York Times to Gentleman’s Journal has written a how-to guide on caring for leather shoes. But we’re making it easy for you: we’ve taken the top tips on caring for your favourite pairs of shoes and compiled them into this quick guide for you to refer to whenever you need them.
Polish Them
It’s no secret that polishing your leather products will prolong their quality. This is for a number of reasons, but mainly to prevent them from drying out and cracking. Just like you should try to prevent leather from getting wet, you should try to prevent it from getting too dry too. As a rule of thumb, we recommend polishing your shoes every six wears or so. By doing so, we help keep them moisturised and add a layer of protection to them that helps to repel dust and water. In addition to this, you’ll find that by polishing your shoes, their colour will be restored and any scuffs and blemishes will fade away.
Use a good wax, cream polish, or even both if you prefer. Cream is more moisturising than wax and will give your shoes a more natural finish. However, with wax, you’ll get slightly better protection and a shinier finish. Whichever you choose, apply it in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid The Rain
Try not to wear your leather shoes on a rainy day, and if you live somewhere with a snowy climate, avoid that too. While it may be mild, water can also stain even waterproofed shoes, and their soles become vulnerable to abrasive surfaces (like concrete sidewalks) when they’re wet.
If you can’t avoid wearing leather shoes during inclement weather, wear a pair of galoshes to protect them. However, if your shoes do happen to get wet, do not, by any means, dry them near a window or radiator. Heat and sunlight can crack and damage the leather irreparably.
Store Them Well
The way that you store your leather shoes can go a long way in prolonging their lifespan. For one, be sure to use a cedar or poplar shoe tree to help them keep their shape. This is often the most overlooked step, but it’s one of the most important. Leather is porous, which means that it absorbs moisture and odour, which could lead to the leather breaking down. Shoe trees will help absorb that moisture, thus helping to dramatically extend the life of your shoes.
Another step to take in storing your leather shoes is to keep them in a dust bag. Over time, dust can work its way into your leather, which will result in degradation and staining. If you’re not planning on wearing your leather shoes often or take them off for long periods when you’re at home enjoying NZ mobile soccer betting, keep them in a fabric dust bag. This will protect them from dust while allowing them to breathe.
