SHOE CARE
At SJ's, we believe the most important elements of a good shoe should be quality, style, and comfort. However, keeping your favorite shoes in good condition is what truly matters! Proper maintenance ensures you get the most out of them—money well spent, we say!
Prolonging the life of your shoes depends on how you care for them post-purchase. We've compiled an SJ's Workbook all about proper shoe care to keep your new shoes looking spick and span after all the work they do. After all, they're the ones accompanying you at work, at the game, out for coffee, at that wedding, and at the pub. Leather is like a fine wine; it gets better with age, but it needs to be properly looked after to achieve the best lifespan.
Water & Stain Protection & Prevention
Weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to be proactive and protect your shoes from water and stains with a protector spray. The Protector Spray repels moisture and prevents stains. It's best used as a preventative measure—spray onto your brand-new shoes and reapply when you're heading out in the rain.
The spray seals the leather, creating a barrier that water, moisture, and stains cannot penetrate. All our leather is naturally dyed, making it very important to protect that color. The best part of this spray is that it's easy to apply and dries instantly. The more you wear your shoes, the more you should use the protector spray.
TIP #1: When you're not wearing your shoes, store them in a dry, well-ventilated, and cool place. Do not store them in a hot, unventilated, or dark environment, as they may deteriorate.
Leather Conditioner
A Leather Conditioner will help seal and preserve the leather to keep that finish fresh. It works on all different types of colors, textures, and products without affecting the original leather.
For the best results, always test a small portion on an unseen area before applying it to the whole shoe. This allows you to control how much or how little product you need to treat the issue. This will help revitalize your leather from scuffs to shine in a matter of seconds!
Clean, Polish, Shine!
It's important to clean and polish your shoes regularly to remove any dust, dirt, or stains. Polishing is key to the longevity of your shoes. Not only will it repair damage from day-to-day wear, but it will also nourish and moisturize the leather, keeping it soft and healthy.
A common myth is 'more polish equals better,' which is incorrect. Excess polish creates a build-up on the shoe, covering the natural enhancements. It creates an uneven texture and attracts dust when stored away.
It is only recommended to polish your shoes once a week if you're wearing them three to four times a week.
TIP #2: Only use a small amount of polish to spread evenly and thinly over the shoe to restore the natural colors.
Rest and Recovery
Even shoes need a day off! Shoes take a full 24 hours to recover entirely after they've been worn. To maintain the highest quality of leather, you should never wear them consecutively for more than two days.
It's always a great idea to alternate pairs with a different style or color.
Caring for Suede and Nubuck
Suede and nubuck require different care methods compared to leather. Suede is softer and more pliable, whereas nubuck is strong and rough, so it is very important to care for these materials, especially during the colder months.
Try to avoid getting your suede shoes wet, as water may damage the leather and cause discoloration.
For all suede and nubuck shoes, you need the Protector Spray, as this will protect the shoes against water and stains.
TIP #3: Don't use any leather creams or polishes, as they may stain your new kicks.
Shoe Maintenance
With proper care, leather shoes and soles can last for many years, but it's also normal for them to wear out over time after consistent use.
To prolong their life, we recommend adding a topy sole, which is a durable rubber material that improves the traction and protection of your shoe. This can be applied quickly and cost-effectively by your local cobbler.
The longevity of your shoe depends on the conditions you wear them in day to day. The more you wear them, the quicker the sole will wear out.
As you start establishing a shoe care routine, you will begin to see great results in how your shoes last and maintain that new leather look. It takes time and effort to create this habit, but once you've mastered it, your look will be complete—it only takes a scuff to ruin a good outfit!