How to properly care for your dress shoes

Investing in a high-quality pair of dress shoes is an investment in your personal style and your professional image. But like any investment, you want to make sure you're taking proper care of your dress shoes so that they can last for years to come. In this blog post, we'll provide tips on how to clean and maintain your dress shoes, as well as recommendations for products to use.

1. Cleaning Your Dress Shoes

The first step in caring for your dress shoes is to keep them clean. Depending on the type of shoe and the materials used, there are different cleaning methods that may be appropriate. Here are some tips for cleaning your dress shoes:

a. Leather Dress Shoes

Leather dress shoes are a classic choice, but they require some maintenance to keep them looking their best. To clean leather dress shoes, follow these steps:

• Remove dirt and dust from the shoes using a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
• Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a clean cloth, and gently rub it into the leather in circular motions.
• Wipe off any excess cleaner with a clean cloth.
• Apply a leather conditioner to the shoes to keep them moisturized and supple.

Note that leather shoes should not be exposed to water, as this can damage the leather. If your leather shoes do get wet, let them dry naturally, away from heat sources, and then apply a leather conditioner to restore their moisture.

b. Suede Dress Shoes

Suede dress shoes are a stylish option, but they require special care to keep them looking their best. To clean suede dress shoes, follow these steps:

• Use a suede brush to gently remove any dirt or dust from the shoes.
• Apply a small amount of suede cleaner to a clean cloth, and gently rub it into the suede in circular motions.
• Let the shoes dry completely before brushing them again with a suede brush to restore the nap.

Note that suede shoes should not be exposed to water, as this can cause staining and damage to the suede. If your suede shoes do get wet, use a dry cloth to blot up the excess water, and then stuff the shoes with newspaper to help them retain their shape as they dry.

2. Protecting Your Dress Shoes

In addition to cleaning your dress shoes, it's important to protect them from damage. Here are some tips for protecting your dress shoes:

a. Waterproofing

Applying a waterproofing spray to your dress shoes can help protect them from water damage and stains. Look for a spray that is specifically designed for your shoe's materials (such as leather or suede), and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

b. Shoe Trees

Using shoe trees can help your dress shoes maintain their shape and prevent creasing. Shoe trees are designed to fit inside your shoes when you're not wearing them, and they come in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.

c. Avoiding Excessive Wear

While it may be tempting to wear your favorite pair of dress shoes every day, this can cause them to wear out more quickly. Instead, try to rotate your shoes so that you're not wearing the same pair every day. This will help your shoes last longer and maintain their appearance.

3. Repairing Your Dress Shoes

Even with proper care, your dress shoes may eventually need repairs. Here are some tips for repairing your dress shoes:

a. Finding a Cobbler

If your dress shoes need repairs, it's best to take them to a professional cobbler. Look for a cobbler who specializes in dress shoes and has experience working with the materials your shoes are made from.

b. Common Repairs

Some common dress shoe repairs include replacing worn out soles, fixing tears or holes in the upper, and repairing loose stitching. A cobbler can also add new heels or replace the lining of the shoes if needed.

It's important to address any necessary repairs as soon as possible, as waiting too long can cause the damage to worsen and potentially make the shoes irreparable.

4. Recommended Products

To properly care for your dress shoes, it's important to use the right products. Here are some recommendations:

a. Leather Cleaner and Conditioner

One of our top recommendations for leather dress shoes is the Leather Cleaner and Conditioner from Chamberlain's Leather Milk. This product is made with all-natural ingredients and is designed to clean and moisturize leather without leaving any residue.

b. Suede Cleaner

For suede dress shoes, we recommend the Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaner. This gentle, foaming cleaner is specially formulated for suede and nubuck materials and is effective at removing dirt and stains.

c. Waterproofing Spray

For a waterproofing spray, we recommend the Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof. This spray is designed to protect a variety of materials, including leather, suede, and fabric, and is environmentally friendly.

d. Shoe Trees

Our top recommendation for shoe trees is the Woodlore Adjustable Cedar Shoe Tree. These shoe trees are made from aromatic cedar and are designed to absorb moisture and odors while maintaining the shape of your shoes.