When you splurge and buy yourself a pair of custom-made leather shoes, you will want them to last a long time. After all, handmade shoes are a lot like a tailored suit. They need a lot of care to remain striking. And if you don’t maintain them to a high standard, then there was little to no point in getting them made!
So, rather than applying a single coat of polish and calling it a day, here are five steps on how to care for leather shoes.Five Steps on How to Care for Leather Shoes
Clean Them
Even walking about in a city can cause leather shoes to get grimy. So, the first step is to clean them regularly. When you buy shoe polish online, also be sure to buy a soft leather brush. This can remove dirt and dust from the shoes without scratching them. Once all the debris is removed, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe off any spills or deeper set stains. Avoid soaking the shoes, as consistent exposure to water can damage the leather.
Condition the Shoes
Much like washing hair, after the first clean comes the conditioning!
Leather shoes require moisture to prevent them from becoming dried out and cracked. This is why older leather shoes that are not cracked are often so pricey when you buy them second-hand.
You can usually find leather conditioners in a supermarket. And all you need to do is use the soft cloth from earlier to apply it. Apply a small amount and then massage it into the leather in small, circular motions. Once the shoe has been covered, allow it to be absorbed for a few moments.
Polishing
Now you can polish!
Shoe polish restores and maintains the natural color of the leather. Moreover, it provides an added layer of protection against water, dirt, and dust. Aim to choose a shoe polish that matches the color of the leather shoes. And be sure to apply it in circular motions using either a soft cloth or a shoe brush.
Once the polish has dried, you can buff it. This is achieved by using a separate piece of cloth to shimmy up the newly polished leather and enhance its natural shine.
Weatherproofing
Depending on the season and the country you live in, you must protect your leather shoes from water, snow, and even wind. So, you will need to apply a weatherproofing product, like a spray.
Try to apply this outside, and allow the product time to dry before you step outside.
Storing the Shoes
If you want to keep your leather shoes in good condition for years to come, you will need to keep them somewhere that is not in direct sunlight and is not damp. Both of these things can damage the leather. Store them somewhere that is well-ventilated and dry, such as a shoe tree or even on a shoe rack.
If you have spent a lot of money on your leather shoes, you may even want to keep them in a cool, dry cupboard or wardrobe.