Keep Your Shoes Looking Their Joyful Best, Wear After Wear
• Corin Ripley
Your favourite shoes are made for getting out and about, so it’s worth giving them a little care along the way. Whether you’re looking after soft suede or smooth leather, a few simple steps can help keep your shoes looking their joyful best and feeling ready for whatever the day brings.
From everyday marks to rainy-day mishaps, our easy shoe care tips will show you how to care for suede and leather shoes with confidence, so you can enjoy them for many more adventures, outings and happy days to come.
A few shoe care basics
✓Always let wet shoes dry naturally at room temperature.
✓Brush away loose dirt before using cleaning products.
✓Use products designed for the material you’re caring for.
✓Protect your shoes regularly to help keep them looking their best.
How to clean suede shoes
Suede shoes have a beautiful, soft finish and, with a little regular care, they can stay looking lovely for much longer. The good news is that caring for suede doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right brush, cleaner and protector, you can keep your favourite pairs looking fresh and ready for whatever the day brings.
1
Let them dry naturally If your shoes are wet or muddy, allow them to dry completely at room temperature. Avoid radiators or direct heat. Remove the laces if needed and stuff the shoes with newspaper to help absorb moisture and retain their shape.
2
Brush away loose dirt Use a suede brush to gently remove dried dirt and dust. There’s no need to scrub hard – a gentle brush is all you need.
3
Treat marks carefully For stubborn marks, use our shoe cleaner and apply in circular motions to help lift dirt and stains. Wipe away any excess moisture or foam with a clean cloth.
4
Brush the suede back into shape Once your shoes are clean and completely dry, gently brush the nap to help the suede look fresh again.
5
Protect them Spray with our universal protector spray from around 15cm away. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before reapplying. We recommend three coats to help form a water-resistant coating.
Let the mud dry completely first. Once dry, gently brush away as much as possible with a suede brush. Avoid rubbing wet mud into the material, as this can spread the mark and make it harder to remove. Then simply follow the suede care steps above.
How to care for leather shoes
Leather benefits from regular cleaning and conditioning to help keep it supple, avoid cracking and keep it looking its best.
The routine is similar to caring for suede, but with one important extra step: adding moisture back into the leather.
1
Remove dirt and dust Start by gently removing any loose dirt or dust from the surface of the shoe.
×Don’t put suede shoes in the washing machine unless the manufacturer’s care instructions specifically say you can.
×Don’t soak suede.
×Don’t use direct heat such as radiators or hairdryers.
×Don’t scrub aggressively.
×Don’t use a leather product on suede unless it’s specifically suitable for suede.
×Don’t try a new cleaning product without checking the instructions first.
A little care goes a long way
Whether you’re heading off on holiday, meeting friends for coffee or simply enjoying a busy day out, looking after your favourite shoes helps keep them ready for whatever comes next. A quick brush, the right cleaner and a little protection can make shoe care surprisingly simple.
