Material Guide
Following proper care and storage guidelines will ensure the longevity of your shoes and keep them looking their finest. When not in use, store your shoes in the protective dustbag provided. We encourage you to adopt the detailed care and cleaning instructions below to prolong the lifespan of your story et fall product. Every so often, give your pair of shoes the day off. This allows them to air out, which dries out the moisture so the leather lasts longer. Use a cedar shoetree to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape. Always allow your shoes to dry at room temperature, away from a heater. Heaters can cause leather to dry out and become brittle, and can also harm the adhesives. Don't store your shoes in shoe boxes for long periods of time. Prolonged storage can cause certain footwear materials to deteriorate, particularly in humid climates. When applying any chemical to a item you own, it is always best to do pre-test in an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface area. The routine of shoe care is divided into three steps: clean, preserve and protect. The first step is always to clean the shoes. Second step is to refresh and nourish the shoes and the third step is to protect the shoes from dirt and moisture by impregnation. Remember that different types of leather require different types of care, for keeping your shoes clean and looking their best.
Leather Care
To remove dirt, wipe gently with a dry cloth to remove any dried-on dirt and dust. Then dampen the cloth with warm water and wipe again. Allow leather to dry naturally, away from direct sunlight and direct heat sources (like heat vents) that can dry out the leather. Clean the dry shoe with a shoe brush and use leather cream to clean and soften the upper. Apply shoe cream which provides a gentle nourishment and let dry. Polish the surface with a brush and finish off with water protector or water based protector. Use premium wax to provide an even stronger protection against wetness. Remember to use a high quality cream polish that matches the shoe color. Avoid liquid shoe polishes and silicone sprays.
Suede Care
Suede is the back side of the leather, which is polished to make it soft and give it the right finish. This leather is vulnerable to water and attracts dirt more easily, therefor it is important to treat this material regularly. To clean, use a rubber eraser to remove dirt and smudges. Then, brush lightly with a soft brush specifically for suede products. Care should be taken to brush in the same direction. If you brush in different directions, some suedes will give the appearance of being two different colors. Never use a wire brush or polish on suede. Some suede brushes do have wire in the center, which is specifically made for use on suede. Follow up with a foam cleaner which nourishes and adds protection against dirt. Finish off with silicone spray for water resistance.