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Tips
Shoe Care Tips
Good shoes aren’t just something you wear — they’re something you invest in. And with a little care, you can make them last much longer, stay comfortable, and look sharp every time you step out the door. Here are some simple tips to extend the life of your shoes.
When Your Shoes Are New
Before you wear them for the first time, protect them. Apply polish, grease, or an impregnation spray to guard against dirt and moisture. That first layer of care makes a big difference in how long they’ll last.
Keeping Leather Shoes Looking Great
Polish your shoes regularly with a cream or polish in the same color as the leather. This doesn’t just make them shine — it also adds a protective layer against dirt and water.
For deeper nourishment, use a leather conditioner or thicker cream a couple of times a year. Think of it like moisturizer for your shoes.
Impregnation (Water Protection)
No shoe — apart from rubber boots — is 100% waterproof. Not even GoreTex™. But you can improve resistance by spraying your shoes with a protective spray. Focus on the edges of the soles, then lightly spray the rest of the shoe.
Rotate Your Shoes
Don’t wear the same pair two days in a row. Shoes absorb moisture from your feet, and they need at least a day to dry and recover. Even owning just two pairs you rotate between will make each pair last much longer.
Keep Shoes in Shape
Use cedar shoe trees. They keep the shape intact while also absorbing moisture and odor. A small investment that pays off big.
Drying Wet Shoes
Always dry shoes at room temperature. Never put them on a radiator, in a drying cabinet, or near a heat source. It damages the leather and glue.
Stuff them with newspaper if you don’t have cedar shoe trees — it works surprisingly well.
Rough Leather Shoes
Before you wear them, grease them. A thin layer of leather grease a few times a year will protect the material and keep it soft. Let the grease soak in for at least 30 minutes, then brush off the extra with a horsehair brush.
Suede Shoes
Suede doesn’t like rain. If it’s wet outside, better to leave them at home. Protect them with a spray, and for stains, use a suede cleaning block. A quick brush after use helps keep them looking fresh.
Very Dirty or Muddy Shoes
Let the mud dry first. Then brush it off gently. Use a damp cloth to remove what’s left. Once they’re clean, finish with polish, grease, or impregnation depending on the shoe type.
Sneakers
Treat sneakers before wearing them. If they get dirty, clean them with mild soap and water. An old toothbrush works wonders for scrubbing stains. After cleaning, wipe with a cloth and let them dry naturally.
For white sneakers, you can use a white shoe polish to bring back that fresh look.
Dealing with Odor
Bad smells usually come from moisture. Change socks often, rotate shoes, and use cedar shoe trees to absorb sweat and odor. You can also use a shoe deodorizer for extra freshness.
One Final Rule: Never Wash Shoes in the Machine
It might sound tempting, but washing shoes in a machine shortens their lifespan. Water gets into seams and glue, causing them to break down. Instead of fresh sneakers, you’ll end up with warped soles, cracked glue, and lingering smells. Trust us — stick to proper cleaning methods.
💡 Want your shoes to get professional care instead? Bring them to us at Mano Skoservice, Riddargatan 16, 114 51 Stockholm, or give us a call at (+46) 08-611 71 94. We’ll make sure your shoes get the treatment they deserve.