Good shoes reward a little care. Follow these steps and your pairs will last for years.
Every time you wear them
- Use a shoehorn to protect the heel counter.
- Insert cedar shoe trees as soon as you take them off. Cedar absorbs moisture and helps the leather keep its shape.
- Give each pair a day's rest between wears.
Calf and grained leather
- Brush off dust and dirt with a horsehair brush.
- Apply a thin layer of leather cream with a soft cloth and let it absorb for 10–15 minutes.
- Finish with wax polish on the toe and heel for shine and protection, then buff.
Suede and nubuck
- Use a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dust.
- Treat new pairs with a suede protector spray before the first wear.
- Let wet suede dry naturally at room temperature, never next to a radiator, then brush.
Leather soles
Leather soles become more grippy after a few wears. On wet days, choose a rubber-soled pair, and have soles and heels refreshed by a cobbler when they wear down. Goodyear-welted shoes can be fully resoled.
Synthetic and easy-care uppers
Wipe clean with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then dry naturally.