Summer is here! More people are out, the weather is warmer, and it’s time to enjoy a few months of blissful sunshine. Of course, the perfect way to enjoy the summer weather is with a trip to the beach! Nothing quite says summer like feeling the sun's warmth, the breeze of the shore and enjoying the beautiful scenery on the sand with family and friends.
The only thing left to do is put on your sandals and start your beach break! However, at Rieker, we know all too well how sandals can be neglected outside of summer and may not be immediately fit for wear when you need them.
Your sandals should shine and complete a summer look perfect for a day out, and our cleaning guide will help you restore your warm-weather shoes to their former glory. Follow our tips and tricks to get your sandals ready to hit the beach in no time.
Table of contents
- How to clean leather sandals
- How to clean suede sandals
- How to clean fabric sandals
- General sandal care tips
- Sandals at Rieker
How to clean leather sandals
One of the best things about sandals is the versatility of their design. You can find sandals in various materials and styles that work magnificently. So, to ensure we’ve got all our bases covered, we will go through each material individually so all your pairs get the right treatment.Bring back the distinctive leather shine just in time for the season with a simple clean.
First, you’ll want to wipe your sandals with a soft cloth to remove any lingering dirt, dust or debris before the more thorough clean.
Once that’s done, fill a large bowl with cold water and add some mild washing-up liquid to create a cleaning solution. Dampen a clean cloth in the solution and gently wipe down the leather sandals. Pay close attention to areas needing more care, and use circular motions to clean.
Leave your leather sandals to air dry in an area away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent damage or fading of the leather.
How to clean suede sandals
Suede sandals make for the perfect beach footwear. Stylish and comfortable, a good pair of suede sandals will improve any day in the sun and help round off a lovely summer look you’ll return to whenever the temperature rises.
The unique look and feel of suede means the material requires diligent care when cleaning. Our quick and simple method will remove any scuffs, scratches or water damage the material is often susceptible to.
Pick up a suede brush and brush your sandals using straight motions in different directions to prevent pushing any muck or dirt deeper into the fibres. If you have any remaining stains after brushing, use a damp cloth and gently blot at lingering mud or dirt. You can also try a steamer to loosen the stain, blotting afterwards.
Allow your sandals to air dry post-clean and keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the shape and appearance of the sandals.
If a good old reliable suede brush can’t remove all of the scuffs and scratches plaguing your sandals, we recommend taking them to a professional suede cleaner.
How to clean fabric sandals
Partner the excitement of the sun and a day at the beach with comfortable fabric sandals so all the warm-weather walking will feel as easy as a summer breeze. While your primary reason for wearing fabric sandals is comfort, that doesn’t mean they don’t need maintenance.
To bring life back to your unkempt fabric sandals, create a cleaning solution using a small amount of mild washing-up liquid and warm water. Soak your sandals in the solution and gently scrub your footwear with a soft brush. Dirt often accumulates in the soles and footbeds more than anywhere else, so give these areas special attention.
Once you’re satisfied with the dirt you’ve removed with the brush, rinse the sandals thoroughly with clean water and leave them to air dry. As with leather and suede sandals, avoid drying them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can impact the shape.
While fabric and canvas sandals are particularly comfortable, all our footwear at Rieker is made using our antistress technology. This technology is made up of four properties. Our shoes are lighter, roomier, have more reflexibility and are shock absorbent. These properties ensure that your shoes feel the brunt of walking, not your feet. We lead busy and eventful lives with many ups and downs, so eliminating stress on your feet can be a massive help.
General sandal care tips
Knowing how to clean your sandals and have that fresh feeling in time for summer is great. Still, it’s arguably more important to know how to care for them in the short term so you can get that feeling with every wear throughout the season.
The thorough cleans we’ve been through are ideal for getting the sandals ready for summer, but regular upkeep can’t be underestimated. A gentle clean every few weeks or after a few wears will help maintain a fresh look and feel.
All footwear risks developing a foul odour over time, especially sandals. The direct contact between the footbed and the skin can fastrack an unpleasant scent. To prevent smells such as these, store your sandals in a well-ventilated space to deter moisture from building. Foot sprays and powders are both available to help generate a fresh scent.
Sandals at Rieker
Now you know how to keep sandals fresh before and after a trip to the beach, why not build your collection and get stocked up on sandals this summer? At Rieker, we stock both men’s and ladies’ sandals in various designs so you can find your perfect pair.
Whether it be sunny sands, short warm-weather walks or even colder days, if you’re brave enough, you’ll surely get the most out of your new sandals. Enjoy your summer and give your feet and footwear the care they deserve with Rieker sandals.
