How to Store Leather Shoes: 9 Best Practices for Longevity – News18

Leather shoes are a statement of comfort and style; we cannot avoid wearing leather shoes but we can take care of them. Leather shoes are a significant investment, so we all want to prolong their lifespan. Careful handling of leather is crucial for maintaining its appearance and overall conditions. Here are some useful tips on how to take good care of your leather shoes. Tabby Bhatia, director at Brune & Bareskin and Dhruv Arya, founder, Whitemuds shares 9 best practices for storing leather shoes.

Proper Storage

Cleaning: After using leather shoes, clean them thoroughly before storing them. Clean the dust using a soft brush gently and for deep cleaning use appropriate leather cleaner suitable for your leather shoes.

Conditioning: Conditioning the leather helps to keep it moisturized and prevents dryness. Don’t hurry, allow the conditioners to be absorbed for better results.

Let it dry

After cleaning your shoes, let them dry properly at room temperature, and avoid using hair dryers or radiators. Also, avoid putting them in direct sunlight.

Store it in cool & dry places

Store the shoes away from direct sunlight and avoid placing them in stuffed spaces. Keep it in breathable shoe bags or boxes.

Use shoe tree

Use shoe trees for your dress shoes as they help maintain the shoe’s shape, absorb moisture, and reduce odors, ensuring that your investment lasts longer. While a good polish maintains the shoe’s exterior, shoe trees will keep preserved the internal structure of your footwear and extend its life.

Create space for your shoes

Give your shoes the space they deserve. Proper storage will help to avoid marks, scratches, and unwanted deformations that are caused by overcrowding. For each pair of your shoes, ensure you have enough space to keep your collection well maintained and in pristine condition.

Let Your Leather Shoes Rest: Don’t Wear Them Every Day

Avoid wearing your leather shoes every day, give them time to air out and rest. For the best longevity, try to wear your leather shoes no more than three times a week. This will help maintain their shape and padding and extend their lifespan.

Regularly Condition and Nourish Your Leather

Leather is like skin and needs regular nourishment, just like we do. Using leather conditioners will help replenish the natural oils that are lost through cleaning & environmental exposure. Choose a conditioner designed for leather to ensure it doesn’t damage the delicate shoe surface.

Polishing and Waxing

For the best care of your leather shoes, regular polishing and waxing is important. Use leather cream to enhance the colour and patina, and apply quality wax for a glossy finish and added protection.

Invest in Quality

Opt for shoes with quality construction. High-quality craftsmanship like good year construction, allows you to replace the outsole and extend the life of your favourite pair. Investing in well-made shoes ensures long-lasting style and performance.