Shoe Care Tips

Protection - Apply a protective product to the shoe before wearing. Protectors can be in the form of oil, grease, wax, and silicone spray to guard the exterior of the shoe without blocking the pores.  They form a barrier that prevents water, dirt, and stains from penetrating into the upper. Leather, suede, nubuck, and nylon can be protected. Each material requires a special type of protection and best . See Accessories for more product information.

Exterior Maintenance - Each material requires a certain method of upkeep and best used on a frequent basis. Polish can be used on leather with a soft cloth for conditioning. Color can be restored on leather shoes depending on color, and scuffs can be removed with a proper product. Suede and Nubuck require a special spray and brush usually made for both materials. Regular use of a silicone spray should be applied to fabric uppers.

• Rotate shoes daily to allow shoes to dry and maintain shape.
• Alternate heel heights to prevent fatigue and leg pain.
• Use a shoe horn to keep heel counter fitting firm and snug.
• Use a shoe tree to maintain shoe shape.

For regular sneakers- please do not put them in the washer, as this can damage them. It is recommended you hand wash the shoes in cold water with a mild detergent. Please allow them to air dry naturally after washing, as the heat from the dryer can also damage the sneakers.

For nylon/nylon mesh- these materials can be sprayed periodically with a silicone spray. This will protect the upper from gathering or clinging dirt, plus help the shoes to be somewhat water repellent. Do not put nylon/nylon mesh shoes in a washing machine or immerse in water.

For smooth leather- the shoes will need cleaning and care with shoe creams or polishes. Select a neutral shade or a color nearest to the color of the shoes. Remove all the dust with a damp cloth. Never polish wet shoes.

For scuff resistant leather- remove minor scuffs by simply rubbing them with your hand. The natural oil in your hand restores the original look of the leather. For deeper scrapes and scuffs, use a soft and neutral polish. This process moisturizes and replenishes the natural oil in the leather leaving a shiny coating that will prolong and sustain the wear of the leather.

For suede leather- when shoes are dry, brush with a dry rubber sponge or soft brush to eliminate any clinging dirt. Regular use of a soft brush will keep the nap of the suede free from dust. Stubborn stains should be removed with commercial stain remover suitable for suede. Do not put suede shoes in a washing machine or immerse in water.

For nubuck or durabuck leather- when shoes are dry, brush with a dry rubber sponge or soft brush to eliminate any clinging dirt. Regular use or a soft brush will keep the nap of the nubuck free from dust. Stubborn stains should be removed with commercial stain remover suitable for nubuck. Do not put nubuck shoes in a washing machine or immerse in water.

The History of Shoes: Superstition

Skin and Toe Nails

The following rhyme was recited to help people choose the right day to have their toe nails cut. 

Cut your nails in Monday, cut them for news; (of success)
Cut them on Tuesday for a new pair of shoes;
Cut them on Wednesday, cut them for health;
Cut them for Thursday, cut them for wealth;
Cut them on Friday, a sweatheart to know; (also a good way to avoid neuralgia)
Cut them on Saturday, a journey to go;
Cut them on Sunday, you cut them for evil,
For all the next week you'lle be ruled by the Devil.