Nice leather shoes can get very expensive, and if you have a few great shoes that you paid a lot for, you probably want to protect your investment. One thing about shoes is that the way you use and maintain them will make a huge difference in how long they last and look. Some shoes will even look better with time with proper maintenance. So, you must know how to clean and protect your shoes properly if you want to add to their lifespan. Here are a few tips for keeping your shoes looking great.
Learn How to Polish Shoes
If you have a few pairs of leather oxfords or brogues, you have to learn how to polish them. This will make your shoes look clean, but it will also keep the leather supple and make them last much longer.
Start by cleaning your shoes with a soft cloth. Dampen the cloth lightly and remove any dirt or grime. If it’s persistent, then you could use baby shampoo or saddle soap. Once this is done you can apply small amounts of polish in a circular motion and work the polish into the shoes. Allow the polish to dry and apply additional layers if needed. Remove any excess polish with a brush.
Once the polish has dried, you can start buffing the shoes. This is better done with a chamois, but any soft cloth will work here. You can start buffing the shoes dry or spritz the surface with a little bit of water to get a hard shine.
Pick the Right Polish
The type of polish you pick will make a big difference too. The better the polish, the better the results and the more long-lasting they will be. There are also different types of polish, and some will work for some applications better than others.
You have liquid, wax, and cream polish. Liquid polish is great if you want to do a quick job before an event. It won’t go as deep as cream or wax-based polishes, however. All in all, wax polishes are considered the best and have been used for centuries, so you can’t go wrong with them. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line wax-based polish, check out this Saphir Natural shoe wax at Burrows & Hare.
Shield them from Sunlight
Sunlight can be very bad for leather shoes. This is why you should have a nice combination of canvas and leather shoes as leather shoes, especially dark ones, are prone to dry rotting and will crumble after a while.
You have to protect your shoes when storing them too. Place them in a warm, dry environment and block them from any source of light. This will keep them looking new for longer. It will also prevent them from getting stiff.
Follow these few simple tips and your leather shoes will look great forever. Some shoes can even last a lifetime if maintained properly, so treat your shoes with the care they deserve.
