TINA GOLD WEDGE

Leather shoes stay looking good and last longer with regular cleaning, conditioning, polishing, and water‑repellent protection. Following a simple step‑by‑step routine before first wear and after each use helps preserve appearance and extend durability.

Before first wear

Apply a water and stain repellent to smooth leather and allow it to dry fully before heading out to protect against wet weather and daily grime. For suede and nubuck, use a colorless waterproofing spray from roughly 20–25 cm away and repeat regularly for continued protection. Remove laces and lightly dust or brush the uppers to prepare the surface for care products and even coverage.

Routine cleaning

After each wear, brush away dust and wipe with a soft brush or microfiber cloth to prevent dirt from grinding into the leather. Treat stubborn spots with a dedicated leather cleaner and let the shoe dry as directed rather than soaking the leather, using only a lightly damp cloth for surface wipe‑downs.

Condition and polish

Use a quality leather conditioner to restore natural oils so the leather stays supple, resists creasing, and avoids drying or cracking over time. Apply a color‑matched cream or polish in thin layers, then buff to a soft shine; avoid heavy build‑up, which can look grainy and attract dust. As a general cadence, polish every few wears as needed and condition about monthly depending on use and environment.

Suede and nubuck

Maintain suede by dusting with a crepe or suede brush, focusing on stained areas to lift marks without saturating the material. Re‑apply a colorless waterproofing spray at intervals to keep protection active, maintaining a consistent spray distance to avoid over‑wetting the surface.

Drying and storage

Let shoes dry at room temperature after cleaning or wet weather; never place near heaters or direct heat sources to prevent drying and cracking. Insert cedar shoe trees immediately after wear to draw out moisture, preserve shape, and reduce creasing for longer life. Store in breathable dust bags or on open shelving away from humidity and temperature swings, and avoid plastic bags or sealed storage that traps moisture. Rotate pairs and give each shoe at least 24 hours to rest between wears to allow full drying and prolong lifespan.

Quick tips

• Clean off surface dirt before applying any protector, cream, or polish to avoid trapping debris against the leather.

• Match polish to the shoe color or use a neutral option to avoid mismatched tones on the upper.

• Allow repellents, creams, and polishes to dry fully—typically around 15 minutes—before brushing or buffing.

• Minimize exposure to heavy rain and harsh conditions where possible to reduce staining and water damage.

• If shoes get wet, wipe them down, stuff lightly with a towel, and let them dry naturally away from heat sources.

• Avoid long‑term storage in sealed shoeboxes; prefer breathable dust bags or ventilated shelving to prevent material deterioration.