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