Caring for leather shoes

Rest them

Leather needs a day to dry out after a day of wear. Rotate two pairs if you can, and put cedar shoe trees in the moment you take them off: they draw out moisture and hold the shape while the leather is still warm.

Clean, feed, then shine

Brush off dust with a horsehair brush. Every few wears, work a little neutral or matching cream into the leather with a soft cloth and let it sink in for ten minutes. Wax polish comes last, on the toe and heel, where a shine protects against scuffs.

Look after the soles

Leather soles last longer with a thin rubber protector added early. Replace heel top-pieces before they wear down to the heel block, and when the sole wears thin, bring the pair back to be resoled rather than replaced.

Suede and wet days

Brush suede with a crepe brush and keep it away from heavy rain. If leather gets wet, stuff it with paper, dry it slowly away from heat, and feed it with cream once it is dry.