FAQs About Leather Shoe Care

Caring for leather shoes will insure that the leather stays soft and supple and the shoes remain comfortable for a long time. Leather shoes which are well cared for can often be worn until the sole wears out and can, in some cases, even be resoled for longer wear. Read these FAQs about leather shoe care to learn how to treat your formal shoes right.

Q: What things should be done routinely to care for leather shoes?

A: There are three important steps in leather shoe care: cleaning, conditioning and polishing. Cleaning ensures that the leather is never damaged by mud or other residues that are allowed to stay on the surface and which could dry the leather out. Conditioning ensures that the leather stays soft and supple so that it will confirm to the shape of your foot and remain comfortable. Polishing ensures that the shoes always look their very best and make a good impression overall.

Q: How should leather shoes be cleaned?

A: Leather shoes should be cleaned by hand with a soap specifically designed for use on leather. Gel, spray and liquid soaps are all available for leather shoes. Apply the soap according to the package directions, brushing it into the shoe using a soft, bristled shoe brush; then wipe the shoe off with a soft cotton cloth. Using the brush will ensure that the soap gets into creases and cracks where dust can settle. Allow the leather to dry completely before moving on to conditioning.

Q: Hoe should leather shoes be conditioned?

A: Buy a leather conditioner intended for shoes, and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. The conditioner should be a type that can be absorbed into the leather completely. Rub the conditioner into the shoe's leather using a soft cotton cloth, pressing firmly on the leather in circular motions to work the conditioner in. Set the shoes aside so that any conditioner left on the surface can be absorbed into the leather, and then use a clean, dry cotton cloth to wipe any residual conditioner from the shoes before polishing them.

Q: How should leather shoes be polished?

A: Polish the shoes with a polish that matches the original color of the shoe. Brown, black and white polishes are the most common. The application procedure will depend on the kind of product you buy. Wet polish usually has a sponge on the end of the container which is used to apply the polish to the shoes, while a polish brush is typically used for solid or canned polish.