Leather Shoe Care

The essentials for keeping leather shoes soft, supple, and free of cracks — from daily wipe-downs to seasonal conditioning.
Leather Shoe Care

Daily care

After each wear, wipe your shoes down with a soft, dry cloth to remove surface dust and light dirt before it has a chance to settle into the grain. If you've walked through rain or mud, let the leather air-dry naturally at room temperature. Never near a radiator, heater, or in direct sun. Before wiping it clean.

Weekly conditioning

Leather needs moisture to stay supple. Once a week, or every few wears, apply a small amount of neutral leather cream in small, circular motions with a soft cloth, then buff gently. This keeps the grain from drying out and cracking over time, and helps maintain an even color.

Weatherproofing

Before wearing a new pair outdoors, apply a waterproof spray to help the leather resist rain and stains. Reapply every few weeks with regular wear, and always test on a small hidden area first.

Storage

Use shoe trees to help shoes hold their shape and absorb residual moisture between wears. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and rotate between pairs so no single pair is worn two days running. Leather needs time to rest and release moisture between wears.

What to avoid

Skip harsh detergents, alcohol-based cleaners, and machine washing. All of these strip the natural oils from leather and can cause it to stiffen or crack. Never dry wet leather with direct heat.