How to care for your shoes
Sargasso and Grey footwear is made using the finest quality leathers and suedes which are soft and subtle, to offer the greatest level of comfort. With care, your shoes should last a long time and we hope they will become your timeless, classic, go-to shoes. There are many factors that can affect the longevity of your shoes, and the more care you put into your shoes, the longer wear you will get out of them. Here are a few tips to help preserve your shoes for years to come.
Before we get into shoe care we must advise on foot care, ensuring the shoes are the correct fit for your feet. We advise you to wear the shoes at home for at least an hour a day before wearing them to your desired occasion. This allows the shoe to break in softly. You should know by wearing the shoes for an hour or so whether they fit well, or not. Materials such as suede will soften quicker than leather so try wearing the shoes for an hour a day over the course of a few days. Suede and leather will give with wear, but if you find your toes are cramped or your feet are pinched we would suggest returning them for a half size bigger. Until you decide whether you are keeping the shoes, it is crucial to ensure you TRY THEM ON CARPETED FLOORS to prevent the leather soles from being scratched or marked. For hygiene reasons, please also wear tights or pop socks. Once you have decided you are keeping the shoes you can dance around the house in them to your heart’s content!
Protect & Prevent
Investing in a good quality shoe protector is one of the best preventative measures to avoid your shoes getting damaged. It is worth buying sprays or creams specific to the material of the shoe.
If you have chosen suede shoes, we advise applying a suede protector spray before you wear them outside to protect against rain, dirt and spills. If you they do get dirty, always wait until the dirt has fully dried before using a clean shoe brush or soft toothbrush to brush them clean.
If you have chosen leather shoes, we advise applying a leather shoe cream from time to time to keep the leather clean and supple, help minimise creasing and prevent cracking.
Shoe Storage
If you have worn your shoes for long periods of time, especially in hotter weather, it is best to leave them to stand in a dry place (but out of direct sunlight and away from strong heat sources such as radiators) to prevent moisture being trapped in your shoes. Moisture that isn't able to dry can reduce the lifespan of your shoes significantly and can cause them to smell. It can also inhibit the structure of the shoes causing them to lose shape. Allowing your shoes to rest between wears is important to keep them fresher for longer, so you are able to get more wear out of them. Use the cotton shoe bag provided to house your shoes when you are not wearing them.
Wooden shoe trees are highly recommended for retaining the shape of your shoes. Great to use during the shoes’ rest period, they also aid moisture absorption. Wooden shoe trees are also great for preventing creases from forming in leather and suede.
Wear and Repair
The lifespan of your shoes is greatly impacted by how often you wear them. Many of our styles are made for occasional use (hence being called "Occasion" shoes) and are crafted from premium leathers and suedes which are softer and more delicate than shoes made for more regular use that are crafted from harder thicker leathers and hardier nubuck suedes. Treat your occasion shoes as you would a silk dress and consider how often you should wear them if you wish them to last a long time. If you do wear your shoes on a more regular basis, perhaps as a work shoe, this will impact their lifespan unless you take good care of them between wears and get them regularly resoled and re-heeled, as required.
Stiletto and slimmer heels are vulnerable to the perils of cracked or uneven pavements, drains and drains covers, cobble stones and even stairs. Whilst every care may be taken to avoid these hazards, if you do scuff your heels this can be easily repaired by a reputable cobbler or shoe mender. We also offer a shoe repair service. For more information, please reach out to support@sargassoandgrey.com
Following this guide of hints and tips, we hope you are able to love your shoes for longer!