How to Care for Elevator Leather Shoes: 6 Easy Steps

Caring for elevator leather shoes might seem challenging, but leather is quite durable with a bit of attention. The key to maintaining leather shoes—whether they are dress shoes, boots, or casual sneakers—is to keep them clean and dry. Following these simple steps can significantly extend the life of your footwear.

Here are six steps to care for your elevator leather shoes:

1. Rotate Your Shoes

Leather, like skin, needs to breathe. Have at least two pairs of shoes in regular rotation to avoid wearing the same pair every day. Feet sweat throughout the day, and leather absorbs this moisture. Damp leather is more prone to stretching, scuffing, creasing, and staining. Wearing them every other day allows them to dry properly, greatly enhancing their longevity.

2. Clean After Each Wear

Keep a shoe brush or microfiber cloth handy to clean your shoes after each wear. This prevents dirt and grime from embedding into the leather, helping to avoid stains over time.

3. Use Shoe Trees

Inserting a cedar or poplar shoe tree is crucial for shoe care. Leather absorbs moisture and odors, which can cause deterioration. Shoe trees help absorb this moisture and maintain the shoe's shape to prevent creasing, significantly extending their lifespan.

4. Avoid Bad Weather

Avoid wearing leather shoes in heavy rain or on salt- and snow-covered sidewalks. Water can stain leather, and wet leather soles are more susceptible to damage. If you must wear them in such conditions, use galoshes for protection and keep a pair at home and in your car. If shoes get wet, let them air dry naturally with a shoe tree inside; avoid heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, which can crack the leather.

5. Polish Regularly

To prevent leather from drying out and cracking, polish your shoes every six wears. Shoe polish moisturizes the leather and adds a protective layer against dust and water while restoring color and hiding scuffs. Choose between cream or wax polish—or use both depending on your desired finish. Cream provides more moisture and a natural finish, while wax offers greater protection and shine but can be more drying. Apply polish with a microfiber cloth in circular motions, using a pig hair brush for deeper application, followed by a polishing glove or brush to buff and shine.

6. Store in Dust Bags

Dust can stain and degrade leather over time. If you’re not wearing your shoes regularly, store them in fabric dust bags to protect them while allowing them to breathe.

These six steps are fundamental to prolonging the life of your shoes. Additional care, like using leather conditioner or consulting a cobbler, can further extend their lifespan.

Leather & Textile Shoes Care

High-quality elevator shoes require individual care based on the material.

A. Smooth Leather

Remove dust and dirt with a brush. Apply a colorless or matching shoe polish to the entire shoe, allowing it to penetrate the leather. Finish by polishing with a soft cloth. During rainy seasons, regularly waterproof the shoes to protect them from moisture.

B. Suede Leather

Use a brush to remove dirt from suede leather. If cleaned while wet or with a special foam, roughen the shoe afterward with a brush.

C. Greased Leather

Clean with warm water and a brush, then dry with a cloth. For heavily soiled areas, use Foam Leather Cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth. After drying, apply All Natural Boot Oil, Mink Oil, or Natural Leather Conditioner with fingers, a cloth, or sponge to condition and extend the leather’s life.

D. Patent Leather

Clean patent leather with a soft cloth to prevent scratches. For intensive care, use specific products for patent leather to maintain resilience and minimize creasing.

E. Hand-Painted Leather

Hand-painted shoes are unique, with layers of color applied by craftsmen. Clean mud with a damp cloth, dry thoroughly, and apply water-based cream to maintain color depth. Avoid wax or creams with high solvent content to prevent stripping the finish. Use neutral cream to preserve original color, and occasionally apply color-specific cream for fading or scuffs.

F. Textile

Clean textile shoes immediately after use with a brush to remove dirt. For stubborn dirt, use a damp sponge but keep soles dry to prevent glue dissolution. Avoid washing textile shoes in a washing machine.

These guidelines will help maintain the quality and appearance of your shoes for years.