Leather shoes are an investment in style and comfort, but they do require appropriate maintenance to ensure their durability and appearance. Here we’ll show you how to care for the leather of your shoes and extend their lifespan.
Basic care for leather shoes consists of regular cleaning, hydration and protection to maintain their impeccable appearance. Below is an explanation of the essential steps:
Clean your shoes regularly: The first step in maintaining the leather in good condition is to clean them regularly. Use a soft cloth or natural bristle brush to get rid of dust and dirt.
Hydrate the leather: Leather can dry out over time, which is why it is important to hydrate it with specific products. Apply a cream specifically designed for leather to keep it soft and supple.
Regular cleaning is fundamental for keeping your leather shoes in tip-top shape. The first step is to make sure they are free from dust and dirt. Use a soft bristle brush to get rid of impurities without damaging the surface. For more persistent stains, a cloth that has been slightly dampened with warm water can be useful, but it’s important not to soak the leather. What’s more, for a deeper clean and to restore its appearance, we recommend using specific products such as leather cleaners, which clean without altering the texture or colour of the material.
Discover the best products by Lottusse for taking care of your leather footwear.
Appropriate storage of leather shoes is key for avoiding deformations and premature wear and tear. Follow these tips:
First off, use shoe trees; these help to keep the original shape of the shoe and prevent wrinkles or folds in the leather. Purchase our traditional shoe tree to maintain the shape of your shoes. Secondly, store the shoes in a dry place; avoid keeping them in damp areas, as humidity may damage the leather. Lastly, use cloth bags to store your shoes; if you’re not using your shoes for a while, store them in cloth bags to protect them from dust and direct light.
The type of leather your shoes are made from influences the maintenance they need. It’s important to distinguish between generic leather, be it smooth, embossed or printed, and suede or nubuck.
Generic leather footwear: smooth, embossed and printed: Since leather is a natural material, it requires care to be kept in optimum condition. This type of leather is longer-lasting and requires regular hydration and protection. First of all, we recommend a large horsehair brush for cleaning the surface and getting rid of dirt, and a finer horsehair brush for the harder-to-access areas such as perforations, tongues and edges. Next, use a cotton cloth to apply a cream specifically designed for leather care, going over the entire shoe with circular movements (edge and heel included). You can opt for a colourless, brown or black cream depending on the colour of your shoes. Allow the shoe to absorb the cream for at least 1 hour. Lastly, use the brush once more to remove excess product (if any) and give shine to the leather.
Suede and nubuck footwear: Their soft texture and distinctive appearance make them stand out, but they also require special care to preserve their beauty. First of all, we recommend using a horsehair brush to brush against the grain, followed by a crepe brush to eliminate the most stubborn stains.
Check the Lottusse care guide to find the ideal products for maintaining your leather footwear.
The weather can considerably affect the condition of your leather shoes. Here we share a few tips to help you protect them.
Avoid humidity: Rain and snow represent one of the greatest risks for leather, with the potential to damage it significantly. In the event your shoes get wet, it is crucial that you dry them correctly. Remove any excess water without rubbing the material and place them in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct contact with intense sources of heat such as radiators or stoves. These may dehydrate the leather, causing it to crack. Consider using something to fill the shape of the shoe, such as newspaper or shoe trees, to help keep its shape during the drying process.
As time goes by, it’s natural for your leather shoes to show signs of wear. However, there are effective methods for restoring them to their original glory and extending their lifespan:
Preventive maintenance: Well before it gets to the need for repairs, the key to enjoying your leather shoes for years lies in preventive maintenance. The regular application of products specifically designed to care for leather, such as conditioners and stain protectors, plays a crucial role in preserving their quality and appearance.
Repairing cracks in the leather: Cracks in leather may seem like a considerable problem, but with the right intervention, it is possible to restore the affected surface. A leather care expert will be able to recommend and apply specialised treatments such as restorative creams or balms that rehydrate the material and give it back its flexibility. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team if you need any information regarding how to care for leather.
By incorporating these practices into your leather care routine, not only will you significantly extend the lifespan of your leather shoes, you’ll also guarantee that they look impeccable day after day.