How to care for your shoes ?

Because we know that not all of you have a doctorate in shoe polish, we thought it was our duty to explain to you how to take care of your leather shoes. Because it must be said, leather shoes, for men and women, must be pampered. Their longevity depends on it (and that of the planet too, for that matter!)

Before discovering when and how to clean the leather of your shoes, a little reminder of the golden rules in terms of leather care.

Ventilate your shoes regularly and avoid exposing them to direct heat sources (sun, radiator, etc...)
Use shoe trees (or newsprint if that's all you have on hand) to preserve the shape of your valuables.
Protect your shoes regularly with cleaning products that are suitable for them (no, lacquer does not act as a waterproofing agent, etc.)

Air out your shoes regularly and avoid exposing them to direct heat sources (sun, radiator, etc.).

Use shoe trees (or newspaper if that's all you have on hand) to preserve the shape of your precious shoes.

Protect your shoes regularly with suitable care products (no, hairspray does not act as a waterproofing agent...)

Clean your smooth leather shoes with a soft brush, without pressing too hard, to remove everyday dirt such as dust and stains. Finally, finish with a coat of polish to give the leather a new lease of life. Be careful to choose a polish that is the same colour as your shoes or a natural translucent polish, otherwise you may end up with shoes that look two-tone.

Leather shoes should be conditioned every 3 to 4 weeks with regular use. If frequently exposed to rain or dust, more frequent conditioning may be necessary. Leather is a natural material that needs to be nourished to maintain its suppleness and durability. Regular conditioning prevents cracking and extends the life of your shoes.

Leather boots require the same care as regular shoes, with particular attention paid to creases and areas exposed to the elements. After cleaning, apply a nourishing cream followed by a waterproofing spray. To maintain their shape, it's advisable to use wooden shoe trees between wears. This reduces creases and absorbs moisture.

Waterproofing protects leather shoes from moisture and stains. Spray a waterproofing spray from about 20 cm away from the shoe, onto clean, dry leather. Allow to air dry before wearing the shoes. It is advisable to repeat the process monthly during wet periods to ensure optimal protection.

Creases are natural in leather, but they can be minimized. Using wooden shoe trees after each wear helps maintain the shoe's shape and absorb moisture. Alternating pairs and avoiding prolonged daily wear also helps preserve the leather's appearance. Well-conditioned leather will remain more supple and less prone to wear.

Suede shoes are made with the flesh side of the original leather, giving them a supple and soft feel. Delicate, suede leather doesn't like rain or any other situation that could stain it.

Suede or nubuck leather should not be treated with regular creams. Use a specific brush to lift the fibers and remove dirt. For stains, use a suede-specific eraser or a special cleaning spray. Applying a nubuck-specific waterproofing spray is recommended to protect the material from moisture.

To care for textile sneakers, start by removing the laces and insoles if possible. Gently brush the dry surface to remove dust and dirt. For stains, use a soft brush with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid machine washing, which can deform the shoe and damage the materials. Let them air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat. A waterproofing spray suitable for textiles can be applied for long-lasting protection.