One of the best investments you can make is on quality
leather shoes. The only catch is that you must take care of those shoes
religiously. A quality pair of shoes will last you a lifetime with proper care
and maintenance. Also, the products you use on your leather footwear do not
have to cost more than the price of the shoes. There are a number of tips to
help you maintain those leather shoes so they will not only last longer but
will maintain a great look.
The first thing to remember is that two pairs of good
quality leather shoes will last more than twice as long as one pair. This mathematical
impossibility is nonetheless true because by purchasing two pair of leather
shoes, you can wear one pair every other day and allow the shoes to dry on a
cedar shoe tree to absorb the moisture from your skin and from the leather
while still holding the shoe in the correct shape. In this case, 1 + 1 = 3.
Cleaning your leather shoes is largely a matter of daily
care and daily attention to any blemishes. Using shoe care products allows the
leather to breathe. Suggested cleaning products include those made specifically
for leather, such as saddle soap. If you use saddle soap and follow the
treatment with mink oil, you will almost always have great success in keeping
your footwear looking like new. These products can be found in most areas where
shoe care items are found. Goop hand cleaner which can be found in most
automotive supplies stores is another great product for getting the leather
clean, without damaging the product. Goop is waterless and is excellent for
removing oil and grease from the surface of the leather. Pine gum will help to
restore your shoes when they are the victim of small nicks, scratches and cuts.
This product soaks into the leather and serves as excellent camouflage. If
the colour of the leather has faded, pine gum will help to restore the colour
and appearance.
If you often find that you are walking or working where
there is a lot of moisture, you can provide some waterproofing for your leather
shoes or boots. This will help to protect the footwear from salt stains, snow
and from water. If shoes do get damp, store them on a shoe tree to dry, but
never place the leather shoes close to direct heat such as a stove or fireplace
unit. Beeswax provides excellent water-repellent properties for protecting your
leather shoes from the elements. There are also waterproofing type products
sold where shoe care products appear that will help protect your shoes against
the elements.
Conditioning your footwear helps to maintain soft and supple
leather. Preventing cracks in the surface of the leather means that less
harmful agents can attack the leather. Keeping the leather soft means the shoes
will fit more comfortably too. Lanolin is great for softening the leather,
while emu oil restores the natural moisture of the leather by deep penetration
into the shoe.
When you are cleaning and conditioning your shoes do not
forget to take care of the inside of the shoe. Using Eucalyptus oil or Tea Tree
oil prevents the deterioration of the stitching by fighting against mildew and
mould in the interior of the shoe as well as in the topstitching.
Keep in mind that speciality leather products such as suede
or patent leather has special products intended specifically for their care.
For example, you would not want to use some of the oil or cream-based products
in caring for suede shoes. Often regular, gentle brushing to remove loose soil
and a spray-on suede cleaner will be just the thing for cleaning that type of
leather.
If you find problems developing in the stitching or the
soles of the show, or anywhere on the shoe, in fact, put the cost of repairing
the shoe against the cost of replacing them and make a trip to the local repair
shop for shoes. The price of a good repairman is well worth it in terms of
lengthened shoe life.
Finally, many people have success in caring for their shoes
with various household products not specifically created for leather shoes. For
example, petroleum jelly rubbed gently into the leather then allowed to sit
before a bit before being wiped off keeps leather uniform shoes looking great.
Others swear by furniture polish sprayed on lightly and wiped down with a
cloth.
The most important part of maintaining leather shoes is the
daily condition, cleaning and care.
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