May 25, 2022
Shoe TLC: 6 Steps for Keeping Your Footwear Pristine
As the old adage goes, you can tell a lot about a man by his shoes. So, what message are your footwear sending? If it's time for a refresh, familiarize yourself with these simple shoe care tips. With just a bit of effort and some insider knowledge, you can keep your shoes looking sharp and your soles ready for anything. Here's how:
Keep It Clean
When it comes to leather shoes, polishing is non-negotiable. Opt for cream-based polish over liquid-filled sponge polish for optimal results. Why? Not only does polishing enhance the appearance of your shoes (perfect for complementing any suit), but it also moisturizes and nourishes the leather, keeping it supple and healthy.
Ideally, polish your shoes every time you wear them. If that's too much, give them a quick rubdown before braving bad weather. For suede shoes, skip the polish and use a suede brush and eraser instead. The eraser removes light markings, while the brush restores the suede's nap.
Even casual footwear like trainers require proper care. For canvas trainers, handwash with fabric shampoo and lukewarm water. Avoid the washing machine! Leather trainers can be cleaned with a few swabs of nail polish remover for stubborn scuff marks.
Ideally, polish your shoes every time you wear them. If that's too much, give them a quick rubdown before braving bad weather. For suede shoes, skip the polish and use a suede brush and eraser instead. The eraser removes light markings, while the brush restores the suede's nap.
Even casual footwear like trainers require proper care. For canvas trainers, handwash with fabric shampoo and lukewarm water. Avoid the washing machine! Leather trainers can be cleaned with a few swabs of nail polish remover for stubborn scuff marks.
Repair It
At the first sign of wear on your leather shoes, it's imperative to have a skilled cobbler repair them promptly. Investing in new heels and soles can significantly prolong the life of your shoes, all while costing much less than purchasing a replacement pair. Prioritizing timely repairs ensures that your beloved footwear remains in top condition for years to come.
Handle with Care
Just as with a well-crafted suit, it's essential to handle a high-quality pair of shoes with care. To ensure their longevity, rotate your shoes regularly to allow them ample time to "rest" between wears. This practice helps prevent excessive wear and tear, ensuring that your footwear maintains its pristine condition for longer periods.
Tree of (Long) Life
Investing in high-quality wooden shoe trees, especially cedar ones, is a smart move for maintaining the shape and condition of your footwear. Whether you own Oxfords, wingtips, loafers, or designer trainers in nappa suede, using shoe trees during their "resting" period helps absorb moisture and prevents creasing in the leather. Considering the investment you've made in your shoes, opting for top-notch shoe trees is a wise decision that pays off in the long run.
Liquid Assets
Living in Ireland means your shoes are likely to face wet conditions year-round. To protect your suede footwear, opt for a specialized leather protector instead of traditional products like Dubbin. These sprays are easy to apply and can significantly extend the lifespan of your shoes. Apply the water repellent before the shoes' first wear and follow the instructions for regular reapplication to maintain optimal protection.
Sole Traders
Experts often disagree on the best methods for extending the life of leather-soled shoes. However, we believe that adding a rubber sole onto the original leather sole is a reliable way to increase longevity. Not only does it enhance durability, but it also reduces the risk of slipping, particularly on streets like Grafton Street. Just like a house needs a solid foundation, your shoes require proper care to maintain their quality. So, ensure your soles are in excellent condition to put your best foot forward at all times.
This luxury valet kit really is the epitome of shoe care, a perfect gift for any discerning gentlemen and crafted in a solid wood case, this valet box will ensure you're putting your best foot forward.
The kit includes all the leather care products you will ever need to keep your shoes in tip-top condition and a number of polishes crafted for Loake by Saphir - the best in the world for shoe creams and waxes, to really let them shine and to make your shoes really look their absolute best.
Containing a cloth, shoe horn, oiled/waxy leather protector, suede cleaner, suede protector, and 2x small application brushes and 2x larger polishing brushes, this all inclusive valet box will put some life into your shoes.
CONTAINS
- Cleaning Cloth
- Metal Shoe Horn
- Oiled/Waxy Leather Protector
- Nubuck & Suede Cleaner
- Nubuck & Suede Protector
- 6 x Saphir/Loake Shoe Creams: Black, Brown, Dark Brown, Conker Brown, Tan and Neutral
- 2 x Small Applicator Brushes
- 2 x Large polishing brushes
