As soon as you take your new shoes out of the box, give them a good polish, Petry says. We like Saphir Renovateur ($22, ashineandco.com), which has a mink oil and shea butter blend for the ideal balance of polish and conditioning.
Polish your shoes each time you put them on, or at least rub them down before you venture out into bad weather.
If you’re investing in suede shoes, treat them with a protective suede spray that resists water, salt, and mud so they won’t be damaged by the elements. Petry recommends testing the spray before using it, as it could change the color of your shoes.
You should also commit to a good suede eraser and brush for maintenance.
First, use your eraser to target stains. Then, follow up with the brush to bring the nap of the suede back to its original state, says Petry.
If you find yourself caught in a sudden downpour, save your shoes from permanent damage by drying them as soon as you get home.
Stuff your shoes with newspaper to soak up the moisture and place them in a well-ventilated area as you wait for them to dry, says Kevin Tuohy, cofounder of A Shine & Co.
Whatever you do, don’t pick up the hair dryer or place them near a heater, which will damage and make the leather cracked and brittle.
Tuohy advises against using sponges on your shoes because it’s hard to tell what’s in them. Sometimes, the sponge tip applicator attached to your favorite shoe polish can contain ingredients that are harmful to your shoes.
Instead, look for a shoe-care kit that contains essentials like polish and a natural hair brush.
Before you wear your new dress shoes, ask a cobbler to place a rubber sole on the bottom. Not only will the rubber protect the leather soles from damage, but it will also give you extra traction, says Tuohy.
Plus, it’s easier—and more affordable—to replace worn rubber soles than leather. For the roughly $20 investment, you’ll prolong the life of your favorite shoes.
