Taking care of leather shoes

What type of leather do you have?

Smooth leather has a smooth, slightly glossy surface and is the easiest to take care of. Suede feels soft and velvety but is vulnerable for dirt and moisture. Nubuck looks like suede but is more robust and has a mat, luxurious look. You can recognise patent leather from its high gloss finish, which does scratch more easily.

Cleaning smooth leather

Clean smooth leather using a damp cloth. Wring the cloth out well and use lukewarm water. Next, apply nourishing shoe cream and allow to dry before buffing with a soft cloth or brush. This restores the leather’s natural shine. If you’re not sure about the correct shoe cream colour, use the clear version.

Cleaning suede

Use a soft suede brush to gently brush away any loose dirt. Only do this in one direction. Treat stains using a suede eraser or special spray, before allowing the shoes to dry at room temperature, away from a source of heat. Then apply suede protector spray. Do not use water as this can cause staining.

Cleaning nubuck

You should generally treat nubuck in the same way as suede but using special nubuck products. Brush away dirt with a nubuck brush and treat stains with an eraser or spray. Always first test new products on an inconspicuous area. Only treat the stain and not the entire surface. Allow the shoes to air dry before protecting them with a special cream or protector spray.

Cleaning patent leather

Remove dirt from patent leather with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid excessive moisture and use a patent leather shine spray to restore the shine. Small scratches in the leather can be made less visible using a special patent leather cream. Do not use abrasive cloths or brushes, as these will damage the surface.

What if the leather is damaged?

If the leather is dry or cracked, you can apply several layers of leather cream or balm to make it supple. It’s best to ask a cobbler to treat deep cracks. If the leather has become dull, polish with a nourishing cream and buff for a new shine. Allow water marks to dry thoroughly before treating the leather. Treat grease or oil stains by applying talcum powder or corn starch generously to the stain and leaving overnight. Gently brush away the powder the next day. Superficial scratches on smooth or patent leather can be concealed using a suitable cream or spray.

Avoiding common leather care mistakes

There are a few things you should avoid when cleaning leather shoes. Never use aggressive cleaning agents or a lot of water as this will dry out the leather and cause staining. Never dry shoes near a source of heat as this can cause cracking or warping. Only wear the shoes once they’re completely dry.

Don’t forget the soles

The soles need attention just as much as the leather. Keep them clean and dry so your shoes look great and last longer. This guide describes how you should clean the soles of your shoes.

How often should you clean leather shoes?

If you wear the shoes every day, clean them every week and treat them every month using a cream or spray. If you don’t wear them often, you only need to treat them once a month. If the shoes are visibly dirty or wet, it’s important to clean them straight away.

If you’re not sure, ask an expert.

These tips will help you keep your leather shoes in optimal condition. If you’re not sure about the right approach, seek advice from a Xsensible retail outlet in your area.