Shoe care is as crucial as skincare—there, I said it, and I mean it!

If you're new here, I’m Lisa, the creator behind Womads, a line of high-quality leather sandals designed for all women. When I created Womads, I aimed for durability and elegance. Since the start I have been working with expert leather makers in Colombia to ensure a high quality and long lasting leather shoe. But even the finest leather needs proper care to maintain its beauty. 

Here’s a guide to help you keep your leather shoes in tip-top shape for as long as possible. 

Tools and Supplies for Leather Shoe Care

To properly clean and maintain your leather shoes, you’ll need the right tools, don’t worry I got you:

1. High-quality leather cream: A leather cream effectively cleans the leather material, helping it restore its color and look: it's a must for leather shoe care. Choose a cream that is free from acids, natural fats, and impurities. While some creams offer a quick shine, those filled with acids and artificials can damage the leather over time. 

2. Soft cloth: A soft cloth is essential for removing dirt and residue on a daily basis or before cleaning with any creams. A soft cloth is also a great tool for applying leather cream and buffing out the leather.

3. Soft-bristle brush: An alternative to the cloth, this brush helps remove dirt or dust from the shoe’s surface without damaging the leather. A soft-bristle brush also helps you gently but effectively work creams and conditioners into the leather.

4. Leather conditioner: Leather conditioner is a game changer for long-term care. This extra bit of protection offers moisture to the leather to keep it from drying out and protect it from cracks in the future.

5. Cream shoe polish: A good shoe polish can enhance the shine and appearance of your leather shoes, by adding a layer of shine directly on top of the leather. A cream shoe polish also helps restore the color of your leather and supports uneven coloring from long-term wear.

6. Wax shoe polish: Wax shoe polish has a high concentration of wax offering a smoother layer of wax to the shoe. There is still lots of debate up if you need both a cream shoe polish and a wax shoe polish or one or the other. For both polishes, make sure you use the recommended amount on the bottle, too much polish can cause breakage to the leather.

For an on the go essentials kit, check out the Womads leather shoe kit, it is everything you need to take care of your leather shoes while on the go, packaged for you in a beautiful cloth bag. 

Low-Maintenance Shoe Care for Leather Shoes

Even high-quality leather, such as the material in Womads sandals, is prone to becoming dull without the proper treatment. Simple daily care will help your favorite leather shoes last longer and look better. 

Check out this quick video for a few simple tips!  

Daily Shoe Care:

When I made Womads, I kept the busy lifestyle in mind, so trust me when I say there are a few simple things you can do that require little time and no investment but will help you care for your leather shoes.

1. Wipe them down after each wear: Especially after activities like walking in the park or on the beach. A quick wipe will remove dirt and prevent buildup, making long term cleaning easier and enhancing the look of the leather for your next wear.

2. Store shoes in a dust bag: Womads come with a dust bag to keep them protected and avoid dust build up. Think of it as tucking your shoes in for a restful night.

How to Avoid Sticky Soles:

1. Store shoes in a cool place: Keeping your shoes in a cool environment can prevent sticky soles and maintain their shape. Pro tip, Never store your shoes in plastic, think of leather and plastic as enemies.

2. Regular cleaning: Clean your shoes regularly, especially after visits to parks or beaches. This will help remove any buildup and keep your shoes looking their best.

3. Let them dry naturally: If your shoes get wet, allow them to dry naturally. Avoid direct heat sources, as these can damage the leather. Clean them after they’ve dried to maintain their condition.

4. If they do get sticky from accumulated sweat and dust, don’t fret, clean them lightly with warm water and a drop of dish soap. You can also try a little bit of baby powder for a quick fix!

How to Care for Leather Shoes Long-Term

You want your shoes to last as long as possible, right? Then you have to take care of them, plain and simple. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s what I recommend to make sure your leather stays just as shiny as the day you received your Womads package:

Polish Them Every 6-8 Wears

High-quality shoes will show wear over time, regular polishing will help the leather look fresh and extend its lifespan. 

Shoe polishing adds an extra layer of shine and moisture to the leather which will help prevent dryness and cracking of the leather. Both wax and cream polishes offer an incredible shine to your shoes, but each have different stand out qualities. 

A wax polish will add a thicker more intense shine while a cream will help restore color while adding some shine. To decide which polish or if both are best for you, check out this article from The Shoe Tree Project.

Use a Conditioner

Applying a leather conditioner helps protect your shoes from different weather conditions by giving it an extra layer of protection. Adding a leather conditioner will also add moisture, prevent cracks, maintain the leather flexibility and enhance the leather’s appearance. Use a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth or a Womads soft cloth, to remove any excess conditioner.

Waterproof Sprays with Natural Oil

While high-quality leather is somewhat water-resistant, it’s not entirely waterproof. 

Applying a waterproof spray can help protect your shoes from unexpected conditions such as high humidity. This extra layer of protection from the spray will help support the leather’s durability and breathability, keeping the comfort level high and the look clean. 

When picking up a waterproof spray make sure you choose a spray that is specific for the material of your shoe, some sprays contain harmful chemicals that could slightly change or damage the color of the leather. For example, some waterproof sprays contain silicones which will eventually dry out and crack leather. Always ensure the products you purchase are for the specific shoe material.

And if your shoe is made with metallic leather, stay away from waterproofing sprays as this leather is more fragile.

To learn more about waterproofing shoes check out this great article by Think!.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Leather Shoes

1. Remove surface dirt: Use a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush to gently wipe the surface of the shoe to remove any dust or dirt.

2. Apply the Womads leather cream: Take a small amount of leather cream (following the instructions on your cleaner) and gently work it into the leather.

3. Wipe off excess: Use a damp but soft cloth to wipe off any excess cream.

4. Let the shoes dry: Allow the shoes to dry naturally to avoid sticky residue.

5. Condition the leather: This is an optional step, your shoes will be moisturized with the Womads cream but if you want to go the extra mile, apply conditioner to nourish the leather. Always let the product sit for the recommended time.

6. Remove excess conditioner: Wipe off any leftover conditioner with a cloth.

7. Polish for an extra shine: Apply a shoe polish to restore the look of the leather and add a glorious shine. 

You’re ready to pamper your leather shoes. 

Taking the time to care for your leather shoes ensures they remain an elegant and classy part of your wardrobe. For more tips and tricks on caring for your leather, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.