How to Clean Suede Shoes & Boots

Treating your suede or nubuck shoes with a protective spray or finish will help to repel water and prevent stains. If that ship has already sailed, at least you'll know for future reference to protect before wearing.

tips for cleaning suede footwear

In the meantime, here are some tips for cleaning suede shoes and boots after stains have already set. Remember to first test any treatment or product on a small inconspicuous area before tackling a large stain, and only use products designed specifically for the material of your footwear (suede, nubuck, smooth leather, etc.).
For heavy stains on suede footwear, use a suede cleaning block (also called a suede eraser).

These products will crumble as you rub them across the surface of the footwear, and are great for removing even deeply embedded dirt.

After cleaning, the nap of your suede can be restored by using a suede brush. The bristles of suede brushes are usually made from brass, and often you can find both the cleaning block and the brush in one kit.

Suede Footwear

What is Suede?

The finish produced by running the surface of leather on an emery wheel, with the result of ruffling up the fibres and giving it a “nappy” appearance. The grain of leather may be suede finished (called nubuck) but the process is more appropriate to flesh or split surfaces. The name was applied (originally in France) to a glove leather of Swedish origin and only later to the finish that characterised the material. When suede gets wet, it turns a darker color and can become damaged easily, as water drives out the essential oils that keep suede leathers supple. It is difficult to waterproof or stain-proof suede leather.

Suede uses

suede was originally used for women's gloves. Suede leather is also popular in upholstery, shoes, bags, and other accessories, and as a lining for other leather products. Due to its textured nature and open pores, suede becomes dirty quickly and is especially susceptible to stains. As it is not washable, but must instead be cleaned carefully with special suede cleaners, it is not recommended for daily-wear items. When suede gets wet, it turns a darker color and can become damaged easily, as water drives out the essential oils that keep suede leathers supple. It is difficult to waterproof or stain-proof suede leather.

How to Use Shoe Stretchers

When you buy shoe stretchers, you'll want to ask how the particular stretchers should be used, but normally, you'll need to use a shoe stretching liquid or spray. This will help to saturate the material, and allow the shoe stretcher to work better - follow the instructions for the product you purchase, as each one is a little different.Insert the shoe stretchers into the shoes, making sure they are expanded as much as the shoe will allow before inserting them.Turn the knob to begin stretching the shoe. You will usually have to leave the stretcher in at least overnight, and sometimes for 24-48 hours. The longer you leave the stretcher in, the more the shoes will stretch, so you might want to try a shorter period of time first, as shoes that are too loose don't feel good either.

Before You Use Shoe Stretchers

Stretching your shoes is not difficult, but it may take a little practice to get used to the whole process. Practice first on a pair of shoes you don't care as much about before you ruin a pair of Manolo Blahniks by overstretching them.Alternatively, you can contact a shoe repair shop if you're uncomfortable with the idea of stretching your shoes yourself. They will be happy to stretch your shoes for you. They may also be able to recommend specific products or shoe stretchers for the kind of shoes you need stretched.

Shoe Stretchers Tips

Shoe stretchers will work best for suede, leather, and other natural materials. Shoe stretchers don't work as well on vinyl, because the material does not have as much give.Shoe stretchers are also best suited to breaking in shoes that are barely too tight, or expanding shoes that are close to the right size. If you're looking to stretch a size 7 to a size 9, you want a new shoe, not a shoe stretcher.

Different Types of Shoe Stretchers

Shoe stretchers are usually bought as singles, and will stretch both the left and right shoe, although not at the same time. There are different shoe stretchers are made for flats, high heels, boots, and other specific types of footwear. You'll need to be certain that you are buying the right shoe stretchers for the job.Typically sold in men's or women's size ranges - for example, men's size 6-8, there are also shoe stretchers that will stretch different areas of the shoe.A two-way shoe stretcher will stretch length and width; a vamp or instep stretcher will lift the part of the shoe that sits on the top of your foot; and toe stretchers will help to lift the toe box of the shoe, providing more height for your toes. There are also boot stretchers that will help stretch the shaft of a boot, making more room for your legs.

Stop the Pain of Tight Shoes

The Pain of Tight Shoes & Shoe Stretchers

The best scenario, your shoes fit perfectly. You know your shoe size and width; you try on shoes late in the day when your feet are their largest; and you buy styles that don't have a tendency to pinch your toes - like extremely pointy shoes can.But despite our best efforts to insure comfortable shoes and a good fit, we still sometimes find that our shoes are too tight. This is when shoe stretchers will come in handy.

Why Use Shoe Stretchers

There are several reasons one might find a need for shoe stretchers - shoes can shrink; feet can swell; we can land between two sizes; and bunions, corns or other foot imperfections can make our shoes hurt. And when our shoes hurt, life can be pretty miserable. Luckily, there are shoe stretchers, and they can help alleviate several of these problems and deliver a more comfortable shoe. Shoe stretchers can expand the width and the length of shoes. For both benefits, in one device, you'll want to be sure to purchase a "two-way" shoe stretcher. Several shoe stretchers also come with little holes built into them. Plugs inserted into the holes can stretch the shoes in problem spots, like where a corn or a bunion is, or where pinching occurs.

From : Desiree Stimpert,
Source : Shoes

Waterproofing and Weatherproofing Leather Shoes Caring

Protect Your Leather Shoes from the Elements
Weatherproofing your leather shoes will help to protect them from water and other elements that can ruin the finish and shorten the life of your shoes.

The Right Protectant for Your Shoes
Different weatherproofing products serve different purposes, so you should choose wisely. For example, if it is essential that your shoes are waterproof because you spend a lot of time in wet or messy conditions, and a pretty finish is not as is important, a beeswax product would be a better choice than a protective spray. Beeswax products form a protective layer over the surface of the shoe or boot instead of being absorbed into the leather. This provides a better barrier against water, but the additional layers can alter the appearance of the shoes. If the appearance of the shoe or boot is of more importance than the weatherproofing properties, a spray protectant should do the trick.
By providing a breathable barrier against mild to moderate wet conditions and dirt, this type of weatherproofing product is virtually invisible on your shoes or boots. Joe's Shoe Service sells a large variety of waterproofing products including those for smooth leather, suede or nubuck.

Additional Tips for Leather Shoe Care

• If your leather shoes have a lot of old polish buildup, you may want to use a pre-cleaner.
• Don't try to use shoe polish to change the color of your shoes. If you need your shoe color changed, consult a shoe repair shop.
• Remove any laces before beginning. Laces can be cleaned separately or replaced if they are in really bad shape.
• The next time you buy a pair of leather shoes, condition them before ever wearing them. This will help insure that your shoes are best protected from the start, and will save time on future cleanings.

From : Desiree Stimpert,
Source : Shoes

Alternatives to Using Traditional Shoe Polish

Take your shoes to a shoe repair shop to have them cleaned and polished for you. Rub your smooth leather shoes (not suede or nubuck) with the inside of a banana peel (test this method first on a small spot of the shoe), then buff and shine with a soft cloth or rag.

Olive oil or walnut oil works for smooth leather as well. Work a small amount into shoe, and polish with a soft cotton cloth. Again, try this method in an inconspicous spot before using the oil on the entire shoe.

Polishing Your Leather Shoes with Traditional Shoe Polish

Shoe polishes are available in liquid, cream or paste. Liquid shoe polish dries quickly, but is not readily available in a lot of colors and does not last as long as the other options. Shoe polish paste is the longest lasting, but is very messy and slow to work with. Shoe polish cream is a great compromise, and is available in lots of colors. Of course you'll need to get the appropriate color of polish for you shoes. You can find a variety of shoe polishes at shoe stores, shoe repair shops and general stores, although you won't find a large variety of colors at the latter. There are also several places on the web where you can find shoe polish. For example, George's Shoes sells several different colors and types of shoe polishes. Apply the polish to a small, less conspicous area of the shoe to test and be sure the color is right. Rub the polish into the shoe with a soft cloth, and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Polishing Your Shoes and Shoe Polish Warnings & Alternatives

Dangers, Alternatives & Types of Shoe Polish

As I was looking for certain shoe polish products, I was surprised to find warnings that shoe polish contained toxic chemicals and could actually be considered very dangerous. While I know most of us have had shoe polish around the house for years, probably without any problems, the warnings I found were of enough concern to me that I wanted to share the information with all of you. Below is more information about the toxicity of certain shoe polishes, as well as alternative and traditional polishing instructions.
Toxicity of Shoe PolishCertain shoe polishes contain toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and or inhaled (read more at the epa web site). It is essential that if you use shoe polish, you wear gloves when doing so, do not drink alcohol while polishing shoes (it can increase the effects of certain chemicals), and keep all shoe polish out of reach of children and animal companions. If used, shoe polish should be used in a well-ventilated area, and all of the product shoud be used, with any residual being discarded or given to someone who will use it. When disposed, shoe polish needs to be handled as a hazardous househould substance.

