Top Tips to Care for Leather Shoes (and stop squeaks!)
We create shoes that are timeless in their appeal and are made from the finest leathers and suedes. However, like beautiful clothes, premium shoes also require care and maintenance to ensure longevity.
Leather is a natural material that can dry out and crack without proper moisture, so it needs to be cared for just as you would care for your skin.
The basic routine involves three key steps: cleaning, conditioning, and polishing. To help absorb unwanted moisture and to keep shoes in their natural shape, we advise using cedar shoe trees—the wood absorbs moisture and helps the shoes keep their original shape as they dry.
Cleaning: Use a soft brush to sweep away all surface dirt and dust, paying special attention to the creases. A damp cloth can be used to clean stubborn dirt from leather and patent shoes.
Conditioning: Once the surface is clean, the leather needs to be conditioned to replenish its natural oils (not to be used on patent shoes - a damp cloth will be fine). Apply a high-quality leather conditioner or renovator cream with a soft cloth, working it gently into the leather in circular motions. This step prevents the leather from drying out, cracking, and becoming stiff. Allow the conditioner to absorb fully for at least 15-20 minutes, or even overnight, before proceeding. This moisturising step is crucial for maintaining the leather's flexibility and long-term durability.
Polishing: Apply a cream or wax polish. A pigmented shoe cream will restore the colour and help cover minor scuffs, while a wax polish offers greater protection and is used to create a desired shine. Apply the polish sparingly with a cloth or applicator brush, let it dry for a few minutes, and then buff the entire shoe vigorously with a clean horsehair brush to bring up the sheen. For a mirror-like finish, you can build up thin layers of wax polish on the toe and heel. Regular maintenance—a quick brush after each wear and a full clean/condition/polish every few weeks or months, depending on frequency of wear—will keep your leather footwear looking fresh for years to come.
Finally, when not in use, keep your shoes in their cotton dust bag and be sure to keep them away from radiators or heaters, which can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
TOP TIP - STOP THE SQUEAKING: New leather can be squeaky, and leather worn against skin (especially hot skin) can cause shoes to squeak. A top tip to stop the squeak is to rub some talcum powder inside the shoes and also on the feet. You'll be pleasantly surprised to find the squeaking disappears!