One of the most asked questions here at Soula is how to care for your new purchase. Whether it be a simple casual sneaker or your new precious Coclico, everyone always wants to make that new pair last as long as possible. So here is a few pointers us shoe specialist gathered to help you along with that process:
different types of uppers: from canvas to suede how to keep them clean…
“Patents– [Patents] can be wiped down with soap and water (do not soak) or with a clean damp or soft dry cloth.
Suede– Clean with damp cloth or brush with soft metal brush. Use waterproof spray for protection
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Oil Leathers– [These] leathers have a heavy oil finish and scuffs can easily be rubbed out (imagine Clarks Desert Boot in beeswax). Clean with water or soap on a damp cloth. Spots can also be brushed off with a soft metal brush before adding oil restorer…
Waxy Leathers– Clean with damp cloth and add neutral show wax/shoe shine.
Textiles– Various textiles can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use waterproof spray for protection. Waxed canvas can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Soft Leathers– Clean with damp cloth before adding neutral leather cream.
Aniline (grain leathers)– Clean with damp cloth before adding a neutral leather cream.”
– care guide quoted from Sanita.
care for your soles:
Leather Soles– at Soula we suggest that EVERYONE gets rubber placed on any leather sole shoes. Not only
does it serve a major purpose in traction and durability (which is important for all your New York City walking) but it lengthens the life of your shoes. You can always have a cobbler replace the rubber once it wears down. hint: *the cost of adding and replacing a rubber piece is considerably less expensive than replacing an entire leather sole*
Wooden Bottoms– “Wood is a hard but fragile material so watch out for knocking the back of the heel into stairs or edges of sidewalks since the wood might chip. Chips are also super-easy to glue back on since its natural materials. Here is something unique: sandpaper can remove marks and dirt from the wood and you can also use some olive oil on the wood for protection.” –care guide quoted from Swedish Hasbeens.
waterproofing:
Unfortunately you can not waterproof a pair of shoes. That process can only be executed during production where the seams are sealed to standard. So, if your shoes do not state that they are waterproof when purchased you nor your cobbler can make it so. BUT there are a couple of options to make your purchase more water tolerant:
Mink oil will not only give the shoes a water-resistant quality it will also condition it. Be advised though that mink oil tends to darken the color of the leather, so if you have a pair of shoes with an interesting color we would suggest awaterproof spray (aka silicone spray) which can be used on mostly all types of upper materials.
So you have your most cherished pair of shoes and they need a little TLC to bring them back to life. Not to fret, Soula works with Alex! With 20+ years worth of experience Alex is well priced and is willing to take on any job. Come into your nearest Soula and inquire about his services.
Hope this helps with your maintenance journey. If you have any more question let one of our shoe specialist guide you along.
Until next time….