Footwear Care Guide

A good pair of shoes tends to settle into your life rather naturally. They become shaped as much by where they've been as by how they were made, and a little regular care will help ensure they remain reliable companions for years to come.

Wearing

As with most things made from natural materials, footwear benefits from a little rest. Avoid wearing the same pair on consecutive days where possible, allowing the leather time to dry and recover its shape.

Using shoe trees between wears will help absorb moisture, reduce creasing and preserve the silhouette of the shoe over time.

Cleaning

Remove surface dirt regularly using a soft brush or cloth. For leather footwear, an occasional application of cream or polish will help nourish the hide and maintain its finish.

Suede styles should be brushed gently with a suede brush to lift the nap and remove marks. More stubborn stains can often be treated with a suede eraser.

Polishing

When it comes to polishing shoes, there are many schools of thought. Speak to ten well-dressed people and you'll likely receive ten different methods, each defended with considerable conviction.

What follows is not intended as the definitive approach, merely a straightforward routine favoured by our Creative Director, Michael Hill. Simple, effective and easy to incorporate into the occasional quiet half hour at home, it has served him well over the years.

1. Remove any surface dirt with a horsehair brush and insert cedar shoe trees.
   
   
2. Apply a small amount of high quality cream polish using a soft cloth, working it gently into the leather using small circular movements.
   
   
3. Allow the shoes to rest for a few minutes while the leather absorbs the cream.
   
   
4. Buff thoroughly with a clean horsehair brush until an even sheen develops.
   
   
5. For a higher shine on the toe and heel, apply a small amount of wax polish in thin layers, using a touch of water between applications if desired.
   
   
6. Finish with a final buff and return them to the shoe rack, ready for their next outing.

Weather

Leather and suede are natural materials and will respond accordingly to the elements. While the occasional shower is nothing to worry about, prolonged exposure to heavy rain is best avoided.

If your shoes become wet, allow them to dry naturally at room temperature. Never place them beside a radiator or other direct heat source, as this can cause the leather to dry out and crack.

Soles

Leather soles will naturally soften and become more comfortable with wear. Rubber soles require little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning, though both will benefit from periodic inspection and resoling when necessary.

A well-made pair of shoes is rarely finished when it leaves the factory. Regular maintenance and the occasional visit to a trusted cobbler will ensure they continue to serve you for many years to come.

Storage

Store footwear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shoe bags can help protect them when travelling or during longer periods in storage, while cedar shoe trees offer an additional layer of care between wears.

Like all good things, shoes improve through use. The creases, scuffs and softened edges that appear over time are less imperfections than a record of the places they've taken you.

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