Co-authored by:
Charlie
Shoe Care Specialist
2025
how to care for leather shoes
It is possible to extend the life of leather shoes by taking regular care of them at home. It is easy and enjoyable to do.
Your leather shoes are more than just footwear—they’re a style statement and an investment. With a little love and care, you can keep them looking sharp and shiny for years. Regular cleaning, especially during rough weather like snow or rain, is key to maintaining their charm. Conditioning them every so often keeps the leather hydrated, while polishing adds that perfect glossy finish. Many modern leather shoes come with some waterproofing, but you can add an extra layer if needed. And when it’s time to tuck them away, proper storage will ensure they stay in top shape.
Let’s dive into the details of how to care for leather shoes, including simple, practical steps to keep them looking their best.
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- To keep your leather shoes looking great for years to come, regular care is essential. Start with regular cleaning using a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime. Apply leather cleaner or saddle soap with a soft brush, and clean salt stains using a vinegar and water mixture. Always let your shoes air dry naturally – never with direct heat.
- Next, condition your shoes after every 15-25 wears (more often in harsh weather) to keep the leather moist and prevent cracking. Then, polish them monthly with a wax-based product that matches the color of your shoes using a soft cloth or brush. For an extra shine, try the traditional spit shine method.
- When it comes to weather resistance, wax-based products offer strong protection against snow and ice. Spray-on protectors provide a more aesthetic finish but require more frequent application. You can also use galoshes to keep your shoes protected on rainy days.
- For long-term shoe health, give your shoes a rest between wears and use a cedar shoe tree to absorb moisture and maintain their shape. Before storing, clean them thoroughly and place them in a breathable fabric bag to allow air circulation.
By following these steps, your leather shoes will stay fresh, stylish, and durable for seasons to come. Keep reading to learn how to care for leather shoes.
Cleaning Your Leather Shoes
1 Wipe Away Dirt with a Soft Cloth
Grab a clean, dry cloth and gently rub off any dirt, dust, or grime. If there’s loose mud or salt from winter streets, try to brush it off carefully. This simple step prevents buildup and keeps your shoes looking fresh.
2 Use a Gentle Cleaner with a Soft Brush
Apply a leather cleaner using a soft brush or cloth. If your cleaner has an applicator top, use it to work the product into the leather. Otherwise, make small, gentle circles with your brush or cloth. For saddle soap or similar products, add a tiny bit of water to create a light lather.
Pro Tip: Saddle soap or smooth leather cleaners work for both finished and unfinished leather (smooth leather is non-textured, unlike suede). For finished leather, a mild soap, like a detergent for delicate clothes, can also do the trick. Avoid sponges—they might contain chemicals that could harm the leather.
3 Tackle Salt Stains with a Vinegar Solution
Salt stains can leave a pesky white residue on your shoes. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water and gently rub the solution into the stains with a soft cloth or brush. Keep applying until the stains fade. Note that this may remove wax polish buildup, so you might need to re-polish afterward.
4 Let Them Air Dry Naturally
After cleaning, let your shoes dry at room temperature. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers or radiators, as they can damage the leather. Give them at least 15 minutes to dry, but leaving them overnight is even better before moving on to polishing or conditioning.
Polishing for a Perfect Shine
1 Remove the Laces Take out the laces to ensure an even application of polish or conditioner. Gently pull them through the eyelets one by one to avoid damaging the leather or laces.
2 Condition Every 5–25 Wears
Leather can dry out and crack if it’s not moisturized. Use a clean cloth to rub a leather conditioner into the shoes in small, circular motions. Wipe off any excess once you’ve covered the entire shoe.
- When to Condition: In harsh climates (think icy winters or super dry deserts), condition after every 5–10 wears. In milder areas, every 15–25 wears is enough to keep the leather happy.
3 Polish Once a Month for Protection Apply a wax-based polish to your shoes monthly for a protective, glossy finish. Using a soft cloth or horsehair brush, work the polish into the leather with light, circular motions. Add small amounts at a time until the whole shoe is covered, then wipe off any excess. Color Match: Choose a polish that matches your shoe color. Test it in a hidden spot first to ensure it’s a good match. Wax-based polishes offer better protection than cream-based ones.
