Rainy weather can leave stains and streaks on shoes, and constant contact with moisture can severely damage even the highest quality material. Natural leather and delicate suede are particularly sensitive to such autumn conditions. To keep your favorite pair looking neat and lasting for more than one season, it is crucial to prepare them properly for bad weather and follow basic care rules.
Shoe Preparation and Basic Cleaning Rules
Protective products should be applied exclusively to a completely clean surface. Experts from the French brand Bobbies advise starting the process by inserting special shoe trees that help footwear maintain its original shape. Next, remove the laces and thoroughly brush off accumulated dust and dirt. Before applying protective compounds, smooth leather should be nourished with a quality cream or polish if necessary. In addition, specialists from the American brand Sperry advise developing a useful habit of wiping boots with a soft dry cloth after each wear, removing surface dirt before it sets into the material structure.Specific Care for Smooth Leather and Suede
For smooth leather, a conditioner, nourishing cream, and water-repellent spray are optimal. The conditioner helps maintain leather elasticity and prevents cracking during the cold season. However, be cautious with wax: Men's Journal experts do not recommend applying hard wax to active bending areas, as it may crack there. Suede has a fibrous structure and requires specialized products. Using smooth leather conditioner on suede is strictly contraindicated, as it can cause irreversible darkening of the material. Only specialized water-repellent sprays are chosen for it.Drying Rules and Protection Features
It is strictly forbidden to dry wet shoes directly on radiators or near powerful electric heaters. Professionals at the Swedish store Care of Carl warn that too intense and rapid moisture evaporation leads to material cracking and deformation. Shoes should dry exclusively naturally in a well-ventilated room. Water-repellent treatment does not guarantee one hundred percent waterproofing, so the protection procedure must be periodically repeated depending on precipitation intensity and frequency of wear.
