Shoe Care FAQ
1. Can you do something to ensure your shoes are well maintained before you wear them for the first time?
2. Why should I waterproof my shoes?
3. Do I have to wash the inside of my shoes?
4. Can I wash my shoes in the washing machine?
5. Can I wear my shoes immediately after shoe care?
6. Can I just treat my leather shoes with my saddle care?
7. My shoe has got scratched or stained, what can I do?
8. How can I care for my shoes in between?
9. The zip on my boots is sticking, what can I do?
10. Do I also have to take care of the laces?
1. Can you do something to ensure your shoes are well maintained before you wear them for the first time?
Not only can you do something for well-cared-for shoes, you should even do it before wearing them for the first time. Waterproofing is the keyword to give your shoes and boots the best conditions for a long life. You can find out how to do this under „Shoe care step by step“.
2. Why should you waterproof shoes?
Waterproofing not only protects against moisture penetration, it also protects against stains caused by weather conditions such as snow or rain, but also prevents dirt and dust from getting into the shoe due to the protective film that is created.
3. Do I also have to wash the inside of my shoes?
Regular cleaning of the inside of your shoes should take place approx. 2 times a year to remove odours, but also bacteria and sweat marks. For this purpose, it is best to use a mild cleaning foam that is specially adapted to the material. Leather boots should be stuffed with newspaper to dry after the gentle cleaning.
4. Can I wash my shoes in the washing machine?
Washing in the washing machine will void any warranty on your shoes and you also risk damage to the washing machine. The water mass is taboo for leather shoes anyway. But textile shoes are not suitable for washing machines either: the higher temperatures and the impact of the forces can also cause the glue, for example, to come off. Hand washing is therefore the method of choice.
5. Can I wear my shoes immediately after shoe care?
In order for the care products to be able to absorb into the material in the best possible way, you should allow for a soaking and resting time. After a damp cleaning, it is best to let leather shoes and boots dry for 24 hours. Care products should be left to soak in for at least 15-45 minutes.
6. Can I simply treat my leather shoes with my saddle care?
This is not recommended. The leather texture of saddles, bridles and co. is different from that of leather shoes due to the manufacturing processes and the different requirements. Therefore, you should opt for special shoe care products that meet the needs of the upper material.
7. My shoe has got a scratch or stain, what can I do?
As a rule, scratches and stains, especially on shoes made of artificial leather and leather, can be removed as part of the normal care routine with the help of a damp cloth and shoe polish in a matching colour. Wet or snow marks are not uncommon on leather shoes. These can be removed with diluted white vinegar on a damp cloth. Please apply a rich care product afterwards, as the vinegar changes the pH value of the leather.
For textile shoes, there are now special helpers in the form of cleaning foam, dirt erasers etc. that can remove even the most stubborn dirt.
8. How can I care for my shoes in the meantime?
In addition to intensive care, which should take place every 2-3 weeks if the shoes are used frequently, it is recommended that the shoes are cleaned of coarse dirt with a soft brush after each wear and allowed to dry gently (please do not blow dry, place on the heater or in the direct sun). For extra shine in between, use special care cloths or conventional wet wipes (with as few additives as possible).
9. The zip of one of my boots is sticking, what can I do?
The zip is considered the Achilles‘ heel of leather riding boots. With regular care, in the form of a zip care spray, sticking or even defects in the zip can be avoided as far as possible.
10. Do I also have to care for the laces?
For a perfect look, laces should also be cared for regularly. Especially with leather laces, care is important because otherwise the material becomes brittle and the laces could break. When caring for your shoes, make sure to remove the laces and care for them separately. This way you also reach the shoe tongue and your laces receive the care that is appropriate for their function. Textile laces can also be cleaned in a laundry bag in the washing machine or by hand washing. The same care routine applies to leather laces as to leather shoes.