Leather shoes are a classic essential in every wardrobe, providing unmatched style, durability, and sophistication. But it takes maintenance to keep that “just-bought” shine. Regular care can ensure they last for many years, whether you wear leather loafers, golf shoes, or dress shoes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through six simple steps to care for your leather shoes and maintain their quality and aesthetics. First, let’s see why we need to care for leather shoes.

Why Leather Shoes Need Special Care

Since leather is a natural material, regular maintenance is required to keep it in its best condition. If leather is not properly maintained, it may dry out, crack, or discolor with time. By maintaining the material’s integrity, proper care prolongs the life of your shoes and keeps them looking brand new.

The methods below cover all the basics, whether you’re wondering how to care for leather shoes in general or need particular guidance on how to care for leather golf shoes.

Now, let’s explore the six essential steps.

1. Always Clean Your Leather Shoes

Consistent cleaning is essential for maintaining leather shoes. Soil, particles, and filth may accumulate on the leather’s outer layer, reducing its gloss and leading to lasting harm. Here’s how to properly clean your shoes:

Remove surface dirt: Remove any dirt on the surface using a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to gently clean off dust or dirt.

Apply a leather cleaner: For a more thorough cleaning, spend on a special leather shoe cleaner. Use a soft cloth to apply the cleaner in circular movements, covering the entire surface evenly.

Tips:

• Do not use strong soaps or cleansers at home because they can remove the leather’s natural oils.
• Make sure to clean your shoes after each use, particularly if they get dirty or wet.

If you stick to a consistent cleaning routine, you can avoid dirt accumulation and keep your shoes looking shiny for a long time.

2. Condition the Leather to Keep It Supple 

To keep it soft and free of cracks, moisturize the leather, just like your skin. Leather shoes that are properly conditioned will keep their suppleness and moisture by restoring the oils that are lost during wear. This is how you do it:

Choose a proper conditioner: Apply a premium leather conditioner made especially for footwear. Avoid products not intended for leather, as they may discolor it.

Apply conditioner: Apply a tiny amount of conditioner to the leather and gently rub it with a clean cloth in circular motions. Look closely at any spots that seem cracked or dry.

How often should you condition leather shoes?

• It’s good to clean formal shoes once a month.
• Condition leather golf shoes or shoes exposed to the weather after a few wears to maintain protection.

Leather conditioner helps prevent cracks, keeping the shoes supple and extending their life.

3. Polish to Bring Back Glow

Polishing adds an extra layer of protection to your shoes in addition to making them sparkle. Here’s how to correctly shine your leather shoes:

Select the appropriate polish: Choose a wax or cream finish that complements the hue of your leather shoes. Although they might not give as deep of a shine, neutral polishes can be used on any color.

Put on the polish: Apply a tiny amount in circular motions using an applicator brush or soft cloth. Give the polish some time to fully absorb.

Buff for shine: After the polish sets, lightly buff the shoes using a clean brush or cloth to reveal a beautiful shine.

Polishing not only makes your shoes seem better, but it also adds further protection by creating a barrier against stains and moisture.

4. Make Your Leather Shoes Waterproof

Water damage can result in permanent discoloration, warping, or even cracking on leather shoes. Your leather shoes will remain protected from spills, rain, and snow if they're waterproof. Here’s how to include an extra degree of defense:

Select a waterproofing spray: Look for a product made especially for leather. Sprays with a silicone base should be avoided as they can change the leather’s look and feel.

Check the spray: Before applying the waterproof spray, test it on a discrete area to ensure it won’t stain the leather. 

Even application: To ensure even coverage, spray the entire shoe from 6 to 8 inches away. Let the shoes dry completely before putting them on.

Waterproofing is especially important for caring for leather golf shoes, as they’re often exposed to wet conditions. It keeps your shoes intact and helps avoid long-term water damage.

5. Keep Shape with Shoe Trees

Keeping the form of your shoes is a neglected but essential part of caring for leather footwear. Over some time, leather may develop wrinkles and lose its shape, particularly when shoes are not stored correctly. One easy fix is to utilize shoe trees.

Why use shoe trees?: Shoe trees help absorb moisture and prevent wrinkles, preserving the leather’s smoothness and maintaining the shoes’ original shape.

Usage instructions: Use cedar shoe trees in your shoes after every wear. Cedar is good for shoes because it absorbs moisture and keeps them smelling fresh.

This is an important step to help your shoes stay clean and keep their shape, even with regular wear. Using shoe trees is a great long-term investment for caring for leather dress shoes.

6. Store Your Shoes Properly

Proper storage holds equal importance to routine cleaning and conditioning. Leather shoes need to be stored to shield them from dust, moisture, and deformation. Here’s how to care for leather shoes by storing them properly to extend their lifespan:

Keep them in a dust bag: To keep your shoes in good condition, store them in a dust bag at all times. This prevents dust accumulation and shields them from direct sunlight, which can lead to fading.

Avoid plastic bags: Don’t store leather shoes in plastic bags to prevent damage, as leather requires ventilation. Instead, opt for fabric bags or ventilated shoe boxes.

Rotate your shoes: If you wear leather shoes often, it’s beneficial to alternate between different pairs. Using the same pair daily can result in quicker damage and deterioration. Give each pair at least 24 hours to ventilate before wearing them again.

Effective storage can prevent unnecessary damage, keeping your leather shoes looking fresh for longer.

Bonus Tips for Leather Shoe Maintenance

Use a soft cloth: Always use a soft, non-abrasive cloth when cleaning or polishing to prevent scratching the leather.

Sole protection: Check the wear and tear on the bottom of your shoes regularly. Having a cobbler resole them may extend the life of your shoes.

Refresh with a shoe shine: A professional shoe shine can give your worn-out or dull-looking shoes a fresh look and an extra layer of protection.

Conclusion

To keep leather shoes in perfect condition, you must know how to care for them. Follow these six easy steps to ensure your shoes seem brand new for years to come: washing, conditioning, polishing, waterproofing, using shoe trees, and proper storage. 

Whether you’re focusing on how to care for leather dress shoes or wondering how to treat leather shoes that see frequent use, these tips are perfect for leather shoe maintenance.

You can experience the enduring charm that leather shoes add to your closet with a small investment of time and effort. For the finest selection of leather shoes, visit H. Stockton and view our collection now!