To take care of your shoes, start by identifying their material, then follow a simple routine: dust them after wearing, clean them with a suitable product, let them dry naturally, and store them on shoe trees. Before any treatment, check the manufacturer's instructions. A routine suitable for suede cannot automatically be applied to smooth leather or textiles.
Identify the material before any treatment
Each material reacts differently to water, brushing, and products. Smooth leather can take a cream or polish. Suede and suede leather are brushed, but are sensitive to greasy products. Textiles are most often cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. A pair may also combine several materials, for example, a leather upper with suede inserts.
The product page and the label on the pair indicate the material of the upper. At IVAREE, you will find models in smooth leather, such as the Aston derbies, and models in suede leather, such as the Elian loafers. Their care will not be the same. If in doubt, test any product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the whole.
Dust with a dedicated brush
Reserve a clean brush for dusting suede; do not reuse the one used to apply polish to smooth leather. Wax residue would settle on the fibers and leave marks.
For smooth leather, a soft bristle brush removes dust after wearing. Brush in the direction of the grain, without pressing hard on the seams. This quick action, done regularly, prevents dust from becoming embedded in the creases and prepares the leather to receive treatment.
Respect the texture of suede
A suitable crepe or rubber brush allows you to gently lift the fibers. Work without excessive pressure. For a stain, follow the instructions of a cleaner compatible with the material.
Suede prefers dry days. If it is exposed to rain, blot the excess water with a clean cloth, without rubbing. A special suede eraser can help with light marks; use it gently, always in the same direction. A spray suitable for suede, applied according to its instructions, can limit the absorption of water and stains. Our suede selection specifies, model by model, the exact material of the upper.
Nourish smooth leather
Smooth leather needs to be nourished from time to time to retain its suppleness. Apply a cream suitable for its color in a thin layer, let it penetrate, then buff with a brush or a soft cloth. Polish, which is more opaque, is mainly used to revive the shine of the toe and heel.
The frequency depends on use: a pair worn several times a week requires more attention than a pair reserved for special occasions. On patinated or hand-dyed leather, choose a neutral product or one with a similar shade, and test it first on a discreet area. For shoes worn to the office or for formal occasions, a quick buff before going out is often enough to refresh the whole.
The case of sneakers and textiles
Canvas or knit sneakers are most often cleaned by hand, with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap. Remove the laces and wash them separately if necessary. Avoid immersing the entire pair in water, unless the label authorizes it: glues and reinforcements do not tolerate prolonged soaking well. For leather sneakers, the smooth leather routine applies: brush, suitable cream, light buffing.
Let dry and follow the instructions
After a suitable wet cleaning, let dry naturally before brushing again. Any spray must be used according to its instructions, in a well-ventilated area. Wooden shoe trees help preserve the shape during drying.
Avoid direct heat sources: radiators, hair dryers, or bright sunlight. Excessive heat can harden the leather and cause it to crack. If the pair is very wet, a piece of absorbent paper inserted inside and replaced as needed helps remove moisture before placing the shoe trees.
Store and rotate your pairs
A pair that rests for a day between wears dries better and keeps its shape longer. If you can, alternate at least two pairs during the week. Store them away from direct light, in an airy place, with shoe trees or, failing that, crumpled paper.
For long-term storage, a breathable fabric bag protects from dust better than a closed box. Also remember to check the condition of the soles and heels: timely resoling or heel replacement extends the life of a well-maintained pair. Our dress shoes in leather are well suited to this regular care.
These guidelines are intentionally general. The instructions specific to your pair remain paramount.
Frequently asked questions
How often should leather shoes be polished?
It depends on use. Brushing after each wear and a nourishing cream every few weeks is sufficient for a pair worn regularly.
Can suede shoes be washed with water?
No, not with a lot of water. Suede is brushed dry; for a stain, use a cleaner compatible with the material, following its instructions.
Are shoe trees really useful?
Yes. They preserve the shape of the shoe, limit walking creases, and help the pair dry after wearing.
To learn more, also browse our leather shoes and leather sneakers.
