Men’s Leather Shoe Care: Essential Tips You Need to Know

1. Clean first, condition second

Dirt and salt are leather’s enemies. After each wear, remove surface dust with a soft brush or cloth; for deeper cleaning, use a gentle leather cleaner from our shoe-care collection.

• Remove laces before cleaning to reach tongue and eyelets

• Wipe away excess cleaner with a damp cloth, then leave to dry naturally

Cleaning prepares the leather so conditioners can penetrate and replenish natural oils.

2. Condition to keep leather supple

Leather needs moisture to stay flexible. Apply a quality leather conditioner every few weeks (more often in dry climates) to prevent drying and cracking.

• Use small amounts and rub in with circular motions using a soft cloth

• Allow the conditioner to absorb before moving to polish

Conditioning restores suppleness and helps your shoes develop a pleasing patina over time.

3. Polish for protection and shine

Polish does two jobs: it restores colour and provides a protective layer against scuffs and moisture. Use a cream or wax polish matched to the shoe colour, or a neutral polish if you’re unsure.

• Apply polish sparingly with a dauber, work in evenly, then buff with a horsehair brush

• For a mirror shine on toes, finish with a light water-dipping technique and a soft cloth

Regular polishing keeps leather looking refined and slows surface wear.

4. Protect against water and stains

Even the best leather benefits from a waterproofing spray or dressing, especially if you wear shoes in wet weather. Apply a suitable protector before first wear and reapply periodically.

• Choose products compatible with your leather (avoid suede sprays on smooth calf)

• For heavy rain, consider rubber-soled options or overshoes to protect fine leather

A little proactive protection saves a lot of repair work later.

5. Use shoe trees and rotate your pairs

Shoe trees (cedar preferred) absorb moisture, preserve shape and reduce creasing. Equally important: rotate your shoes — don’t wear the same pair two days in a row.

• Insert shoe trees after each wear to speed drying and preserve the last

• Have at least two pairs in weekday rotation where possible

Rotation lets leather recover and extends the functional life of soles and linings.

6. Resole and repair — don’t discard

High-quality leather shoes are an investment because they can be repaired. Resoling, re-heeling or replacing stitching keeps them wearable for years.

• Ask for Goodyear-welt or Blake-stitched construction if you want resoling options

• Find a trusted cobbler for periodic maintenance rather than replacing shoes

Repairable shoes are more sustainable — and often cheaper in the long run.

Final thought: Good shoe care is simple: clean, condition, protect, store and repair. With a modest routine and a few quality products from our shoe-care collection, your leather shoes will repay you with years of comfort and style. Pair them with a coordinating leather belt and quality socks for a truly polished look.