How to care for leather shoes to keep them looking cool

Shoes made of genuine leather require daily care, otherwise the delicate material may crack and lose shape. And then only expensive restoration in a specialized dry cleaner will be able to return the original look to shoes or sneakers.

Here are a few life hacks, thanks to which leather shoes will look like new, even if you have been wearing them for several years.

1. Use specialized care products

These can be purchased from the same shoe store where you purchased your pair. Ideally, if you get a set like this:

• Cleaning agent. It is usually sold as a shampoo or foam.
• Cream. These products are formulated with fats or oils that maintain the natural moisture level of the skin and make it soft and supple. Creams are available with different pigments (besides black, white and brown, there are other options), and they need to be selected according to the color of a particular pair.
• Polish. It is a silicone-based product that, when applied, gives the leather surface a shine.
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• Impregnation. It is a protective water-repellent spray that improves the durability of the shoe.
• Brush for footwear. Choose a tool with soft bristles. If you have several pairs of leather shoes of different colors, you will need to have a separate brush for each.
• Spacers-form holders. They are necessary for both drying and for storage leather shoes.

2. Start caring for your shoes immediately after purchase

As soon as you bring a new pair home, treat its surface with a greasy cream, and after a couple of hours, when it is absorbed, with a leather impregnation.

Make sure that the impregnation also falls on the line of the joint between the outsole and the upper: this will prevent leakage.

The protective layer must be renewed at least once a month. In wet weather, the water-repellent impregnation should be applied before every exit to the street.

3. Watch the weather conditions

Do not wear leather shoes if it is raining or sleet outside. When there is too much moisture, even impregnation will not save the material. Skin that has absorbed water will lose its softness and elasticity when dry, become rough and crack easily. In addition, water stains may appear on the surface of the shoes and salt.

If going outside in wet weather cannot be avoided, remember to thoroughly spray your skin with a water-repellent spray each time before.

4. If your shoes get wet, dry them immediately.

This is the first thing you should do when you come home with wet shoes or boots. The longer the skin is exposed to moisture, the more severely its quality will suffer.

Take out the insoles, place the mold holders inside for proper ventilation, and place the boots in an open area in a well-ventilated area.

Ideal if the mold holders are made of wood: this material absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors well.

But even plastic options are better than nothing.

In no case do not dry leather shoes on a battery, with a hair dryer or in direct sunlight. High temperature can damage the surface, change the properties of glue, impregnation. Because of this, the shoes run the risk of drying out. In addition, it may become harder or leak water.

To dry your shoes faster, place moisture-wicking silica gel bags, a soft absorbent towel, or paper towel balls inside.

5. Don't wear the same pair for several days in a row

In general, leather shoes and boots should be dried after each wear. Moreover, you need to do this for at least a day, if you have not taken them off for a long time. The fact is that the feet when walking sweat - and moisture, again, can spoil delicate material. Therefore, it is best to wear a leather pair in a day or two, alternating with other shoes.

6. Don't leave your shoes dirty

Slight dirt and dust can be wiped off with a soft cloth (e.g. old cotton T-shirts) or remove with a sponge slightly dipped in warm water.

If you seriously stain your leather shoes, clean them as soon as you get home. Otherwise, dirt can bite into the surface of the shoe, and this will lead to the formation of stubborn stains. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the most obvious unwanted elements, including rain and snow.

Then wash your shoes with the same soft cloth or sponge dipped in soapy water. Better yet, use a special cleansing shampoo or skin foam.

None of this applies to suede shoes: After returning home, you just need to blot it with a clean towel and put it in a well-ventilated place where there is no moisture. Clean the suede with a special brush and only dry.

7. Treat shoes with cream or wax every 6-7 socks

And be sure to use the cream after every wet cleaning.

The product must be applied to dry, clean shoes. Do this in a circular motion using the sponge included in the cream pack or a soft microfiber cloth. The cream will protect the skin from the appearance of microcracks, and will also help it maintain its elasticity and shine for a longer time.

In the end, you can apply a polish and rub the surface with a soft brush or special napkins until a characteristic shine appears.

8. Be sure to use a shoehorn

This is important so as not to wrinkle the backdrop. Often it is he who serves as the element that holds the entire structure of the upper of the shoe on itself. If you hurt your heel, shoes or the shoes will quickly become out of shape.

9. Store your shoes properly when the season is over

When placing a pair for long-term storage, be sure to clean it from dust and other contaminants and treat it with cream. And keep in mind: genuine leather is a soft enough material that easily sags and bends, so it needs to be supported.

If you do not have mold holders, put at least paper rolled into dense balls inside the pair.

Then place the shoes in a box or storage bag. This will help protect your skin from dust. Store at room temperature and where there is no excess dampness.