Shoe - Care

General Care

“Leather is a living material that demands nourishment. Use conditioners and creams to keep it hydrated, supple, and crack-free. Regular care maintains its natural sheen and flexibility. Avoid harsh chemicals; instead, opt for pH-balanced products. Proper leather care ensures your premium shoes age gracefully and last for decades.”
Step 1

Gentle Cleaning – The First Step

Why it matters: Dirt, dust, and environmental residue settle into leather’s pores, dulling color and compromising suppleness. Neglect can leave fine scratches and permanents stains.

How to clean:

1.Brush away surface dust using a soft horsehair brush.

2.Wipe with a slightly damp chamois cloth—never soaking wet. Aim for gentle, swift movement.

3.Use pH-balanced leather soap or saddle soap only when needed (typically monthly or before deep nourishment). Apply with a damp sponge or cloth in circular motions, then wipe away soap residue with clean, damp cloth.

4.Allow shoes to dry naturally—away from direct sun or heaters, which can cause shrinkage or cracking.

Pro tip: For two-toned or burnished finishes, test gently on heel edge first to avoid altering the intended patina.

Step 2

Nourish The Leather

Conditioning & Leather Care – Nourish from Within

Why it matters: Leather naturally loses oils over time. Conditioners restore hydration, flexibility, and vibrance—especially after exposure to sun or rain.

When to apply:

  • Every week for frequent wearers.
  • Bi-monthly or monthly for occasional use.
  • Always after deep cleaning or exposure to moisture.

How to condition:

1.Use only premium, non-petroleum-based creams or conditioners.

2.Warm a small amount between your fingers and apply evenly in circular motions, covering seams and edges.

3.Allow 10 to 20 minutes for absorption.

4.Buff lightly with horsehair brush to revive surface luster.

Ingredient notes: Look for conditioners with natural waxes (e.g., beeswax, carnauba) and nourishing oils (e.g., neatsfoot). Avoid silicone oils that can create a barrier and clog leather pores.

Step 3

Polishing – Shine with Intention

Why it matters: Polishing not only brings out a deep glow—it also adds a protective layer, creating water resistance and depositing color pigments.

When to polish:

  • After conditioning (cream polish).
  • Bi-monthly or monthly for occasional use.

Cream versus wax:

  • Cream polish nourishes and restores color.
  • Wax polish adds rich shine and opacity.

How to polish:

1.Apply cream polish first using a brush or cloth; let dry for 5–10 minutes.

2.Brush briskly with horsehair brush, then finish with wax polish for shine.

3.Use pea-sized wax drops, apply in circular motions, and let dry.

4.Buff with a soft cloth using brisk back-and-forth motions, then select horsehair for final shine.

Color matching: Match polish shade closely with your shoe. Neutral polishes offer flexibility across colors. For two-tone shoes, use pigmented pearl creams or blending mixes.

Step 4

Brushing – The Daily Ritual

Why it matters: Brushing clears debris, preserves polish layers, and helps redistribute oils—keeping leather vibrant and breathable.

How to brush:

  • Brush before each wear to remove dust.
  • Brush after polish and buffing to even out shine.
  • Use separate brushes (or color bands) for different polish hues to avoid unwanted tints.

Extra tip: Keep a small travel brush—a horsehair dauber—in your wardrobe for emergencies

Step 5

Sole & Heel Care – Foundation of Wear

Why it matters: Even the finest uppers won’t quell wobble or discomfort if the foundation is unsound. Regular sole care maintains gait, comfort, and aesthetic integrity.

When to check and renew:

  • Inspect soles and heels every 2–3 months.
  • Rotate regularly—don’t wear the same pair two days straight.
  • After ~150–200 Kms or first signs of wear on heel edges or leather..

Protective options:

  • Sole guards or topy: Thin rubber layers added by a skilled cobbler for grip and wear resistance.
  • Half-sole resoling: Replace worn mid-section leather.
  • Heel replacement: Refresh heel tap if edges thin or crack.

Water safety: Localized resoling helps when leather soles encounter moisture. Let them dry naturally on Cedar shoe trees, then clean and condition upper.

Step 6

Proper Storage – Rest Between Wears

Why it matters: Leather breathes. It expands. It stores moisture. Proper storage gives your shoes time to stabilize and rejuvenate between wears—ensuring longevity and performance.

Storage essentials:

1.Cedar shoe trees: Best immediately after wear. Shape retention, moisture absorption, and climate-regulating—all in one.

2.Dust bags: Cotton or flannel bags allow airflow; avoid plastic which traps moisture and damages color. Also Keep Silica Gel (Moisture Absorber) in the bags.

3.Cool, shaded space: Avoid direct sun, radiators, or damp basements.

4.Space between pairs: Prevent crushing and maintain air circulation.

  • Brush before each wear to remove dust.
  • Brush after polish and buffing to even out shine.
  • Use separate brushes (or color bands) for different polish hues to avoid unwanted tints.

Seasonal care: Ideally store shoes fully cleaned, conditioned, and polished for long breaks. Insert cedar trees, wrap in soft cloth or dust bag, and add silica packs to control humidity. Re-condition before next use.

Final Notes

Leather shoes offer a timeless combination of elegance, comfort, and character. But they rely on your attentive care to reach their full potential. These steps honor the craftsmanship behind each pair, preserving their beauty and resilience—and turning them from shoes into lifelong companions.

By integrating this care routine—cleaning, nourishing, shining, brushing, protecting, and storing—you elevate not only your footwear but also the story they carry. This is more than maintenance; it’s a practice of refinement and attention to detail that defines The Handcrafted Elegance.

Let your shoes walk gracefully with you—and may your steps always reflect the dedication behind them.

Before you get started

A Few Additional Tips.

Tip-1

Use Shoe Tree - Using wooden shoe trees will help to absorb moisture and maintain the shape of the shoes as they dry out. Using a shoe horn prevents damage to the heels, counter and top line.

Tip-2

Chamois Leather - After a quick buff with a cotton cloth, use a chamois leather (well used if possible). Chamois have an oily feel to them and present the softest type of material to achieve the highest possible shine without going to the trouble of Mirror Shine / High Shine / Bulling.

Tip-3

Wax Crayon - During the manufacturing process, we ink stain and wax set the sole edges to increase water resistance. As one can imagine, soles take the most abuse during wear, coming into contact with hard surfaces regularly. At home, you can use a hard wax crayon to apply a similar colour wax to the edges where any raw fibres from the leather welt or sole are visible or where the factory wax has been damaged through wear.

Polishing & Shine

A true gentleman’s shoes don’t just shine—they tell a story. And that story is written through ritual polishing: a practice of detail, discipline, and pride. Done properly, polishing does far more than add shine. It hydrates, protects, preserves color, and elevates the natural beauty of the leather.

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