How to care for leather barefoot shoes

How to care for leather barefoot shoes How to care for leather barefoot shoes

Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes

Leather shoes can last for years. You just need to know how to care for them. When and how should you use waterproofing products, cream, wax or shoe trees?

If you’re wondering which shoes to buy and don’t mind a higher initial price, leather is a great choice. It’s a high-quality natural material that’s comfortable and lets your feet breathe and, with regular care, will last a long time.

But how do you care for leather barefoot shoes properly, so they last not just two seasons but perhaps even 10 years?

How to put your shoes on properly 

Before putting on or taking off your shoes, it’s important to untie and loosen the laces so the edges of the shoes don’t get crushed. When putting them on, especially ankle boots, use a shoehorn. It might seem unnecessary or like a waste of time. But if you slip your shoes on without one, especially without loosening the laces, the heel can bend out of shape, become damaged and even get scratched or cracked.

Not all leather is the same

To give your leather barefoot shoes the right care, you need to consider the type of leather they’re made from. Suede, for example, needs a completely different approach from smooth leather. So what are the main types of leather?

  • smooth leather – a finely textured surface with either a matt or glossy finish,
  • patent leather – leather with a high-gloss surface that is prone to scratches and sensitive to moisture and frost,
  • velour or suede – leather that is sanded on the underside,
  • nubuck – leather that is sanded on the outer side instead,
  • coated leather – has a coating, such as polyurethane, applied to the outer side to make the shoe more durable (e.g. sports footwear),
  • sole leather – typically used for formal shoes and does not cope well with uneven surfaces or moisture.

How to clean your shoes properly

These days, we all look for ways to make life easier, but shoes still need proper care. Exposure to the elements can cause leather to dry out, become brittle or crack. Clean your shoes as soon as possible after you get home.

For dust and everyday dirt, a standard brush is all you need. Simply brush over the shoes a few times. If they’re dirtier (e.g. covered in dust or mud), wipe them with a damp cloth. Take care with brushed leather shoes, as velour and suede need a special cleaning eraser rather than a cloth.

And what about stubborn marks that seem to appear out of nowhere? If you can’t remove them with clean water, you’ll need to use a specialist cleaning product. First, test it on a small, hidden area of the shoe to check whether it affects the colour of the leather.

Dry your shoes without damaging them

While we’re on the subject of things that can affect your shoes, let’s take a moment to talk about moisture. If you’ve been out in the rain, avoid putting your shoes on a hot radiator when you get home. This would harden the leather and could also cause it to crack. Leather needs to dry naturally and slowly (for at least three days), ideally on shoe trees. If you don’t have any, you can stuff the shoes well with newspaper. Once the shoes are completely dry, don’t forget to waterproof them so they’re protected against moisture and dirt again.

The right care products make all the difference

There’s nothing worse than getting dressed up and finishing the look with scuffed shoes. Leather footwear should look its best whatever the occasion. That means cleaning it regularly, as well as polishing it and applying shoe cream.

Wax or cream gives leather shoes the care they need. We recommend treating them regularly, at least once a month. Untreated leather can dry out and crack. Shoes damaged by insufficient or unsuitable care may also be ineligible for a warranty claim. 

How to care for leather easily

You can use either cream or wax to polish shoes. Cream gives shoes a subtle, velvety sheen. By contrast, wax with a little water can give your shoes a mirror-like shine. If you’re wondering which to choose, it doesn’t depend on the type of shoe, but simply on your preference. 

Simply apply wax with a sponge to a shoe that has been cleaned of any heavier dirt. The wax can take care of a few marks. Spread a tiny amount evenly over the entire surface of the shoe and leave it to soak in. 

Our tip: If you want a really glossy finish, alternate between applying wax and a drop of water, repeating until you’re happy with the result.

Using cream is simple and takes hardly any time. First, of course, clean the shoes with a brush to remove any dust and dirt. Then apply a thin layer of cream with a cloth, for example. Finally, take a clean cloth or brush and polish the shoes evenly.

Don’t forget to waterproof your shoes

Waterproofing spray can be used on all types of leather. It helps prevent water from getting into your shoes, not just when it rains, and stops dirt from settling into the leather, making the shoes easier to clean. Always apply waterproofing products to dry shoes only, at least every 14 days if you wear them regularly. If you choose a waterproofing wax or paste, however, you can wait up to 6 weeks before treating them again.

Your shoes will reward you for taking care of them

Leather barefoot shoes need a little more care than canvas trainers, but they’ll certainly reward you for it. If you put them on carefully, clean them gently and treat them to cream or wax from time to time, they’ll look as good as new for years. In the end, you won’t regret investing a little more in them when you bought them.

What else might interest you?