SHOE CARE

Leather is a beautiful, natural material that allows the foot to breathe. The leather used in the Smoochies upper is soft and malleable and will adjust to your feet. The sole is made of thicker, stiffer leather to ensure durability and support.

Like all our pets, Smoochies needs some TLC and attention.

SHOE STORAGE

Storing your shoes correctly plays a prominent part in how long they last and how nice they look. If they get wet, stuff them with newspaper overnight and let them dry naturally. Never place damp shoes in front of or on direct heat as the leather/suede will dry out and potentially crack.

Ideally invest in a pair of shoe trees. Plastic ones help preserve shape and allow aeration but high quality cedar shoe trees are more environmentally friendly and also absorb odours and moisture, have natural antibacterial properties and boast a clean fragrance.

Although we supply an attractive box for shipment, leather shoes should preferably be kept in shoe bags or wrapped in old pillow cases which ensure protection from dust and sunlight. Suede shoes should be stored in open air, but away from sunlight. Humidity can damage the surface of suede and leather.

USE A SHOE-HORN

Try to use a shoe horn – of any material – when you put the shoes on. This will protect the back of the soft leather shoes and maintain their appearance.

CLEANING SURFACE

Always work on a tiled or easy to clean surface. Never work on carpet which will absorb polish and stain.

SMOOTH LEATHER

Ensure the surfaces are free from dust and dirt by giving them a quick clean with a soft brush.
Use a mild soap and a damp cloth to clean the surface of the shoe if there is evidence of a stain. Dishwashing detergent or saddle soap do the trick but make sure they are very heavily diluted with water. Saddle soap contains a wax that will help seal and protect leather BUT should never be used on suede. Sponges are often treated with chemicals which can detrimentally impact the leather so an old but clean cotton tee shirt or sheet is a better choice. Gently create a mild lather and rub softly onto your shoes, making sure to wipe off any excess.
If your shoes are water or salt-stained, use a mix of two parts water to one part white vinegar, and apply gently to the affected areas, wiping until the stains disappear.
Once cleaned, ensure your shoes are dry and then apply a good-quality polish to protect the leather and give shine. This will help to prolong the life of the uppers and maintain their appearance. Avoid using untested liquid polish applicators as these can potentially damage the surface of high quality leathers and often create a lacquer which is hard to remove. Cream polish is great for rejuvenating the colour if you select one as close to the colour of your shoes as you can get. Clear or wax polish gives exceptional surface shine and provides a form of protection. We are always in a hurry but taking the time to buff with a soft brush will really preserve the appearance of the leather.
Your shoes will dry out over time if left to their own devices. That’s why it’s wise to add a bit of cream conditioner to them and prevent flaking and wrinkling. Follow directions just like you would with a shampoo. Some require leaving on for a while. How often you apply conditioner depends a lot on where you live; but if you are outdoors a lot and wear your shoes often, then applying conditioner once a month would be recommended.
If likely to encounter water, apply some protector, be it a resin or a spray. Most spray repellents provide waterproofing protection for about six months, but you know you’ll need a new coat of the stuff when water stops beading up on your shoes and instead sinks in. Wipe your shoes down with a damp warm cloth. This will warm the leather and make it more porous, which will, in turn, improve the leather’s ability to absorb the spray repellent of your choice. You can even use a hair dryer – but only briefly and on the lowest heat setting – to gently heat the shoes before and after you apply the spray.

Generally re-condition and re-treat your shoes every month or so, more often during times of inclement weather.

SUEDE

Suede comes from the underside of the skin, and primarily from lamb, although the skin of various other animals (including calf) can also be used. It is distinctive with a soft, napped finish.

Because it comes from the underside of the skin and not the tough outer layer, suede is generally softer and less durable than typical full-grain leather but it’s also thinner, which is why it is popular not only in shoes and boots but also in upholstery, bags, and many other accessories. Suede is therefore a little more sensitive than leather but still extremely durable when compared to other materials and fabrics. Although pretty resilient with rain and dirty splashes it is better to keep your suede shoes at home in inclement weather especially if in urban areas with splashing cars.

Your suede care kit should include the essentials: a cleaning block (or eraser), a suede brush, ideally one that is soft at one end and has metal bristles at the other, and a suede protector spray which guards against stains and provides waterproofing. Not as good but useful if you have not got round to purchasing a suede care kit is an old toothbrush that is well washed and dried prior to use.

To clean, use a soft rubber suede brush which will allow you to rub the suede while not damaging its structure. Metal bristles, enable you to revive the nap of the suede material while also dealing with tricky surface stains. But be gentle!
Let any mud dry first, then brush. Brush in one consistent motion, using short strokes.
If the marking is stubborn then use steam. Keep a kettle or saucepan on a rolling boil nearby, allowing the shoes to get only slightly damp, not wet. Gently rub with the suede brush before wiping down with an absorbent cloth but NOT a paper towel which will pill if wet.
Grease stains are difficult so try to avoid but if the worst does happen, blot with a clean cloth, tip a little baking powder or talcum powder onto the stain and then brush lightly the next day.
When applying protector spray try to avoid using silicone sprays on light or bright colours as they tend to darken the material. Protective sprays act as sealants and a thin layer should last several months.