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Care for Your Shoes

Care for Your Shoes

All Angles shoes are made from smooth leather of Italian origin — a high-quality natural material that is not only comfortable, but also breathable and long-lasting with the right care.

But how do you properly look after your leather barefoot shoes so they don’t just last a couple of seasons, but stay with you for up to 10 years or more?

How to Put Your Shoes On Properly

Before putting on or taking off your shoes, always loosen and untie the laces. This prevents the edges from being crushed. For ankle boots especially, use a shoehorn. It may seem unnecessary or like a waste of time, but slipping shoes on without loosening the laces can bend, damage, or even crack the heel area over time.

How to Clean Your Shoes

While modern life favours convenience, proper shoe care still takes a bit of effort. Exposure to the elements can dry out leather, causing it to crack. As soon as you return home, clean your shoes.

For dust and everyday dirt, use a soft brush.
If more heavily soiled (e.g. by mud), wipe them gently with a damp cloth.
For stubborn marks, which often appear without you noticing how, start with clean water. If that doesn’t work, use a specialist leather cleaner. Always test any product on a hidden area first to ensure the leather won’t react or discolour.

How to Dry Leather Shoes Without Damaging Them

If your shoes get wet (e.g. from rain), never place them on a hot radiator. High heat can harden and crack the leather. Instead, let them dry slowly and naturally — ideally over three days — using shoe trees to help them retain their shape. If you don’t have shoe trees, stuff them with newspaper. Once dry, don’t forget to reapply waterproofing spray to protect them from future moisture and dirt.

Essential Shoe Care Tools

There’s nothing worse than wearing scuffed shoes with an otherwise perfect outfit. Leather footwear should look great in any situation — and for that, it needs regular cleaning, polishing, and conditioning.

How to Polish Your Shoes Easily

To polish your shoes, you can use either cream or wax. Cream gives your shoes a soft, velvety shine, while wax, when used with a drop of water, creates a mirror-like finish. If you’re unsure which method to choose, it really comes down to personal preference — the type of shoe doesn’t matter.

Using cream is quicker and easier. First, make sure to clean the shoes with a brush to remove any dust or dirt. Then, apply a thin layer of cream using a cloth. Finally, take a clean cloth or polishing brush and buff the shoes evenly.

Waxing, on the other hand, requires a bit more patience, but the result is worth it. Again, start with clean shoes, then apply a very thin layer of wax in circular motions. Alternate with a drop of water and continue polishing until the leather achieves a beautiful, glossy shine.

Don’t Forget to Waterproof

Waterproofing sprays are suitable for all types of leather. They prevent water penetration in wet weather and stop dirt from settling into the leather — making future cleaning easier. Always apply spray to dry shoes, ideally every two weeks if worn regularly.

Your Shoes Will Thank You

Leather barefoot shoes may require a bit more care than canvas trainers, but they’ll repay you in years of use. With gentle handling, regular cleaning, and the occasional touch of cream or polish, your Angles shoes will continue to look like new for many seasons to come.

Care for Your Shoes