If you are a fan of leather shoes, then you probably know that leather is skin. Similar to our skin, leather is tough but still fragile enough to rough surfaces and hence requires protection and care. You may have even heard that leather shoes don’t last long, but that’s because they may not have been maintained properly. 

Understand it this way: Unlike our skin, which receives nourishment from the body, these shoes get nourishment from what you give them. As a result, they dry out, over-absorb water, and get damaged. While our skin can repair itself, leather shoes cannot. 

Proper care and maintenance are needed to keep your leather Belvedere shoes looking their best and ensure they last for years. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to care for your leather shoes, offering practical tips and insights to help you maintain their appearance and longevity.

Tips To Take Care of Your Leather Shoes: 

Cleaning Your Leather Shoes

Cleaning is the first step in any leather shoe care routine. Dirt and grime can damage the leather’s surface, leading to permanent stains and weakening the material. Regular cleaning not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of leather shoes but also extends their lifespan.    

How to Clean Leather Shoes

• Remove Laces: Before cleaning, remove the laces to avoid getting them wet or dirty.
• Use a Soft Brush: Gently brush off any loose dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush.
• Apply a Leather Cleaner: Use a leather-specific cleaner to remove any remaining dirt. Use the cleaner with a soft cloth, and rub very gently in circular motions.
• Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Remove any excess cleaner with a damp cloth, then dry the shoes with a clean towel.

Conditioning Leather Shoes 

You might not know, but leather can dry out over time. This could lead to cracks and stiffness in your shoes. Even prominent brands like Giovanni shoes, specifically the leather ones, can go through the same. This is where conditioning the shoes helps to keep the leather soft. 

How to Condition Leather Shoes

• Choose the Right Conditioner: Select a conditioner specifically designed for leather shoes.
• Apply Evenly: Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather in circular motions.
• Let it Absorb: You have to allow the cream conditioner to absorb into the leather for a minimum 15 minutes.
• Buff the Shoes: Use a clean, dry cloth to buff the shoes, remove any excess conditioner, and give the leather a nice shine.

Polishing Leather Shoes

Polishing your leather shoes is more than just a cosmetic enhancement; it serves as a critical maintenance step that extends the life of your footwear. By regularly polishing your shoes—ideally, every six wears—you not only achieve a lustrous shine but also apply a protective layer that shields against moisture and scuffs.

How to Polish Leather Shoes

• Select the Right Polish: If you prefer, choose a polish that matches the color of your leather shoes or a neutral polish.
• Apply the Polish: Use a soft cloth or applicator brush to apply the polish in small, circular motions.
• Let it Set: Allow the polish to set for a few minutes.
• Buff to Shine: Use a horsehair brush or a clean cloth to buff the shoes, bringing out a high shine.

Waterproofing Leather Shoes

Water can be particularly damaging to leather, causing unsightly stains and significantly weakening the material over time. This deterioration not only affects the appearance of your leather shoes but can also impair their longevity and performance. To safeguard your investment and ensure your footwear remains in pristine condition, it is essential to waterproof your leather shoes.

How to Waterproof Leather Shoes

• Choose a Waterproofing Product: Select a waterproofing spray or wax designed for leather.
• Apply Evenly: Hold the spray about six inches from the shoe and apply an even coat. If using wax, apply with a soft cloth.
• Let it Dry: Allow the waterproofing product to dry completely before wearing the shoes.

Proper Storage

How you store your leather shoes and sneakers directly impact their longevity and quality. That’s because leather shreds if unworn for extended periods. So, if you are going to store your leather shoes for more than a month, you need to remember these things. 

• Use shoe trees: Inserting cedar shoe trees into your leather shoes helps maintain their shape, absorb moisture, and prevent odors.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
• Use shoe bags: When traveling, store your leather shoes in shoe bags to protect them from scuffs and scratches.

Final Words! 

We completely agree that taking care of your leather shoes is a time-consuming process. However, caring for and maintaining your leather shoes is an investment in their longevity and overall appearance. By following a regular cleaning, conditioning, polishing, and waterproofing routine, you can keep your shoes looking their best for years to come. So we can say that dedicating time to these maintenance steps will keep your leather shoes looking impeccable and durable for years to come.