How to Take Care Your Leather Shoes

The proper treatment of leather footwear not only makes your shoes look good, but also preserves the natural material, which increases its useful life. Without the proper conditioning and care, the leather dries, eventually cracks and falls apart, leaving your shoes and boots in an unpleasant mess. Throwing a layer of shoe polish now helps again. But to maintain the flexible appearance of your leather goods, you must keep them clean, conditioned, polished and waterproof.

Essential products for the care of leather footwear

Most of the products used for the proper treatment of leather footwear can be found in a hardware store, a shoe store or a shoe repair shop. Be sure to buy products made for smooth leather, instead of those used in suede or nubuck. If this makes you nervous about the possibility of spoiling something, any shoe repair shop will be happy to clean, polish and condition your shoes for a price.

For a DIY session, you will need the following elements:

·         Newspaper

·         Gloves

·         Soft cotton cloth or suede

·         Soft shoe brush

·         Smooth leather shoe cleaner

·         Leather conditioner for smooth leather shoes.

·         Shoe cleaner or an alternative.

·         Protectors of leather or waterproofing products.

Smooth leather shoe cleaning

Before starting, make sure that both you and your work surface are well protected. Place your newspaper, wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space. These precautions are essential, since many shoe care products contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and furniture.

First, remove the dirt by cleaning your shoes with a leather cleaner made specifically for soft leather (the seat soap works well). Use the top of the applicator to spread the product on your shoes. Then, remove dirt from the surface of your shoes with a soft bristle brush and pay special attention to cracks and crevices.

After the initial cleaning, let your shoes dry before you shine them with your chamois or cloth (old shirts work well too).

Conditioning leather shoes

The conditioning of your leather shoes softens and moisturizes the membrane, preventing it from drying out and cracking. To do this, first select a conditioner made for smooth leather shoes. (Note: natural conditioners directly absorb the material and are a better option than synthetic conditioners that are placed on the surface of the shoe). Rub a small amount of conditioner on the shoe until the entire shoe is covered. Wait a few minutes and then clean the remaining conditioner of the shoes. The leather will absorb only what you need for proper hydration.

Polished leather shoes with traditional shoeshine shoes

Shoe cleaners are available in liquids, creams or pastes. Liquid shoe polish dries quickly, but colors are limited, as is its durability. Shoe polishing lasts longer, but it is complicated and slow to work. Therefore, opt for the shoe polishing cream to facilitate the application, the availability of colors and a longer use.

First, select the appropriate color of enamel for your shoes. Shoe polish can be purchased at shoe stores, shoe repair stores, hardware stores and online retail stores.

Once you have selected the correct color, apply the polish on a small, imperceptible area of ​​the shoe to test and match. Rub the enamel on the shoe with a soft cloth and let it dry completely. After the polish is dry, polish your shoes by rubbing them with a soft cloth or brush made specifically to shine the shoes.

A note on the toxicity of footwear and its alternatives

Certain shoe cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin. If you choose to use shoeshine, wear gloves while doing so, work in a well-ventilated area, do not drink alcohol while polishing it, as it may increase the effects of irritating chemicals and keep all the luster of shoes out of reach of both. . Children and animals.

Shoe polish should be handled as a hazardous domestic substance and disposed of properly.

The rags or fabrics used for polishing should be contained, together with the waste, in a sealed plastic.

And while some glazes say they are not toxic, most do not list their ingredients, so it is impossible to know what is safe. So, if you want to avoid shoe polishing at all costs, take your leather shoes to a repair shop for cleaning or use natural alternatives such as olive oil or walnut oil. To do this, apply a small amount of oil to the shoe and then polish and clean it with a soft cloth or chamois leather. But again, try a test patch before using oil on the entire shoe.

Protecting your leather shoes

Waterproofing your leather shoes, will protect them from water and other elements that can break down the natural material and shorten the life of your shoes. The different weatherproof products serve different purposes, so choose wisely. For example, if you spend time in wet or messy conditions and are concerned about an attractive finish, choose a beeswax product instead of a protective spray. Beeswax products place a "shield" on the surface of the shoe or boot, instead of being absorbed into the grain of the leather. This provides a great barrier against water, but applying it to subsequent treatments can alter the appearance of your shoes.

If you really care about the appearance of the shoe or boot, a spray guard should do the trick without disturbing the finish. This type of weather resistant product is virtually invisible and provides a breathable barrier against mild to moderate moisture and dirt conditions. Online retailers sell a wide variety of waterproofing products, including soft leather, suede or nubuck.

Additional tips for the care of leather footwear

·         If your shoes have layers of accumulated polish, use a pre-cleaner before starting your leather shoe treatment.

·         Do not try to change the color of your shoes with a shoe cleaner. Consult a shoe repair shop for a dye job, if you want a different shoe color.

·         Remove the laces before beginning your treatment of leather shoes. The cords can be washed separately or replaced.

·         Condition new leather shoes, even before using them. This will ensure the best protection from the beginning and save you time in future cleanings.