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Acquiring a new pair of quality shoes is exciting: the rich smell of new leather, the shine of a buckle or crisp feel of an untied lace, and the smooth feel of an undented sole. That excitement is not going to last long if you neglect your shoes and do not take great of them, however, if you want your beloved leather shoes to look good and last, read on to learn how to care for them properly.
Leather is the treated skin or hide of a variety of animals: cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, kangaroo and even aquatic animals like alligators and crocodile. Leather is used to make footwear, as well as bags, upholstery, furniture, and clothes. The tanning process prevents leather from decaying and makes it strong, and durable. As with any long-lasting product, the life of your leather shoes will be extended by following these simple steps.
Wearing the same shoes every day will not give them adequate time to dry or recover from the wear and tear of everyday use, making them vulnerable to damage. Have an extra pair of shoes in your closet. This will help elongate their life and ensure they retain their shine and lustre.
Experience unparalleled refinement with our range of mens dress shoes, leather boots and minimalistic leather sneakers. Meticulously crafted with the finest materials and impeccable attention to detail, they offer unmatched comfort and versatility for any formal occasion.
Sparrods & Co | Cedar Shoe Tree
Shoe trees are great for airing your shoes out while maintaining their shape and eliminating odours. They are easy to install and available in all sizes. Get a good-quality cedar shoe tree that fits your shoes.
Sparrods & Co | Oak Oxford Cap Toe in Brown Calf
Sparrods & Co | Shoe Dust Bag
Most excellent quality leather shoes come with a dust bag for a reason. They prevent dust accumulation and sun exposure while allowing them to breathe. Use them! Store your shoes in dust bags (ideally also with a shoe tree), especially those you do not wear often. They also come in handy when you’re travelling.
Leather sole is the most traditional sole, very sleek and considered the best option for shoes that are intended to be worn in a formal context. The biggest downside with a leather sole is that it can be slippery, not the best in wet weather and wears down faster than some rubber soles. A topy protects to the leather sole and prevents them from wearing out quickly. Adding a topy is a personal choice. Some people prefer to wear their shoes without a topy.
Sparrods & Co | Shoe horn
Shoe horn is made of plastic, steel or wood. Always use shoehorn to put your shoes on. It prevents damages to the topline and counters of the shoes.
Resist the urge to slap on some polish while your shoes are still wet: you will do more damage than good. What if you’re in a rush and need to quickly prep your shoe? Can you dry out your leather with a blow dryer? NO! Allow your shoes to dry naturally at room temperature to prevent the leather from hardening before polishing. Then store using a shoe tree and dust bag.
Sparrods & Co | Sahara Goodyear Welted Black Boots
Remove all laces completely from the boots, shoes or sneakers. This step does not apply to loafers and chelsea boots. This is an easy step.
The right brush is as important as the right shoe cream for your leather. The wrong brush may scratch and damage the surface of the leather. Look for a brush made with hardwood and natural hair with a soft bristle. Horsehair brush is perfect for buffing and shining. Use saddle soap to remove stubborn stains in the affected area of the leather if necessary.
Saphir shoe care products
Leather cleaner removes any dirt, stains, dust, and wax that get trapped under the polish and may damage the leather. We recommend Saphir or any high-quality shoe care products. Invest in shoe care kits.
Apply leather conditioner with the rag by gently massaging the leather in small circular movements.
Conditioner keeps your shoe supple, protects the leather from creasing and cracking (which leads to a vicious cycle of dirt-ingress and further cracking), and gives it a shine. Conditioning can be done once a month depending on usage.
Sparrods & Co | Oak Oxford Cap Toe in Black Calf
Apply shoe cream using spreading brush. Start by applying the cream to the sides of the shoes using a back-and-forth motion. If you’ve applied too much, remove the excess with a soft rag or cloth and allow it to dry before buffing in with the brush. We recommend Saphir shoe cream or related shoe care products on the market.
Brush to remove all excess cream with horsehair brush. It will bring out the natural wax shine. Polishing of your shoes is everyday practice depending on usage.
Sparrods & Co | Men Dress Shoes Collections
Suede is a type of leather that has a soft, velvety finish and a plush, luxurious feel. It is made from the inner layers of the hide, and it is known for its versatility and comfort. High-quality suede is a durable and stylish material that is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual to formal.
If your shoes are generally clean and has small dirt on the surface or minor scratch, gently use suede eraser to the area affected.
Cover the outside area with any piece of cloth or newspaper and fill the shoes to protect the lining from being stained. Hold at approximately 30 cm or more from the shoe and evenly spray the surface with Saphir Renovateur Suedeor Nubuck Spray Neutral. Leave to try for 15 minutes or more. It cleans, refreshens the colour, nourishes with natural almond and waterproofs. We recommend Saphir suite of products or any high-quality suede care products.
Once the upper suede is dry, brush gently with horsehair brush to help restore the natural feel of the suede. Always use back and forth motion and the suede will be as good as new.
Spray with Saphir Super Invulner or any high-quality spray protector to protect shoes from getting stained or damaged.
Leather is certainly not a maintenance-free product, but you will be rewarded for your efforts. Your shoes will age well, acquiring a beautiful patina over time, and last longer, saving you money.