How to care for leather shoes and boots

Good quality leather shoes can last you a long time if you care for them properly. The first thing you should do after you buy a new pair of leather shoes is coat them in some kind of sealer or protecting agent. Shoe-protecting agent usually comes in a spray form and you apply two or three coats of it.

• After the shoes or boots are worn, clean them. Use saddle soap or a leather-specific cleaner on a damp cloth to gently wipe away the dirt and grime that can quickly accumulate on the street. This is especially true in winter. If de-icing salts and chemicals can ruin the steel underbelly of a vehicle, if not properly cleaned, just imagine what they can do to a pair of leather shoes or boots.
• Some cleaners are combination products that also condition leather. That’s fine; however, it is recommended that the leather is conditioned separately to ensure the job is done completely. Store-bought conditioning products prolong the life of leather by allowing the material to retain as much moisture as possible.
• If your leather shoes do get wet, set them aside to dry naturally and don't continue to wear them while they are wet unless you are deliberately trying to stretch the leather or shape it. Leather is best if it is kept soft and leather shoes are far more comfortable if the leather is soft to wear.
• A good polish will then give your shoes or boots a fine finish. Be sure to use a quality product and recognize that many polishes contain harmful chemicals. Always wear protective gloves and polish in a well-ventilated area.
• Try not to expose your shoes to harsh chemicals that can damage the leather. Treat your leather with natural-based products. If your shoes do get exposed to a harsh substance, wipe them down lightly with a soft cloth and warm water and reapply a coat of waterproof protector to them. Wearing socks also helps preserve the life of your shoes.When polishing shoes, always use a soft cloth or rag and polish in a circular motion.
• A final and optional step, although it is highly recommended, is to waterproof your shoes or boots. This does more to ensure the wearer’s feet stay dry on a rainy day but a good waterproofing can also go a long way in overall preservation.
• There are a lot of shoe care products out there, and they all serve one of the following four functions: protecting, cleaning, polishing and rejuvenating. Always stick with the best shoe care brands, sure they might be a bit more expensive but the last thing you want to do is to ruin your beautiful leather shoes or boots by using substandard quality care products.
• If you own a pair of knee high or thigh boots, you should definitely consider getting some bootie shapers or boot supports. They will help keep the boots in shape, and avoid folds and creasing! They are fairly inexpensive, and will last for a long time (decades), making them a sound investment for your leather boots. You can also consider getting some transparent (clear or see through) shoes and boot boxes. Not only are they great for organizing your shoe wardrobe, they will also keep your leather shoes and booties away from the dust.