Knowing how to take care of leather shoes is essential if you want them to remain supple, beautiful, and durable. Even the highest-quality leather will dry out, stain, or crack if neglected. With the right routine, however, your leather shoes age gracefully, developing a rich patina and lasting for many years.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about leather shoe care, from first wear to long-term maintenance.
(Note: This article does not coverthe care of textile, nubuck, or suede.)
You’ve Just Received Your New Leather Shoes
First steps in leather shoe care
Before wearing your new pair, it’s important to protect the leather so it stays pristine for as long as possible.
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Apply a waterproofing spray. This prevents moisture damage and reduces the risk of stains.
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Use wooden shoe trees when you’re not wearing your shoes. They help the leather keep its shape, reduce creases, and absorb natural moisture from your feet.
No shoe trees? Crumpled newspaper or tissue paper works as a temporary alternative.
These simple steps lay the foundation for proper leather shoe maintenance.
How to Take Care of Leather Shoes Day to Day
A simple monthly routine to preserve the beauty of your leather
A consistent routine is the best way to make your leather shoes last. Spending just 10 minutes a month can dramatically extend their lifespan and keep them looking polished.
Here is a simple step-by-step process for caring for leather shoes:
1. Prepare the shoes
Remove the laces and insert shoe trees (or crumpled paper). This stabilizes the leather during cleaning and prevents unwanted distortions.
2. Remove dust
Dust your shoes with a soft brush or clean cloth. Pay particular attention to the folds and seams, where dirt tends to accumulate.
3. Nourish the leather
Apply a small amount of leather repair cream with a clean white cloth.
Gently massage the cream into the leather for even absorption. This step is vital: it nourishes, protects, and restores the color.
4. Shine
Brush vigorously with a polishing brush to give the leather a natural shine. The more you buff, the glossier your shoes will become. Let them dry for about 5 minutes.
5. Protect
Once dry, apply another layer of waterproofing spray. This reinforces protection against rain and everyday wear.
If you want your pair to stay beautiful year after year, this monthly ritual is the foundation of effective leather shoe care.
How to Care for Leather Shoe Soles
Blake stitched soles and how to protect them
The leather soles on Swivells shoes are made using Blake stitching, meaning the sole is sewn directly to the shoe without an intermediate layer. This technique offers flexibility, finesse, and comfort, but it also makes the sole more vulnerable to moisture.
To protect your leather soles, you have two options:
1. For everyday use: protective rubber sole guards
Ask your cobbler to add rubber sole protectors. They reduce wear, offer extra grip (fresh leather can be slippery), and extend the lifespan of your shoes.
2. For purists and dancers: bare leather soles
If you prefer the feel of natural leather soles, here’s how to care for them:
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Be cautious for the first few wears, as new leather soles can be slippery.
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Avoid walking on wet surfaces; moisture can weaken stitching and leave water stains.
Advanced care for leather soles
Some leather enthusiasts go further and maintain their soles monthly:
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Brush the soles to remove dust and dirt
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Apply a light layer of cream to nourish the leather
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Use a waterproofing spray to protect them from moisture
This additional routine helps prolong the life of your soles while preserving their natural feel.
Why It’s Essential to Know How to Take Care of Leather Shoes
The difference between shoes that last and shoes that age prematurely
Leather that is never nourished will inevitably deteriorate, even if it’s premium quality. You don’t need to be perfect or obsessively regular, but giving your leather shoes occasional care makes a remarkable difference.
This small, simple ritual only takes a few minutes, but your shoes will reward you for years. A well-maintained pair:
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ages beautifully,
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stays soft and flexible,
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preserves its original color,
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and gains character over time.
Learning how to take care of leather shoes is ultimately about embracing a routine that elevates both the longevity and the elegance of your footwear.
