11 Products to Maintain and Rejuvenate Your Footwear
As a passionate advocate of less is more, I understand the importance of maintaining and caring for footwear as it ultimately benefits the environment and your wallet too. As a child, I have fond memories of my Dad polishing and buffing his RAF-issue boots. Whether it's to preserve their appearance or extend their lifespan, regular maintenance plays a vital role. In this article, I’ll share a variety of at-home products and techniques to help you keep your shoes in top-notch condition. From nourishing leather to protecting suede and waterproofing outdoor footwear, I’ve got product recommendations for them all!
By their nature footwear gets a lot of wear and tear so as well as your local cobbler who can replace soles, heels, zips and straps. Here's some at home products you can use to keep them up to inspection standard!
How can I ensure my footwear lasts?
Everyday Leather
To nourish and protect your leather shoes, boots, trainers, and bags, Clarks Leather Balm is a reliable choice. Applying it every few uses helps maintain the leather's quality and keeps it looking its best.
Shoe Protector
Before wearing new shoes, it's crucial to protect them from rain and stains, especially for suede, leather, and canvas. Various brands like Kaps, Punch, Kiwi, Nikwax, and Woly offer effective shoe protectors, allowing you to choose the one that suits your preferences. They’re all really effective so take your pick!
Nubuck Brush
For removing surface dirt and muck from suede or nubuck footwear, consider using a Cherry Blossom Suede and Nubuck Brush. It's an affordable and effective tool to keep your shoes clean.
Suede Renovator
When your suede or nubuck shoes start looking patchy and dry, a renovator like the Kaps Renovator can bring back their vitality. This product helps revive the colour and texture of the material, giving your shoes a fresh appearance.
Suede Eraser
Black scuff marks on your shoes or boots can be frustrating. However, with a gentle and effective Kaps Eraser, you can easily remove those marks without causing damage to the material.
6. New Laces
Refresh your trainers by replacing the laces with new ones or different colours. It's a simple yet effective way to give your shoes a new look and feel.
7. Trainer Care
When it comes to trainer care, Crep Protect is a reliable brand. Their Crep Protect Spray is particularly great for repelling rain and dirt from canvas shoes, suede, and nubuck. They also offer an in-store laundry service in their London stores for expert treatment when your trainers need it.
8. Coloured Shoe Cream
For those with coloured leather shoes that have become discoloured, Woly offers a range of coloured shoe creams specifically designed for non-standard coloured leather. Many reputable cobblers stock a selection of Woly products, making it easier for you to find the perfect match for your shoes.
9. Waterproof Footwear
If you own outdoor footwear that needs extra protection, Granger's range of treatments can be a game-changer. Their Paste Wax is specifically designed to enhance and protect smooth leather walking boots, while the G-Wax is perfect for grained leather. They will give your favourite outdoor shoes the waterproofing they deserve.
10. Wellies
Has the rubber on your wellies become dry and brittle? Don't worry; Grangers Rubber Boot Care can help you restore them to their former glory. This genius product revitaliees the rubber, ensuring your wellies are ready for any adventure.
11. Premium Restoration
For those of you that have designer and investment footwear that is past the DIY stage, consider investing in a specialist treatment from Shoe Spa.