Don’t put your boots through the ringer just to get that rugged, worn-in look. You can still get the same effect after protecting the leather.
Use a leather balm and neutral cream, but avoid buffing them to a shine, Tuohy says,
Just watch the soles. Are the heels uneven or worn down on one side? See your cobbler to resole them so you can wear the hell out of them for years.
When you’re in a pinch—or if you want to experiment with a burnished style—you can use black shoe polish on brown shoes. The black polish won’t do any damage to your boots; it’ll only make the leather a bit darker and more rustic-looking.
You don’t always have to polish your boat shoes, says Petry. They’re meant to be salt-washed and faded, so let them live through the elements, he says.
Ignore your urge to take the bargain route. You need actual shoe polish—not the sneaker scuff cleaner from the local drugstore, says Tuohy.
These cheap cleaners may save you several bucks, but they don’t actually remove scuffs. Instead, they layer on a white paste that appears chalky when dry.
The best way to clean your canvas sneakers is by hand with fabric shampoo and water—not in the washing machine, Tuohy says.
Even on a gentle cycle, the soles of your shoes can break down and look more worn-out.
