How To Care For Your Garments #2: Leather Shoes
Today I’m sharing a few tools to help you take better care of your leather shoes
Spring is here, and leather shoes can finally take a break. Leather is a fantastic material, especially if it’s a byproduct of the food industry and naturally tanned. Leather pieces can last a lifetime, but they require proper care to ensure their longevity. The number one thing you can do to ensure this is not to wear your leather shoes every day. I know that’s a drag, you invested in that one pair that wasn’t cheap, and you want to make your money’s worth. However, leather needs time to rest and relax to keep its shape for as long as possible.
Whether you wear the same pair every day or change between a few, use a pair of shoe trees or stuff some unprinted paper inside so they’ll keep their shape. Before storing them away at the end of each day, clean them. Don’t let your poor shoes sit in the mud overnight, don’t leave them wet next to the radiator because the leather will crack, and, for the love of god, do not soak them to get stubborn dirt out. Dirt and dust can damage the leather and cause it to lose its luster. So, it's essential to clean your leather shoes regularly. Start by removing any loose dirt with a soft-bristled brush. Then, using a damp cloth, wipe down the surface of the shoe, paying special attention to any scuffs or stains.
Leather shoes need to be conditioned to keep them soft and supple, so make sure to give them a spa treatment now and then. Rub them with some shoe cream regularly. A body lotion or a hand cream could also work. Just make sure they are natural, alcohol, perfume, and color-free because some of their ingredients might alter the color of the leather. Shoe wax is also a helpful product to have on hand since it helps protect the shoes from water and other elements that could damage the leather. Apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather in a circular motion. Be sure to use a color that matches your shoes, and polish the heels and soles as well.
And once the winter is finally over, and you’re ready to store your leather babies away for a few months, don’t just toss them at the back of the closet. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use the forenamed shoe tree or unprinted paper (print ink could leave stains on the inside of your shoes) to help maintain the shape and prevent creasing. You can also add a tea bag or two inside to keep them smelling nice and fresh. And that’s it. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your leather shoes looking great for years to come.
Have more tricks? Share them in the comments!