Men's Leather Shoe Care: How to Clean, Polish and Protect Your Shoes

By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 28 September 2026

The short answer: clean leather shoes after wear with a brush and a damp cloth, condition them every few weeks with cream, polish for shine and protection, and keep them on cedar shoe trees. Rotate pairs so each gets a day to dry. Suede needs a brush, an eraser and a protector spray, never cream or polish. Replace worn heel tips and laces early and your shoes will last for years.

Your shoe care kit

How to clean leather shoes

1. Remove the laces and insert shoe trees.
2. Brush off dust and dirt, especially along the edge of the sole.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth. For heavy dirt or salt, use a small amount of saddle soap or leather cleaner, then wipe it off.
4. Let the shoes dry naturally at room temperature. Never use a radiator or hairdryer.

How to condition and polish

Apply a thin layer of cream polish in small circles, let it absorb for 10 minutes, then buff with a horsehair brush. Cream nourishes the leather and restores colour. For a higher shine, add thin layers of wax polish to the toe and heel, buffing with a cloth and a drop of water between layers. Oswin Hyde shoes use uncoated full-grain crust leather, which takes cream and wax well and develops a rich patina over time.

How to protect leather shoes

• Spray a water and stain protector before first wear and every few weeks in wet weather.
• Rotate your shoes: wearing the same pair every day doesn't let the leather dry out.
• Use cedar shoe trees after every wear.
• Use a shoehorn to protect the heel counter.
• Store shoes in dust bags away from sunlight and damp.

How to care for suede shoes

Brush suede dry, in one direction, to lift dirt and restore the nap. Rub marks with a suede eraser. For water marks, dampen the whole panel evenly and let it dry naturally, then brush. Treat new suede with a suede protector spray. Never use cream or wax polish on suede. For boots, see our Chelsea boot care guide.

Caring for leather sandals

Wipe the straps and footbed with a damp cloth after hot days, let them dry out of the sun, and condition leather straps occasionally so they don't crack.

Shoelaces: types, shapes and how to replace them

To replace laces, measure the old pair or count eyelets: 5-eyelet shoes usually take about 75–90 cm laces, 6 eyelets about 90–100 cm and boots longer. For dress shoes, straight-bar lacing looks neatest. Browse our shoe and boot laces in colours from black and tan to navy and bordo.

Repairs: heel tips, scuffs and worn soles

Replace worn heel tips as soon as the top layer wears down; it is quick and cheap at any cobbler. Scuffs on smooth leather can be hidden with a matching cream polish. Oswin Hyde shoes use cemented construction, which keeps them light and flexible. Like most cemented shoes, a full resole is not usually cost-effective, typically £60–70 in the UK, so looking after the heels and soles early matters. Every pair has a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects.

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean men's leather shoes?

Brush off dirt, wipe with a damp cloth or saddle soap, let them dry naturally, then condition with cream and buff.

How often should you polish leather shoes?

Condition with cream every few weeks of regular wear, and add wax polish when you want more shine or protection.

How do you take care of suede shoes?

Brush dry suede in one direction, remove marks with a suede eraser and protect it with a suede spray. Never use cream or polish.

What is the best leather shoe cleaner?

For most dirt, a damp cloth is enough. For deeper cleaning, saddle soap or a gentle leather cleaner, followed by conditioner.

How do you replace shoelaces?

Match the length to the number of eyelets, choose thin round laces for formal shoes and flat laces for casual shoes, and use straight-bar lacing for a neat look.

Do shoe trees really help?

Yes. Cedar shoe trees absorb moisture, hold the shape and reduce creasing, which helps leather shoes last longer.

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