How To Care For Leather Shoes – A Comprehensive Guide To Doing It Right

You might have chosen the most premium pair of leather shoes from Tresmode but the vital thing is to maintain them right! A classic pair of leather shoes will not only add that style quotient to your look but will also boost your confidence to a different level. In case you have recently bought a pair of genuine leather shoes, don’t worry. We will help you understand how to care for them properly. To learn the right ways of taking care of your pure leather shoes, you need to ensure that you don’t just read the tips and tricks but follow them, too! This will ensure that your leather shoes always look as good as new. 

Tips & tricks on how to take care of leather shoes

At Tresmode, we not only bring to you the most modern, stylish and comfortable footwear, but we also offer the tips and tricks that will allow you to wear our premium shoes for several years. We have mentioned a few methods by which you can ensure that the leather shoes last really long. 

Cleaning 

As soon as you are done wearing the leather shoes, make sure you clean them and store them in a dust bag. Our product package includes a dust bag for you to store the shoes properly. To clean the shoes, use a soft micro-fiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove the dust and dirt visible on the surface. If there is any hard dirt, you can dampen a soft cloth in some lukewarm water and then gently wipe the dirt away. Do not soak leather, because it can cause damage. 

Drying 

Leather shoe care experts will tell you that the best way to dry leather shoes is naturally; this means that air drying them at room temperature is the most appropriate method. We would suggest you to not dry your leather shoes in direct sunlight, as that could cause fading and drying out of the material. Similarly, using a hair dryer or placing your leather shoes directly in front of a radiator can cause damage, like the shoes developing cracks which is why it should be avoided. 

Polishing & Buffing 

While most people might know how to polish leather shoes, they might not know the importance of doing the same. In the list of tips on how to maintain leather shoes, shoe polish plays an important role. When you use a good quality shoe polish, you are actually offering your footwear a layer of protection. You also need to know that there are several types of shoe polishes – so, while cream shoe polishes are better for conditioning, wax shoe polishes offer extra shine and protection. Once you are done applying the polish, using a soft cloth or maybe an applicator, you need to let it sit for a while and then buff the shoes to get that shine and finish.  

Conditioning 

In order to prolong the life of your leather shoes, it is important that you condition them on a regular basis. Apply a good quality leather conditioner every 4-6 weeks to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out. However, do make sure that you use a conditioner specifically designed for premium leather. You might find more cost-effective options that contain silicone or wax, but these could clog the natural pores present in leather and cause damage in the longer run.. All you have to do is apply a small amount of the conditioner on the shoe and rub it in gently with a soft cloth. 

Protecting 

Obviously, genuine leather is not too happy when it comes in direct contact with water, which is why you might want to keep your leather footwear away during the monsoons. If you want to know how to take care of leather shoes properly, remember to stay out of puddles. Invest in a good quality cedar shoe tree, which will allow you to maintain the shape of the shoe. It can also help absorb any excess moisture. Also, do remember to purchase premium leather waterproofing spray or maybe even a wax, which will help protect the shoes against water damage.

Odour

Smell and shoes often go hand-in-hand and leather shoes are no different! After every use, allow your shoes to air dry and if possible, remove the insoles and let them dry separately. Once again, the cedar shoe trees will be of great help, as they can help absorb moisture and odours. Another good idea would be to place odour-absorbing insoles inside the shoes. Although aerosol sprays or deodorizers might work well with sneakers and sport shoes, they might not be the best bet with leather, as they could cause damage over time. 

Storage 

Leather can’t be simply stashed away in any footwear cabinet or rack; you need to pay a little extra attention on how you store them. Ideally, leather shoes should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can use dust bags or shoe boxes to protect them from dust and damage. Remember not to cram too many shoes together, because it could distort the shape of the shoes and also cause creasing. Also, space the wearing of the shoes – rotate between multiple pairs of shoes to give each pair time to breathe and ‘recover’.

Conclusion 

Keep these tips in mind to follow them properly. Apart from this, you might also want to regularly inspect the soles you wear and if you see any signs of wear and tear, you can get them repaired or exchanged.