How to care for leather shoes
Reading time: 5 minutes | Last updated: October 30, 2025
Leather shoes are not only a stylish addition to your wardrobe but, with the right care, can last for years! Cleaning and maintaining your leather shoes doesn’t have to be a complicated task. With the right products and a little attention, your shoes can look as good as new. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you along the way.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning leather shoes
Step 1 | Remove dirt and dust
Start by removing surface dirt and dust. Use a soft brush or a dry cloth and gently wipe the leather.
Step 2 | Clean the leather thoroughly
For a deeper clean, you can use a special leather cleaner. A good cleaner effectively removes dirt and stains without damaging the leather.
Step 3 | Dry your shoes
Let your shoes dry at room temperature. Keep them away from direct heat sources like radiators or the sun. Excessive heat or direct sunlight can dry out the leather.
Step 4 | Care for your leather shoes
After cleaning, it’s important to take care of your leather shoes to keep the leather supple and shiny. A protecting spray nourishes the leather and helps prevent it from drying out.
Extra tips for cleaning leather shoes
- Remove laces: Take out the laces before cleaning your shoes to ensure you can reach every area. You can wash the laces by hand in soapy water.
- Use shoe trees: Place shoe trees in your shoes while drying (or when storing them) to maintain their shape and prevent creases.
- Regular maintenance: Make it a habit to regularly clean and maintain your shoes. This extends their lifespan and ensures they look as good as new for years.
Additional tips to make your shoes feel like new
- Replace insoles: Does it feel like the memory foam in your shoes is no longer working well? Or can’t you get your insoles clean? Replace them! A new insole can do wonders for your feet, making it feel like you’re wearing a new pair of shoes. For a small cost, you can revamp your old shoes. You can find a selection of our insoles here.
- Replace your laces: Sometimes, you just can’t get those laces clean anymore. Stick with a pair that looks the same, or choose a fun, standout color.
- Alternate shoes: Give your shoes regular breaks. It’s best not to wear the same pair every day. Let those shoes breathe! This also helps prevent unpleasant odors. Win-win! (Still struggling with smelly shoes? Here are some tips.)
Need new shoes?
With these steps and tips, your leather shoes will stay in top condition, and you’ll be able to enjoy them for many years.
And if your shoes are beyond saving, we’ve got enough shoes to choose from.
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Contact us through the options below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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These shoes are of excellent quality. With proper care, they'll stay beautiful for a long time – sustainable for the planet and smart for your wallet. Our maintenance tips: