Understanding how to care for leather shoes is the key to keeping your footwear looking its best. Basic maintenance will also go a long way in extending the lifespan of your favorite pairs. Leather is naturally durable and resilient, but it’s also porous. That means stains can penetrate your shoes and become permanent if you don’t take care of them in a timely manner.
As a footwear company with two decades of experience, we’re happy to share some tips we’ve picked up over the years. From loafers and Oxfords to Western boots and dress boots, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean leather shoes like a pro from the comfort of your home.
1. Brush Away Dirt and Debris
The first step is to remove any loose dirt and debris on the surface of the shoes. If you try to clean dirty shoes before completing this step, you run the risk of scrubbing the dirt deeper into the leather.
Remove the laces. Use a horsehair brush, old toothbrush, or any other soft-bristled brush to remove dirt, debris, and grime. You may also find that mild scuffs can be brushed away.
2. Clean with Soap
Do not use saddle soap on leather shoes! Saddle soap is made for extremely tough leather saddles. Shoes are made with softer leather, and the pH change in saddle soap would cause it to harden and weaken your leather footwear.
You can use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap to clean your shoes in a pinch. Dampen a clean cloth—you don’t want to soak the shoes. Thoroughly scrub all leather surfaces. Let the shoes sit for a few minutes.
3. Remove the Soap
Part of learning how to care for leather shoes is making sure you don’t damage them in the process! Never rinse your soap-lathered shoes, as too much water exposure could damage the leather. Instead, use a clean, camp cloth to gently wipe off the soap.
4. Dry the Shoes
Now you know how to clean leather shoes, but we’re not quite done yet! Drying them properly is crucial. Use a clean, dry towel to gently blot any remaining moisture away. After that, simply let the shoes air dry. You can let an outdoor breeze speed up the drying process, but never place them in the sun or near heat, as you risk drying out the leather and causing cracking.
5. Condition the Leather
This final step is optional, but we highly recommend it. Conditioning the leather helps to replenish moisture and prevent the leather from becoming cracked or brittle in the future. Some conditioners, such as beeswax, even add a waterproof barrier. Knowing how to clean leather shoes is important, but don’t overlook long-term preservation.
To condition your shoes, simply use a clean, dry cloth to massage your preferred leather-specific conditioner into the material. Apply firm pressure and use circular motions. Repeat the process until the conditioner doesn’t absorb into the leather anymore. Remove any residue with a clean, dry cloth.
Shop High-Quality Leather Footwear for Less
Now that you know how to care for leather shoes, why not treat yourself to a new pair? Maintenance can help to restore shoes, but sometimes the better solution is to simply replace them. After all, understanding the ins and outs of how to clean leather shoes can only get you so far if your shoes are severely stained or damaged (or if you just want an upgrade!).
Here at What’s Hot Clothing, we offer a huge selection of leather women’s shoes, men’s shoes, and children’s shoes from the shoe brands you know and trust, including Vionic, Birkenstock, Clarks, Mephisto, Ariat, and more. Take advantage of generous end-of-season discounts, and enjoy free shipping on orders $50+.
