Leather shoe care - YouLookFab Forum

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Leather shoe care

Gigi

Veteran

What do you do to care for your leather shoes?

I hadn't really thought a lot about it. I have just been putting on some leather preservative once a year, and I polish them when they start looking marked up. I have to stop in to my cobbler next week, so I will ask him too, but I'd like to prepare myself in advance by asking all of you what you do.

Many thanks!

General

17 replies

Latest reply was from kkards

rabbit

Veteran

keep them away from my cats

One night of boredom, one two week old pair of booties I forgot to put on a high shelf = destroyed

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abc

Veteran

ouch rabbit!

I must admit I am pretty lazy, but on occasion I have been known to get out all of my shoes and put leather conditioner on them after cleaning. I used Clarks brand if it matters.

Gigi

Veteran

Yikes, rabbit! I'm so sorry...and only two weeks old! I don't have any animals, so I don't have to worry. Dang.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I admit to having no shoe care skills whatsoever Aside from the keeping away from the cat! I lost my first knee high boots that way. BIG scratches across the top of the toe box. Bad kitty!
Oh, I did rub Sno Seal into my Doc Martens a few seasons back . . . but I could use a routine here it seems.

rabbit

Veteran

Actually the good thing is I bought them on a credit card which in checking the fine print will "replace or refund product if stolen or accidentally damaged in first 90 days for up to $500 per incident." They would also pay for repair if applicable.

Not to thread hijack, but it's good to know if you have something get damaged within the first three months: http://www.learnvest.com/knowl.....arranties/

I learned my lesson though, cats look cute and fuzzy but beware when the predatory wrestle and attack strange new object instincts come out.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

When I buy leather shoes or boots I always polish them before I wear them - it helps to avoid surface scratches & any dirt is easier to remove. After that I just check them after wearing to see if they need any TLC.

Gigi

Veteran

Rabbit, I'm glad your story has a happy ending! I didn't know that some credit cards have that option. I should check mine out.

Gaylene

Veteran

Shoe trees. My husband is a fanatic about only wearing good leather shoes ($400 and up) and takes immaculate care of them. He can't stand the look of scuffed and misshapen shoes, so he insisted that I use shoe trees in all my leather shoes after wearing them and to never wear the same shoes two days in a row. With regular polishing and conditioning, regular replacement of heel tips, and the use of shoe trees, my good leather shoes look pristine for years.

MsMary

Veteran

I hang up my shoes on over-the-door shoe racks so they don't fall victim to any household accidents, with pets or otherwise. I have waterproofed my leather boots with Kiwi brand waterproofing solution. I use leather cleaner when necessary. And I re-heel when needed.

Carla

Veteran

Back in the day, my dad used to pay me 10 cents for every pair of shoes I polished!

Now a-days I periodically wipe down shoes and boots with leather cleaner wipes. DH is a dear and polishes them when he works on his own. Every fall I line up boots and shoes on the patio and give them a good spray down with the waterproof stuff. I take care of the suede shoes with a special brush.

Kiwibird

I use a waterproofing / stain resisting leather spray. I also use a leather conditioning cream from time to time and a leather cleaner when they need it to keep them looking good. And have them re heeled and resoled when they need it. I always use boot trees in my boots.

Liz A.

Veteran

I try to polish every so often and always spray with waterproofing spray. Thanks goodness my cats aren't into clawing shoes, just furniture.
And @rabbit high five shoe twin! I have those clarks booties too!

Britty

Member

I also I have to emphasize the waterproofing spray- I ruined too many good leather shoes thinking I could just get away with polish alone.

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

What kind of leather waterproofing do you all like that doesn't darken leather? I want some for boots etc. whose color I want to preserve. Thanks in advance.

rabbit

Veteran

Hi five Liz I couldn't find replacements in the same color, but I think a medium gray/same finish will work with my clothes.

I'm also curious about the best leather waterproofing for lighter or 'oiled leather' shoes? Do the spray ones work ok?

Gigi

Veteran

I don't have much experience in waterproofing. My cobbler recommended a spray one (Four Seasons Weatherguard), but my boots are dark brown. So I don't know anything about whether it would darken leather. I would stop in at a cobbler if you can and ask him what to use.

kkards

Veteran

i don't do anything. when they need to be re-soled or need a new heel piece i bring them to the cobler, he works his magic, and they look and wear like new again.