3 Common Leather Shoes Problems & Their Quick Fixes

Every shoe rack needs a nice pair of leather shoes. Whether it’s a winter boot, a pair for work, or a statement pair for a night out—leather is classy and elegant.

But despite being a sturdy material, leather footwear needs proper care and maintenance. Cleaning and conditioning are essential for taking care of your leather shoes, but some specific problems require extra effort.

Read on to learn three common issues associated with leather footwear, and their solutions.

1. Abrasion and Scuff Marks

A single scuff mark can make your nice leather shoes look old and poorly made. Leather shoes are highly prone to scratches and stretch marks, but the good news is that effective remedies can fix this.

Buff the shoe’s surface with a soft cotton cloth and use cream or wax-based polish. Wash the shoes with warm water once every month and then condition or polish.

A man and woman wearing well-maintained, brown leather shoes

2. Sweaty Feet and Your Leather Shoes

Leather shoes can heat your tootsies in hot weather. Your feet have around 250,000 sweat glands and wearing leather shoes throughout the day may activate them. This feels and smells nasty, and also damages the leather layering on the inside.

Leather is a porous material, and dampness makes it vulnerable to shrinkage. If your leather shoes suddenly stop fitting correctly, it means they’ve been exposed to moisture for an extended period of time. Clean your shoes after each wear and use baking soda to eliminate dampness.

3. Fading Polish

Who doesn’t love new, freshly polished leather shoes?

But unfortunately, this shine fades due to wear and tear over time. To keep your leather shoes looking stylish and shiny, moisturize them monthly and condition them using a high-quality leather conditioner. Ensure that your shoes are dust-free and dry before application, and don’t forget to recondition them during inclement weather.

How Can We Help You?

We’re a full-service cleaning company in Washington. Our holistic range of services includes everything from dry cleaning, laundry wash & fold, shoe repair, wedding gown alterations, and much more!

If you’re dealing with damaged leather shoes, contact us for quality shoe repair, replacement, and polishing services in DC.