Leather care

Before caring for a leather article, it must be cleaned with a brush and wiped with a damp cloth. It is a good idea to try a conditioner on a hidden spot first, letting it dry before applying it to the whole shoe. This way you can see the end result and avoid spoiling the whole shoe if you are not satisfied with its appearance.

Leather should be treated with a conditioner suited to the color of the item. Colorless conditioners can be used if the color of the leather differs from the color of the stitching. First, apply the conditioner by using a soft cloth or sponge, using a rotating motion. This moisturizes the leather. Let it dry for a moment, then polish with a brush or woolen sock. Make sure the brush is clean and has only been used for items of the same color, or colorless, to avoid smudging. Creme conditions and softens leather and provides protection. Add another thin coat and again polish with a brush. (for example: Collonil Creme)

Then repeat the process with a colorless, waxy conditioner. Wax will provide a protective layer and keep the surface of the leather clean. Finally, polish the shoes by rubbing with tissue paper, warming the surface. Tissue paper gives the leather and its edges a fine gloss. The more layers, with polishing in-between, the better the final polished surface. (for example: Collonil Wax)

A protective spray product can also be applied, to keep dirt out of the pores of the leather and to facilitate cleaning. (for example: Waterstop)

There are many ways to treat the leather surface. Often it is asked, are beeswax products good? In my experience, it often spoils the leather, leaving a waxy film on the surface. It is extremely difficult to remove, resisting even washing and making a shiny polish impossible. Also, exceedingly greasy products remain on the surface leaving a sticky membrane, resulting in a surface that attracts dirt rather than protecting it.