How to clean & take care of your shoes

A fine pair of shoes looks great straight-out-of-the-box and then life gets in the way and they become scuffed, dirty, and dull. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Following these simple steps will keep your new shoes looking great for years to come or will be able to restore your old favourites to their original luster.

CARING FOR LEATHER SHOES

1. Remove laces and place shoes in shoe trees. Clean with damp cloth.
2. Use a polishing brush to apply a thin coat of matching shoe polish.
3. Use a buffing brush to shine your shoes.
4. Use a leather conditioner or leather protectant spray to protect your shoes against the elements.
5. Enjoy your shoes for years to come!

CARING FOR SUEDE AND NUBUCK SHOES

1. Remove laces and place shoes in shoe trees. Use a protectant spray before your first wear.
2. Clean off any dirt on your shoes using a brush.
3. Spot clean using a suede/nubuck cleaner spray with the bottle's brush cap.
4. Once dry, use another clean brush to "refluff" the suede or nubuck.
5. Enjoy your shoes for years to come!

DRYING

Sometimes getting the shoe wet is unavoidable. If this happens, don’t try to dry the shoes with a blow dryer or by placing them next to a heating element. This can crack leather and cause further damage to other materials like suede and knit textiles. Let them dry out naturally. You can help the process by stuffing the shoes with newspaper to absorb excess water. But do not use cedar shoe trees, they are not designed to absorb excessive amounts of moisture.

USE CEDAR SHOE TREES

The use of a a cedar shoe tree helps naturally absorbs moisture, repels insects, and reduces odour. Along with proper cleaning, this is the best way to conserve your shoes. Everyone’s feet perspire, and that moisture can cause the leather to deteriorate. Cedar naturally absorbs this moisture and also has a fresh aroma that eliminates any odour. When shoes aren’t being worn, they quickly lose their shape. A shoe tree holds the shape of your shoes and keeps them from creasing and cracking. Additionally, if a shoe is not worn for a long period of time it can actually shrink – a shoe tree prevents this.

For the right tools and the best care for your shoes, check out our shoe care products.