Caring for Handmade Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are expensive because of their main material. Leather shoes are typically made by hand and tend to last longer than machine-manufactured ones.
Leather shoes, Shoe Portraits—tres jolie (Flickr.com)
When you have a pair of leather shoes, make sure they last by taking care of them properly. There are simple methods to accomplish this without resorting to buying expensive tools and products just to keep your leather shoes in tip-top shape.
First, make sure to remove the laces of your shoes (if they have them) before polishing. Doing so can ensure a smoother polish. This step is especially important if your shoe laces are made of different materials from the rest of your shoes. Nylon and fabric laces, for example, can leave ugly streaks on your shoes’ surface if you don’t remove them before polishing. As well, take out buckles, tassels, and other trimmings so they won’t get in the way of an even polish.
The second step is to condition your leather shoes first before polishing them. Leather conditioners help your shoes last longer and be protected from cracking and flaking. Choose a product with all-natural ingredients, because leather absorbs these faster than synthetic ones. Before conditioning, make sure to wipe the shoes thoroughly to get rid of dirt and dust, before applying the product.
Next step would be to use a shoe polish that is specifically made for leather. Below is a video with instructions on polishing leather shoes.
Take note that leather shoe polish now comes in different forms: as a waxy potion, or in liquid, gel, and even foam. You can select one that has the best coverage for your shoes, and which can come in handy anytime your shoes need a quick polish.
It is also wise to invest in shoe trees so your leather shoes can keep their shape for longer. When you invest in shoe trees, be sure to get the sizes closest to your shoe sizes so they will not get deformed.
