Caring For Your Shoes

Leather, as a natural material, has slight variations and imperfections between and among pairs. This is completely normal and is considered to add to the beauty of each individual piece.

Leather is the best material for footwear because it:

- is breathable, allowing perspiration to escape.

- conforms to the shape of the foot, while maintaining its own strength and look.

- keeps the foot cool in hot weather, and warm in cold weather, since it is a natural product and doesn't conduct heat or cold.

Looking after your leather

Use a shoe brush to remove obvious dirt. Then, use a soft cloth and shoe or leather cleaner (available at your shoe repair shop or local market) to gently rub away remaining dirt, which will restore the shine while maintaining the leather's supple quality.

Napped leather

- Nubuck: Use an eraser to rub away dirt and scuffs. Special nubuck erasers are available at shoe repair shops.

- Suede: Use a suede brush or other shoe brush on dirt and scuffs. Before you wear the shoes, protect them with a water and stain repellant designed specifically for suede and nubuck. As soon as the water isn't beading up on the shoes, spray them again.

All of the above leathers may be sprayed with a waterproofing spray (available at your shoe repair shop) to protect against both water and dirt.

Do NOT use soap and water to clean shoes, nor put them in the washing machine or dryer. If wet, do not dry over heat. Instead, stuff with rags or newspaper and allow to air dry.

In addition, shoes, in particular those made of soft nappa leather, benefit from shoe trees, or shoe keepers. These are wooden instruments which are inserted in the shoe, and help to retain the shape and mould of the shoe. Shoe trees can help to prolong the life of a shoe by 4 or 5 years.

Further information:

- Customising your shoes
- The making of your shoes
- Sizing, payment and delivery of your shoes
- How to walk in high heels
- History of High Heels
- Links