Caring for your Leather Handmade Shoes

Some men view shoes as a necessity, whereas some have a shoe obsession. Most of us sit somewhere in between. Buying a pair of high quality, comfortable, men's leather shoes is only the first step – looking after them properly to ensure they stay looking and wearing their best is also important.

Step one in caring for your leather handmade shoes is cleaning. Remove dirt with a shoe brush, and clean with a damp cloth. If your shoes are sporting winter salt stains, this can be removed with a mixture of 1 cup of hot water and a tablespoon of white vinegar. Mix well and apply with a soft rag.

It’s always a good idea to let your shoes dry naturally after cleaning – resist the temptation to put them near a heat source, as this will dry and crack the leather. Once dry, remember to polish them. Polish will moisturise the leather of the shoe and keep it supple and looking great for longer. A good shining cloth is fantastic for applying creams and polishes, and will gently buff the leather.

Once cleaned, dried and polished, remember to use shoe trees. These are designed to help keep the shape of the shoe, and assist in the drying process. Wooden shoe trees are preferred as the wood is able to absorb moisture and odour from the shoe.

Change shoes often. Shoe material will compress when you walk, so changing to a different pair gives shoes time to spring back to their original state. The leather will also absorb moisture from your feet, so giving them time to dry out is always a great idea.

Put on your shoes using a shoe horn. This will stop the back heel end breaking down, prolonging the life of your mens leather shoes.

If you’re storing your shoes for a period of time, they should be cleaned and dry before doing so. Use a shoe tree to help it retain its shape. Use shoe boxes or a breathable shoe bag to protect the shoes from dust.

Following these simple steps can prolong the life of your men's shoes and keep them looking as good as the day you bought them.