Shoe Care Guide
Your Bondeno shoes are made in Florence on your personal last. With simple, regular care they will keep their shape, colour and comfort for many years. This guide covers the basics.
The first weeks
- Wear your new pair for a few hours at a time at first so the leather and insole can mould to your foot.
- Leather soles are slippery when new. Walk on dry surfaces first and avoid rain for the first few wears.
Every day
- Use shoe trees. Put cedar or beechwood shoe trees in as soon as you take the shoes off. They absorb moisture and hold the shape your last gave the shoe. See our bespoke boot trees.
- Rest them. Give each pair a day off between wears so the leather can dry out fully.
- Use a shoe horn to protect the heel counter.
- Brush off dust with a horsehair brush after wearing.
Cleaning and polishing
- Calfskin: remove dust, apply a thin layer of cream polish in the matching colour, let it rest for 10–15 minutes, then buff. Every few months, use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple. Wax polish adds shine and water resistance to toes and heels.
- Suede: use a suede brush and eraser only; no cream or wax. Treat with a suede protector spray before first wear.
- Patent and exotic leathers: wipe with a soft dry cloth; ask us before using any product.
Wet shoes
Blot off water, insert shoe trees and let the shoes dry slowly at room temperature, away from radiators and direct heat. Condition the leather once it is dry.
Storage
Store your shoes with trees in a cool, dry, ventilated place. Avoid plastic boxes and direct sunlight.
Soles, heels and resoling
- Have a cobbler replace worn heel top-pieces early, before the wear reaches the heel block.
- Bondeno dress shoes and boots are made with Blake-Rapid construction (an 8 mm double leather sole), with Goodyear welt available as a $495 upgrade. A skilled cobbler can resole both; Goodyear-welted shoes can usually be resoled more times.
- Ballet flats, sneakers and pumps are cemented, the right method for sleek, flexible, lightweight styles. Ask us before having them repaired.
Questions about your pair
Not sure which product suits your leather, or want a repair recommendation? Call (212) 903-5650, text (917) 398-0980 or write to us through our contact page.