How to Clean Leather Shoes

What You'll Need

• Soft cloth or horsehair brush
• Saddle soap or mild soap
• Leather conditioner
• Clean water
• Shoe trees

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Remove surface dirt

   Use a horsehair brush or soft cloth to wipe away dust and loose dirt from the entire shoe, including the welt and sole edge.

2. 2

   Clean with saddle soap

   Dampen a cloth, rub it on saddle soap to create a light lather, and wipe the leather in small circular motions. Don't over-saturate.

3. 3

   Wipe off residue

   Use a clean, damp cloth to remove all soap residue. Let the shoes dry at room temperature for several hours.

4. 4

   Apply leather conditioner

   Once dry, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner with a soft cloth. This restores moisture and prevents cracking.

5. 5

   Buff to a shine

   After the conditioner absorbs (15-20 minutes), buff with a horsehair brush or soft cloth for a natural shine.

Pro Tips

• TIPInsert cedar shoe trees immediately after wearing to absorb moisture, maintain shape, and naturally deodorize.
• TIPCondition leather shoes every 3-4 wears to maintain suppleness -- dry leather cracks irreparably.
• TIPRotate between at least two pairs of dress shoes to give each pair 24 hours to dry between wears.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing water excessively on leather, which stains, warps, and weakens the material.
• XDrying leather shoes near heat sources, which causes cracking and permanent shrinkage.
• XSkipping conditioner after cleaning, which leaves the leather dry and vulnerable to cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions