How To Maintain Leather Shoes

A good pair of leather shoes can last a long time, but only if you clean and care for them properly. Sun, wear and water are always working against you, and if left unchecked, your leather shoes can crack and fade. Start with a quality pair of shoes from such online retailers as Masseys and Macy's, then follow these simple guidelines to maintain their good looks.

Clean

You’ll want to lay down a few sheets of newspaper to protect your surfaces while you work. First, brush loose dirt from the shoes. Then, apply saddle soap or a cleaning agent made especially for leather to your shoes using a clean cotton cloth or an old T-shirt. Let the cleaning agent sit according to the package directions before gently wiping the shoes with another clean cotton cloth.

Condition

When your shoes are clean, you’ll need to condition them to keep the leather pliable and prevent cracking. Choose a conditioning product made for leather shoes and apply it per the directions. Most conditioners need to be left on the shoes for a time to soak into the leather. Gently wipe the shoes to remove excess conditioner.

Polish and Protect

Most shoe polishes should be used in a well-ventilated area to avoid overexposure to chemical fumes. Most include an applicator to rub in the polish. Let dry and then protect your leather shoes by rubbing or spraying on a waterproofing product. Buff to a shine.