Quality leather shoes are a wardrobe essential for men. They go best with formal wear, but, being versatile, they are a great way to spice up your look no matter the occasion.
Many guys have a huge collection of sneakers, while gentlemen favor stylish and classic leather shoes of varying types — from brogues to boots to dress shoes. Whether you own a pair or a few dozen, it’s best to know how you can take care of your leather shoes and how you can make them last longer. Here are a few tips on how you can maintain them and make them look fresh all the time.
Learn how to clean them thoroughly
The cleaning process changes depending on the type of leather that you have, but the important thing is that you know how to properly clean them. Mostly, it requires a soft brush that you can use to brush off dust and dirt.
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If your shoes have a certain finish, you can clean them using mild soap and a cloth to further clean the surface. Make sure to avoid sponges as many of them have chemicals that may be detrimental to the condition of the leather. If you have shoes that have unfinished leather, you may use a bar of saddle soap. Rub it on your shoes, wipe off excess, and let it dry.
Protect the leather
Treat your shoes with a wax polish to protect the leather and make it keep its shine. Make sure that your shoes are dry before application. Next, top it off with a polish and apply a conditioner or protector to make sure that they look shiny and fresh. Remember to treat your shoes at least every month.
Keep them in shape
Shoes have the tendency to change their form over time, especially when you use them regularly. Invest in good shoe trees and place them inside your shoes so they retain their shape. If you want something multi-functional, get yourself unvarnished shoe trees as they help absorb unwanted moisture from your shoes and help them freshen up.
In case you’re trying to save money, you can also use newspapers and pieces of paper towels to let your shoes retain their original shape.
Air dry your shoes
The weather can be unpredictable and chances are, you may find your shoes soaked after battling a rainy day. In case this happens, do not use a hairdryer or place them by the heater. Exposing them to extreme heat might not be the best option if you want them to still look good. Instead, you can stuff your leather shoes with some paper and leave them to air-dry.
Swap them over
Swapping shoes on a regular basis will not only help you keep your shoes get some break but also help you switch up your style every now and then. You can easily alternate between two to three pairs, giving them some time to breathe, which lets the leather last a longer time.
