Which shoe care products do you need?

Do you know how to care for leather, suede or nubuck shoes? While you can get by with plain soap and water for other materials, invest in special care products for genuine leather shoes. There are already several products on the market today. Some of them are designed only for a certain type of material, e.g. leather. Others have a more universal use.

Impregnating sprays are also versatile and can be used on every type of shoe. However, you can also impregnate leather shoes with wax or grease. Similar products are particularly suitable for shoes made of smooth leather. Wax impregnation is not ruled out for shoes made of sanded leather, but you should take into account that the shoes will get a darker shade and a higher gloss.

In addition to cleaners, greases, sprays, foams and creams, add a good brush or shoe polish to your equipment. An antibacterial shoe spray is also a good help against mold and odor.

How do you take care of the shoes you are currently wearing?

The basis of good shoe care is regular cleaning. Wipe off minor dirt and dust with a damp cloth or sponge. For coarser dirt, you can also use a brush and detergents. Most shoes cannot be machine-washed! Only use this if you are sure that you won't damage the shoes. When cleaning, don't forget the inside of the shoe, where dirt and sweat residue often accumulate. Wash the inside of the shoe from time to time with a cloth soaked in warm water. Some removable insoles are even machine washable.

After cleaning, let the shoes dry thoroughly. Avoid direct heat sources such as a radiator, fireplace or stove. Such drying could damage the shoes. Slow drying at room temperature, in a well-ventilated room or drying on a balcony is much better. Always dry the inside of the shoe thoroughly too! You can also use old newspapers or an electronic shoe dryer here. This is especially useful for winter-insulated shoes. In addition, some models (called ionizers) not only dry the shoe, but also disinfect it or get rid of unpleasant odors.

How to impregnate shoes?

The easiest to apply is an impregnating spray. Shake the can well before use. Then spray the emulsion on the entire surface of the shoe in an even layer. Do not hold the spray too close to the shoe! The recommended distance is 20-30 cm. You can repeat the whole process 2-3 times. This will make the impregnation even more effective. Beware, the smell of the spray may be unpleasant! Therefore, do not use it indoors, but rather outdoors, on a balcony or with an open window.

If you decide to impregnate with wax, you will also need a soft cloth or sponge. Spread the wax over the entire surface of the shoe. Pay particular attention to the seams as well as other joints and creases. Do the whole procedure at room temperature. If the wax seems too hard you can heat it with a hairdryer. After impregnation, let the shoes dry thoroughly again.

How often to impregnate?

This depends on several factors. Especially for winter boots, which are more often in contact with water, we recommend doing the first treatment as soon as possible, ideally already on new boots. You can then impregnate as necessary. In wetter environments several times a week, and in drier environments a little less. The material of the shoe is also important. While synthetic material may hardly need to be impregnated at all, for suede, fairly frequent impregnation is advisable.

How to care for shoes in the off-season?

Did you know that how your shoes are stored when you're not wearing them can affect the life of your footwear? Yes exactly! So always put it away in a dry, well-ventilated place so that it can breathe. Avoid plastic bags! Using them will unnecessarily encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. Do not leave your shoes in direct light either. They could fade. You can also put dry newspapers or shoe napkins in your shoes. They will keep their shape better that way. Odor and mould can be protected by odor and moisture absorbers or even simple tea bags.

You already know the answers to the questions of how to care for your shoes, how to impregnate your shoes and how to effectively extend their life. Do you have mainly sneakers at home? Read also the step-by-step guide on How to clean sneakers.