Rags or clothes used that come in contact with the shoe polish should also be immediately discarded. While some shoe polished claim to be non-toxic, most do not list their ingredients, so it is impossible to know that they are truly free of dangerous chemicals. While it is better to avoid shoe polish if possible, if this is not practical for you, and you do feel the need to buy commercial shoe polish - please use the necessary precautions.

Cleaning Smooth Leather Shoes

Important First Steps to a Proper Shoe Shine

Remove dirt by cleaning with a leather cleaner made specifically for smooth leathers. You can use saddle soap or a smooth leather shoe cleaner. Shoe cleaners come in gels, foams, sprays, liquids and creams. Many leather cleaners come with an applicator top, or you can use a soft shoe brush to aid in removing dirt from the surface of the shoe. This will also help to remove dirt from any cracks in the shoes. After cleaning, let the shoes dry for a few minutes and begin shining the shoes with a soft cotton cloth - either a shoe shine cloth, or even an old t-shirt, as long as it's soft and made of cotton.

Conditioning Leather Shoes

Conditioning your leather shoes will help soften and moisturize the leather, and protect it from drying out and cracking. Certain types of leather, and shoes worn in dryer climates might need to be conditioned more often. Some shoe cleaning products will clean and condition your shoes, but if you want your shoes to get the full treatment, or used a product specifically for cleaning, the next step is to condition your smooth leather shoes. Of course, you'll want a conditioner made for the specific type of shoe you're working on. Also, look for a natural conditioner that is absorbed into the material of the shoe, as opposed to a synthetic conditioner that sits on top of the surface. Rub small amounts of conditioner into the shoe, until the entire shoe has been covered with conditioner. After a couple of minutes, wipe any remaining conditioner off of the shoes, as the leather will only absorb what it can.

How to prepare for a shoe cleaning session

Getting Ready for a Shoe Shine
Most of the products you'll use for leather shoe care can be found at general stores, shoe stores and shoe repair shops. If you are nervous about working on your own shoes, of course, any shoe repair shop will be happy to clean, polish and condition your shoes for a price. To do a full and thorough session of leather shoe care, you'll want the following items. Be sure the products you buy are recommended for smooth leather shoes.

• Newspapers


• Gloves


• Soft Cotton Cloths or Rags


• Soft Shoe Brush (optional)


• Smooth Leather Shoe Cleaner


• Leather Conditioner for Smooth Leather Shoes


• Shoe Polish, or a Shoe Polish Alternative


• Leather Protectant (Waterproofing Product)

Before you begin, you'll want to make sure to you're prepared for the shoe care process. Work on top of newspaper, wear gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area. These precautions are essential, as many shoe care products contain toxic chemicals that can be very harmful - more information on this in the shoe polish

How to Take Care of Your Smooth Leather Shoes

Caring for Leather Shoes

Care of leather shoes is not just about making your shoes look good, which would be reason enough to take care of them. It's also about preserving and adding to the life of your leather shoes. Whether you spend a lot on your shoes, or don't have much to spend, taking care of your leather shoes makes sense. In the case of designer, or more expensive shoes, look at it as though you're protecting your investment, or what could be a future collectible. And if you don't have a lot to spend on shoes, keeping the ones you have in great shape will remove the need to buy new shoes for every occasion.

Why Caring For Leather Shoes is Important

Without proper conditioning and care, leather can dry out until it eventually cracks and falls apart, and you'll no longer want to wear them out of the house - even if they did cost a small fortune, While some people are content to throw on a coat of shoe polish when their shoes start to look shabby, to really protect your leather shoes and keep them looking their best, there are four steps to follow.

• Clean


• Condition


• Polish


• Preserve or Weatherproof

There are important distinctions between caring for smooth leather shoes and caring for suede, exotic skins, nubuck, or athletic shoes.

From : Desiree Stimpert,

Source : Shoes