4 Try a Spit Shine for Extra Sparkle For a mirror-like finish, try a spit shine. Stretch a cloth tightly over your fingers, add a drop of water, and rub it over a small area of the shoe. This hardens the wax already on the leather, creating a brilliant shine. Repeat across the shoe for a dazzling result. A good polish typically lasts about a week.
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Weatherproofing for Tough Conditions
1 Seal with a Beeswax Product Beeswax-based weatherproofing products create a strong barrier against the elements. Apply the product with a clean cloth or brush, rubbing it in with small circles. Wipe off any excess and let the shoes dry. Reapply about once a season for best results. Some products come with an applicator for easy use.
2 Use Plain Beeswax for a Budget-Friendly Option For a DIY approach, melt plain beeswax in a wax warmer and brush it onto your shoes. It’ll dry quickly, leaving a thick layer. Use a heat gun or blow dryer to melt the wax again, then rub it in with a brush for a smooth finish. Apply this once a season to keep water out.
3 Opt for a Spray-On Product for a Sleeker Look Spray-on weatherproofing products give a cleaner, less heavy finish. Hold the spray 6–8 inches from the shoe and apply an even layer. Let it dry completely before wearing. These don’t last as long as beeswax, so reapply several times during the season for ongoing protection.
4 Slip on Galoshes for Extra Protection If you’re worried about ruining an expensive pair in wet or salty conditions, galoshes are a stylish solution. They shield your shoes from moisture and salt while letting you walk confidently. With so many designs available, you can find a pair that matches your vibe.
Storing and Caring for Your Shoes
1 Give Your Shoes a Rest Leather absorbs moisture from rain, sweat, or dew, so give your shoes a day off between wears to dry out. If you love wearing leather daily, consider rotating between two pairs to keep them in great shape.
2 Use Shoe Trees for Shape and Dryness
Insert shoe trees when your shoes are off your feet. They help maintain the shoe’s shape and absorb moisture. Opt for unfinished cedar shoe trees, as they wick away water better than plastic. If you don’t have shoe trees, wadded-up newspaper can work in a pinch, but it won’t hold the shape as well.
Expert Tip: For boots, try a boot stretcher for a couple of nights to loosen them up. You can also gently tap them with a rubber mallet or adjust the lacing to break them in.
3 Clean Before Storing If you’re storing your shoes for a season (like summer), clean them thoroughly first. Stains left on leather can set in and become tough to remove later. For a deep clean, consider taking them to a professional cobbler.
4 Store in Breathable Fabric Leather needs air to stay dry and fresh. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture. Instead, store your shoes in a breathable fabric bag. Most shoe boxes don’t allow enough airflow, so skip those for long-term storage.
Tips:
Here are some tips on how to care for leather shoes:
- It’s best to avoid wearing leather shoes on very wet days, as they can get wet and ruin them. If your shoes ever get muddy, use mild soap and a leather cleaner to clean them.
- These care tips also work great for second-hand leather shoes. With a little care and patience, you can make even a thrift store pair look like they’re second-hand.
- If your leather shoes are smelling bad, try putting a dry black tea bag inside or mixing vinegar and baking soda to naturally remove the odor. For smoke odors, place a bowl of charcoal or some old newspapers inside your shoes—they’ll help absorb the odor.
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References
- ↑Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
- LiveAbout – How to Care for Leather Shoes
- FashionBeans – The Men’s Shoe Care Manual
- One Good Thing by Jillee – How to Clean and Care for Leather Shoes
- Into The Gloss – How to Fix Leather Shoes
- FashionBeans – The Men’s Shoe Care Manual
- Esquire UK – Wardrobe Care Guide: Shoes (Part One)
- Esquire UK – Wardrobe Care Guide: Shoes (Part One)
- FashionBeans – The Men’s Shoe Care Manual
About This Article
Co-authored by:Charlie
Shoe Care Specialist
Co-authors: 10
Updated: April 24, 2025