Leather sneakers do not need a shelf of products. They need a soft cloth, a little lukewarm water, a brush for the sole and a dry place away from heat. The mistakes that ruin a pair are usually heat, too much water and the wrong cleaner.
Step 1: Remove loose dirt
Take out the laces and brush off dust with a soft dry brush. Pay attention to the welt and the gap between the upper and the sole, where grit collects. Do not scrub hard; you are removing loose dirt, not polishing the leather.
Step 2: Wipe the upper
Dampen a microfiber cloth with lukewarm water and wring it out. Wipe the leather in small circles, one panel at a time. For a deeper clean, use a pH-neutral leather cleaner on the cloth, never poured directly onto the shoe. Stay away from alcohol, bleach and household surface sprays.
Step 3: Clean the sole and laces
Use a soft brush with a little dish soap and water on the rubber sole. Rinse the brush, not the shoe. Hand-wash laces separately and let them air dry. If the laces are waxed, wipe them instead of soaking them.
Step 4: Dry properly
Stuff the pair with plain paper or shoe trees and leave it at room temperature, away from radiators, hairdryers and direct sun. Heat dries the leather unevenly and can crack the finish. Never put leather sneakers in a washing machine.
Step 5: Condition and protect
Once dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a cloth and let it absorb. This keeps the leather supple and slows creasing. A water-repellent spray can help in wet weather, but test it on a hidden panel first.
Suede and nubuck
Do not use water on suede. Brush dry with a suede brush, use a suede eraser for marks and let mud dry before brushing it off. Store the pair with a protector and keep it away from rain.
What to avoid
- Washing machines and tumble dryers.
- Bleach, alcohol and multi-surface cleaners.
- Drying on a radiator or in direct sun.
- Soaking the leather or the lining.
- Storing damp shoes in a closed box.
A simple routine
Wipe after every few wears, condition monthly and use shoe trees when the pair is not on your feet. That routine takes five minutes and adds months to the life of the upper. If you want a pair that is easy to care for, start with a full-grain leather style rather than a coated finish.
Browse casual leather sneakers or ask the studio for a care recommendation for a specific pair on the contact page.