Caring for your leather shoes this spring: Maintenance and storage tips

Why spring is the perfect time to refresh your leather shoes

With the right care and attention, quality leather shoes offer a lifetime of class and sophistication.

Spring rains can cause leather to take on excess moisture and begin to rot. On the other hand, fluctuating temperatures and increased household dust can lead to drying and cracking. That means proper spring leather shoe care and storage is essential to protect your investment.

Since 1990, Martin Dingman has meticulously crafted timeless leather footwear that captures the essence of the cultured modern man. Every pair blends our rugged Ozark heritage with the world’s finest materials to bring you enduring durability and elegance.

Essential steps for leather shoe maintenance

Knowing how to clean leather shoes is a vital skill for any discerning gentleman. Conditioning and protecting leather shoes also helps restore their natural luster and prevent future damage.

Step 1: Cleaning your leather shoes

• Allow your leather shoes to dry naturally for at least 24 hours, then remove the laces and insert a pair of cedar shoe trees

• Release dried mud and dirt with a soft brush and clean away any remaining dirt using a damp microfiber cloth

• Apply a dime-sized amount of premium leather cleaner to a polish brush and clean the entire surface evenly using circular motions

• Let the leather dry overnight before buffing vigorously with a natural horsehair brush for a shining finish

Step 2: Conditioning for long-lasting quality

• Apply a dime-sized amount of high-quality leather cleaner like mink oil to a soft microfiber cloth

• Rub the leather in circular motions, paying particular attention to creases and high-wear areas

• Let your leather shoes absorb the conditioner for at least an hour before wearing

Step 3: Protecting against spring elements

• Apply an even coat of leather-specific waterproofing spray

• Work it into the leather using a soft microfiber cloth

• Repeat two to three times as needed

How to store leather shoes properly for spring and summer

Follow these leather shoe storage tips to extend the life of your premium footwear – particularly important for men’s dress shoes care.

Store with shoe trees

Placing shoe trees inside your leather shoes before storage prevents creasing and helps them retain their original shape. Wooden materials enhance leather shoe care by wicking away excess moisture, which is a problem in spring and summer.

Use a shoe tree within an hour of removing your shoes for the best results. Wherever possible, do so immediately after taking them off.

Ensure proper ventilation

Leather’s natural breathability allows it to remain supple. However, leather shoes stored in damp or poorly ventilated spaces can develop mold and mildew. This weakens the material, causing your shoes to lose their shape and flexibility.

When storing leather footwear, dry naturally for at least 24 hours and place in their original box to ensure proper ventilation. Under no circumstances ever store leather shoes in plastic bags, as these lock in moisture.

Follow best practices for packing and travel

Insert shoe trees into any shoes you plan to take with you. Then place each shoe into a separate shoe bag to protect them from your other belongings. For distinguished leather shoes like Jacob American Alligator Penny Loafers, double-bag for extra protection.

Pack your shoes and other heavy items towards the bottom of your luggage closest to the wheels, with softer items on top. This keeps your shoes apart from other hard items that could cause damage, and prevents shifting during travel.

Common leather shoe care mistakes to avoid

Over-conditioning

Leather needs to breathe to maintain its natural suppleness and prevent moisture buildup.

Over-conditioning clogs the pores, trapping oils and moisture inside. This can lead to internal damage, including mildew and a weakening of the leather’s natural structure.

A dime-sized amount of high-quality leather shoe conditioner is enough to polish a single shoe. When in doubt, apply less. 

Storing shoes while damp

Genuine leather shoes take 24-48 hours to dry thoroughly after use. Storing leather shoes with excess moisture can cause mold, mildew, and rot.

Never force leather to dry using a hair dryer or other exterior heat source. This causes trapped moisture to evaporate too quickly, causing the leather to become brittle.

Not rotating shoes

Feet produce heat and sweat throughout the day, particularly in spring and summer. The leather and lining of your shoes absorb that moisture, and need time to dry naturally. So it’s important to rotate your shoes throughout the week.

Avoid wearing the same pair of genuine leather shoes two days in a row. The ideal shoe rotation is one pair on your feet, one pair drying with shoe trees, and the rest in their boxes.

Keep your leather shoes looking sharp with Martin Dingman

Consistent maintenance and proper storage are essential aspects of spring shoe care. By protecting the luster and durability of your leather shoes, you can transform fine footwear into an enduring testament to your sophistication.

However, the best way to ensure timeless quality and enviable appeal is to invest in world-class men’s leather shoes from the very start.

Martin Dingman’s handcrafted leather footwear combines Ozark mountain spirit with singular elegance to bring refined country life to the esteemed modern man. Explore our premium leather footwear and shoe care essentials today.