I love helping people find new shoes they love, but equally as important is that they know how to properly care for their shoes so that they can enjoy them to their fullest! Proper shoe care can make all the difference in how your shoes look and feel for the long haul. With summer around the corner, many people will be thinking of putting their winter footwear away. Caring for your footwear before packing them away for the season is a small yet significant investment in the longevity of your shoes. With a little effort, you can ensure that your favorite pairs remain in top-notch condition, ready to accompany you on your stylish adventures when the next season arrives. To simplify the process, I've crafted an easy-to-follow 3-step guide that outlines what to do and some recommended products for preparing your footwear for storage. With this, you can bid farewell to your shoes with a smile, knowing they'll be waiting for you in perfect condition when the time comes to step into the new season!
1. CLEAN - Start with giving your shoes a thorough cleaning to ensure any dirt, dust or depris is removed. This prevents dirt from settling into the material during storage. For leather, canvas and vinyl, you can use a damp cloth. However, when it comes to suede and nubuck, opt for a specialized brush designed to maintain their nap. My favorite products for cleaning these types of leather are: the Deluxe Suede Brush and the Suede & Nubuck Block. For more info, please see our detailed blog on how to properly care for suede and nubuck.
If your footwear requires a deeper cleaning than what a damp cloth can offer, use one of the below products.
This gentle suede, nubuck and fabric shampoo loosens tough dirt and removes stains. It is safe to use on leather, suede, nubuck, canvas, satin, rubber, nylon, vinyl and linen.
If there are any salt stains or residue on your footwear, use our salt stain remover to gently remove salt stains and dirt from leather, vinyl, suede, and fabric footwear.
2. CONDITION - If your footwear is smooth leather, apply leather conditioner after they have dried. This replenishes moisture to keep the leather supple, resilient and prevents it from drying out or cracking. This is especially important for footwear that has faced harsh weather conditions.
3. RENEW COLOUR - Polishing shoes improves the appearance but also creates a protective layer to protect against moisture and scratches.
For sprucing up your smooth leathers, use polish. You can use wax or cream polishes for this step. I really like working with cream polish as it is easy to use, moisturizes the leather and offers a soft and natural shine after a light buff.
For suede use this Suede Renew Spray to refresh the colour. This product coats the fibers with natural oils and pigments, while replenishing moisture lost during normal wear.
By following these simple steps, your shoes will not only last longer but continue to look their best, step after step.
STORAGE TIPS
Use Boot Shapers, Shoe Trees or Stuffing: Maintain the shape of your boots by inserting boot shapers or stuffing them with crumpled paper. This helps prevent the boots from collapsing or creasing during storage. Shoe trees also work great!
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your footwear in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with direct sunlight which can fade and dry out materials. Extreme temperatures can also affect the integrity of your shoes, especially if they are made with delicate materials.
Avoid Plastic: Do not store your boots in plastic as this can trap moisture which leads to mold and mildew growth. Instead, use breathable fabric or shoe bags.
