Care Tips

WHY DO WE OFFER CARE ADVICE ON PRODUCTS?

• We like our customers to have trust and confidence in us.  

• We want to give you our customer service.

• Your shoes will look better and last longer.

• By caring for your shoes you will have less problems.

SHOE LEATHER

The Chemical process by which animal skins are turned into pliable skin is known as tanning.  This takes approximately six weeks to complete and includes up to 120 steps.

Tanning includes curing, preserving, soaking and de-hairing the raw skins, cleaning the flesh side (suede side) by soaking in a salt solution, wringing to remove excess moisture, splitting, shaving, dyeing, drying, conditioning, buffing, finishing, measuring and grading the skin.

A variety of finishes are used to enhance the natural beauty of leather.  Aniline finish is like staining wood allowing the natural grain to shine through. Pigmenting is like painting – completely covering the natural surface.  Nubuck is the top or grain side of the leather which has been buffed with a fine sand paper to give it that velvety appearance.

The most common finishes are aniline, pigmented, patent, metallic, oily, waxy suede and nubuck.
The manufacturers select leather of a quality standard.  When leather is cut, special precautions are taken to minimise damage and waste.  The leather is then assembled and all the pieces are again inspected for quality.

Leather permits the free flow of air and moisture, making it an ideal material for footwear.  Because of the special nature of leather, it is of the utmost importance that your customer receive product care information when making their purchase.

SHOES WITH NORMAL LEATHER UPPERS

The object should be to build and maintain a continuous wax film over the shoe.  To achieve this a renovating polish, shoe cream or clear conditioner must be applied. Every 7th wear is a good philosophy to use and create the object of building and maintaining a continuous wax film.

• If only dusty or slightly dirty, clean with polishing cloth or by brush, by brushing  lightly, then apply clear conditioner or renovating polish as per instruction for Nappa Leather.
• If very dirty or muddy, remove lumps with a blunt knife, preferably as soon as shoes are taken off, then sponge down, using aminimum of water and saddle soap.  Wipe with a dry cloth.  Do not rub hard or gritty particles may damage the surface of the leather.
• When dry apply renovating polish or clear conditioner following any instructions given by the makers.
  NEVER USE POLISH OR CREAM TO REMOVE DIRT FIRST
  Renovation polish should match the colour of the shoes, a transparent neutral polish can also be used.
  Remember however that excessive applications of polish or cream may change the shade of delicately coloured leathers.
  It is most important that only good quality dressings made especially for footwear products are used.
• Polish by brisk but gentle use of a soft brush or polishing cloth. For a final polish use a soft clean cloth. 
  NOTE:  An accumulation of old polish may make shoes dark or shabby. They can be revived by the careful use of preparer, stripper or spot remover to remove grease spots.

White shoes with a smooth Leather Finish.

Heavy Leather Footwear.

NON LEATHER FINISHES AND SUGGESTED CARE

The service which shoes give and their appearance after months or years, depends very much on how they are looked after.  If shoes are cleaned REGULARLY the right way they will last longer look better, and keep their shape and resist water more effectively.

If shoes need drying, put them in a warm airy place,

NEVER DRY NEAR A FIRE OR ON HOT PIPES.