Leather Shoe Care Products Are A Must

By Sally Delacruz


A good pair of leather shoes is an investment that will last for years if cared for properly. Buying an expensive pair will be a complete waste of money if you do not keep them clean, moisture free, and supple. Finding a local cobbler will also add to their life by having them resoled when needed. In addition it is essential to use leather shoe care products.

Something that does not take any time at all is to just rotate the shoes or at least take them off as soon as you get home. By doing so, you are allowing the moisture to dry out, which is important for the leather. In addition, place a cedar shoe tree inside the pair once you removed them from your feet.

Cedar is the best material to use. It allows proper drying and allows the leather to return back to its original shoe shape. Using cedar will prevent lines from forming where your foot flexes and protects the uppers and insoles. There are plastic and metal models available on the market but they do not allow for proper drying.

Too much moisture is a bad thing especially if it is retained. It can cause bacteria growth and mold to form. In addition to properly drying them if they get wet, apply a wax based polish on a regular basis. You could also use a waterproofing compound for heavier protection. Be sure to also dry your shoes when they get wet or damp by inserting newspapers or a towel. Do not though, place them next to a heater or use a blow dryer on them. You can cause cracks by drying too quickly.

Just as too much moisture is bad for your investment, so is allowing them to get too dry. Cracks will form and ruin them. Once this happens there is no saving them. To prevent this you can apply a shoe cream or conditioner every few months. You can also buff on a little dab of petroleum jelly.

There are some basic tools you should have in order to extend the life of your shoes. In addition to cedar models, you need a shoe horn. They protect the back of shoes when you put them on which helps maintain their shape. A specialty spray can be used to make cleaning easier. A horse hair brush is used to work the polish in and remove the excess polish.

You will also need some basic items to keep them clean. Saddle or oil soap, a specialty cleaner, and a dry cloth are a must. You can use your horsehair brush to help get dirt, mud, and alkaline off. For scuff marks, gently rub an eraser or non-gel toothpaste on then brush off.

The soles of your shoes are also going to be leather and will probably need replacing or repair after a while. Find a reputable cobbler and develop a relationship with them. If you do not have that option, you can always box up your purchase and return to the manufacture for resoling or refurbishing when they get worn out.




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