Leather Shoe Care

The full spectrum of caring for your leather shoes includes cleaning, conditioning, polishing and waterproofing. It may sound like a lot of work, but once the basic materials are gathered you will find that the occasional maintenance your leather shoes require is well worth it. With the proper care you can extend the life of your leather shoes by years.

Cleaning:- Perhaps the most important thing you can do to preserve the life of your leather shoes is to keep them dust-free. When small grains of dust are allowed to accumulate on leather shoes, they cut into the leather with every step you take. You don’t need anything special to wipe the dust off your leather shoes. Any dry or damp rag will do. Some people also like to use saddle soap or another leather shoe cleaner. Apply the saddle soap to the inside and outside of the shoe. Be sure to wipe off the excess with a clean, dry cloth.

Conditioning:- Over time leather shoes lose some of the natural oils that make them soft and pliable when they’re new. This is especially true of leather shoes that are stored in warm, dry climates. You may need to apply conditioner to your shoes in order to keep them in tip-top shape. You can purchase leather shoe conditioners at most shoe stores. The type of conditioner you use will largely depend on the type of leather used to make your shoes. Some companies combine a cleaning agent and conditioner in one product. Be careful not to apply too much conditioner; the conditioner should soak into the leather without leaving your shoes feeling greasy.

Polishing:- Polish not only preserves the vibrant color of your shoes, it also protects them from the elements. Polish traps moisture in the leather in dry climates and helps to keep moisture out of the leather if your shoes are caught in the rain. Cream polishes are the way to go when it comes to leather shoes. (Liquid, alcohol-based polishes tend to dry out the leather.) Rub in the polish with a cloth and then buff the shoes to make them shine.

Waterproofing:- If you decide to waterproof your leather shoes, you have two basic choices. You can either go with a beeswax polish or a waterproofing spray. The beeswax polish is actually more effective, but it may alter the appearance of the shoe. The waterproof spray is perfect for mild to moderately wet climates.