The leather shoe is a timeless staple of fashion that can be worn for any occasion in an array of styles, so we know just how good it feels to break in a brand-new pair. Leather is a gorgeous material. They are so gorgeous, in fact, that many fear risking damaging them with scuffs and marks that come with everyday wear. The preconception that leather is difficult to clean puts off many from owning stunning leather shoes and others from wearing them too often.
At Rieker, we have vast experience with shoes of all styles and materials, and we want to set the record straight. Leather shoes are no more difficult to clean than your average trainer or dress shoe of any other material, and our guide will show you how! Learn our best tips and tricks so you can bring the shine back to your leather shoes.
Table of contents
- What you’ll need to clean leather shoes
- How to clean your leather shoes at home
- How to polish your leather shoes
- Leather shoe care tips
- Leather shoes at Rieker
What you’ll need to clean leather shoes
Before we get into the instructions on how to clean your leather shoes, it’s important to know what you’ll need to do the job. Leather shoes should always be cleaned by hand and never put in the washing machine. This can cause the leather to shrink and damage the shoes irreparably. Ensure you have the following items available:
- A soft brush
- Two clean cloths
- Small bucket/large bowl
- Washing-up liquid
- Leather conditioner
- Shoe polish
- Shoe protector spray
How to clean your leather shoes at home
While the option to take your leather shoes to a professional cleaning service is always a viable one, learning how to clean them yourself couldn't be easier, and it'll save you some money, too!
Remove the laces
Start by removing your laces and putting them to the side. This cleaning process will focus on the shoes alone, but if your laces require a touch-up, they can be placed in a regular machine washing load.
Brush away dirt and debris
To ensure your leather gets the best possible treatment, you must remove any surface dirt or debris gathered on your shoes. Grab a soft brush, gently work away the muck, and keep an eye out for any scuffs and scrapes in the process.
Make your cleaning solution
Now your leather shoes are ready to be treated, you need to create your cleaning solution. We recommend adding a teaspoon of washing-up liquid to a small bucket or large bowl of warm water and mixing. Warm water is optimal as it will help tackle scuffs and stains.
Apply your solution
Dip a clean cloth into your solution, wring so it doesn't leak, and apply the mixture to the shoes by wiping in a circular motion all over the leather. If particularly tricky stains don't wipe away immediately, try dabbing them, and if they still persist, apply slightly more pressure and rub until clear.
Wipe away the soap
Use your second clean cloth to wipe away excess soapy water and gently dry the leather. Leave the shoes to air dry further for anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour. Do not begin to polish the leather until it is dry enough to do so.
How to polish your leather shoes
After the stains and muck are dealt with, it’s time to give your leather shoes their true shine back with a thorough polish. Use a clear polish or one of a similar colour to your shoes, and apply in circular motions all around the leather. We recommend testing the polish on an inconspicuous area before application to check for discolouration.
Alternatively, you can use leather conditioner instead of shoe polish. Leather conditioner gives the shoes a distinctive shine and glimmer as if they were freshly bought, much like shoe polish. The difference is that the conditioner breaks beyond the surface of the leather to ensure the material stays flexible and hydrated. The conditioner also prevents water blockages, making the shoes less likely to tear and crack.
After applying either polish or conditioner, allow the shoes to dry. Keep them away from direct sunlight to avoid cracks developing.
Leather shoe care tips
Knowing how to regularly care for and treat your leather shoes is as important as learning to give them a deep clean. This everyday upkeep will maintain the flexible feel and unmistakable shine of quality leather shoes. Additionally, regular maintenance will require less frequent deep cleaning.
- After each wear, take a soft brush or a clean cloth and give your leather shoes a generous wipe to remove any debris picked up throughout the day. Daily wipes or brushes will keep grime away and make gradual stains less likely to appear.
- When it's time to store your leather shoes, remember to insert a shoe tree. This not only maintains the structure of your shoes but also acts as a moisture and odour absorber, safeguarding the leather from deterioration.
- We also recommend choosing when to wear your leather shoes carefully. Significantly wetter days might call for leaving the leather at home, reducing the risk of water damage. On days when you’re not wearing them, leave your leather shoes in a dust bag to prevent dust collection.
Leather shoes at Rieker
If the fear of dirtying pristine leather shoes has put you off buying a pair in the past, we hope our guide has helped put your mind at ease. Don’t let misconceptions and cleaning anxieties deter you from timelessly stylish shoes that can transform your look.
At Rieker, we stock a vast collection of leather shoes, so you can buy your first pair or simply build on your collection. All of our leather shoes are effortlessly elegant and comfortable thanks to our antistress technology. Browse our men’s and ladies’ shoe style guides to get started.
