How to Care for Your Leather and Suede Footwear: A Comprehensive Guide

Caring for Leather and Suede Shoes

Winter can be tough on footwear, especially on delicate materials like leather and suede. However, with proper care, you can ensure your shoes look their best all season long. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips to maintain your leather and suede shoes during the cold months, using products available at Mile End Kicks.

1. Clean Your Leather Shoes Regularly

Leather shoes can pick up dirt, grime, and salt from the winter streets. Cleaning them properly not only improves their appearance but also extends their lifespan.

- What You’ll Need: A soft cloth, cold water, and a mild leather cleaner.

- How to Clean: Start by brushing off excess dirt. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the leather, then apply a leather cleaner. Wipe off the cleaner with a clean cloth and let the shoes dry naturally.

- Recommended Product: Lexol Leather Cleaner

2. Condition Leather to Prevent Cracking

Winter cold can dry out leather, leading to cracks. Conditioning keeps the material soft and moisturized.

- What You’ll Need: Leather conditioner, available in creams or balms.

- How to Condition: After cleaning, apply a small amount of conditioner in circular motions using a soft cloth. Let it absorb for 15 minutes, then buff the shoes to a soft shine.

- Recommended Product: Nees Shoe Delicate Gel 

3. Protect Suede from Snow and Salt

Suede shoes are more delicate than leather, making them susceptible to stains from salt and water. Prevention is key.

- What You’ll Need: A suede brush and a water-repellent spray.

- How to Protect: Before wearing suede boots outside, treat them with a water-repellent spray to create a barrier against moisture. Brush the suede regularly to remove dirt and freshen up the texture.

- Recommended Product: Nees Brush Suede Deluxe

4. Quick Fixes for Winter Damage

Even with preventive care, accidents happen. Here’s how to fix common winter damage.

- Salt Stains on Leather: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, dab it on the stained area with a cloth, and wipe clean.

- Water Stains on Suede: Gently rub the area with a suede brush or an eraser designed for suede like the Nees Cleaner Gum.

5. Waterproofing for Extra Protection

For shoes that face snow, slush, or rain, waterproofing is essential.

- What You’ll Need: A high-quality waterproof spray.

- How to Apply: Spray the waterproof product on clean, dry shoes. Focus on seams and stitching. Repeat every few weeks for best results.

- Recommended Product: Nees Spray Protecteur Universel

6. Polish Brush: Keep Your Leather Shining

A polish brush is essential for maintaining the natural shine and quality of your leather footwear. Regular brushing not only removes dirt but also helps distribute the natural oils from the polish evenly, protecting the leather from winter damage.

- What You’ll Need: A high-quality horsehair brush.

- How to Use: After applying polish, buff the shoes with the brush using gentle, circular motions to restore the leather’s natural shine.

- Recommended Product: Nees Polish Brush Deluxe

3. Shoe Horn: Protect the Heel and Shape of Your Shoes

A shoe horn is more than a tool for easy wear — it helps preserve the structure of your shoes, especially around the heel, which can often become misshapen from constant tugging.

- What You’ll Need: A sturdy shoe horn.

- How to Use: Insert the shoe horn at the heel while slipping your foot into the shoe, reducing strain on the back of the shoe and ensuring it retains its original shape.

Conclusion: Keep Your Shoes Looking Great All Winter Long

Taking the time to properly care for your leather and suede footwear will not only keep them looking great but also ensure they last for many winters to come. Visit us at Mile End Kicks for the best shoe care products and expert advice.