You can tell the measure of a man by his shoes. Given the high price of quality leather dress shoes, let’s take that concept at face value. Durable, comfortable, stylish dress shoes range anywhere from $100 to $500. And if you’re going to be dropping the cash on a pair of high-end shoes, you’re going to need to take good care of them. With a little know-how and a few extra bucks, preventive maintenance can make those expensive leather shoes last longer.
Use water repellent
Before taking your new shoes out on their first walk, be sure to apply a coat of water repellent to the
leather. After the initial application, habitually reapply it as instructed. Most experts recommend that you use a water-based repellent to seal the leather because it allows it to breathe and the moisture inside it to escape. Moisture impacts leather’s elasticity, so keeping moisture balanced is a must; too much moisture causes the leather to stretch, while too little moisture causes the leather to shrink. In both cases, the leather becomes ugly and loses its original fit. For as little as $8, a can of spray-on water repellent can dramatically increase the comfort and the lifespan of your leather shoes.
Tip: Wipe your shoes with a clean, warm sponge before adding additional coats of repellent; this will warm the leather, making it more porous and improving its ability to absorb the product, and prevent trapping dirt between the leather and the repellent.
Use shoe polish
A good
shoe polish keeps leather shoes shining like a new dime. Polishing your shoes regularly does two things: It covers and repairs the damage of daily wear and tear and it nourishes and moisturizes the leather, keeping it flexible and healthy. Experts recommend using cream-based polishes and carrying your shoes with you when you purchase polish to ensure you get the one that best matches your shoe tone.
Tip: Buff the polish off your shoes with a pair of panty hose to get an optimal shine.
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