CRAFTSMANSHIP

How To Care: Leather

Nothing can compare to the durability and luxury of natural leather. As we value quality first and foremost, our full-grain leather is of the highest calibre and all of our hides are hand-selected for the perfect finish. Because we’re passionate about beautiful shoes, we’re also passionate about caring for them. We’ve perfected our specialised range of care products to help combat the wear and tear of daily life and to protect your leather footwear.

 

 

GENERAL TIPS

Wear your shoes on alternate days to allow them to air out and have a longer life. Always leave wet shoes to dry naturally - never by artificial heat. Driving in heels may cause damage to the backs of the shoes and heels. Wear with care for some finishes such as glitter and embellishment due to their delicate nature.

 

 

WATER/STAIN PROTECTOR SPRAY

Premium and alcohol-free, this spray protects the leather from the effects of water, marks, stains and prevents discolouration. Ideal for leather, and can be used on any material except patent leather and can be used on any colour! We recommend spraying multiple layers of this before your first wear for that extra protection. You can then continue spraying an extra coat on your leather shoes regularly, based on how often you wear them. Available in a small pump spray size to purchase online, or a large ozone-friendly aerosol in stores.

 

 

 

LEATHER CONDITIONER

Just like your own skin, the leather on your shoes needs to be regularly moisturised and hydrated. Our Leather Conditioner cleans, conditions and moisturises whilst assisting waterproofing. Both Lanolin and wax based, this is ideal for all types of leather: smooth, patent or even leather-look material. Plus it removes surface residue for a glossy finish. We recommend applying this with our Polishing Cloth.

 

 

BEESWAX

Softens, preserves and protects all smooth leathers whilst restoring natural oils and enhancing the finish. This is suitable only for medium to dark leathers. Fun tip: rub beeswax in the lining of your leather shoes to soften any firm areas that are causing discomfort - this will save you from future blisters! Our Beeswax also helps with waterproofing the leather!

 

 

RENOVATING POLISH

If your shoes need a colour refresh for some extra pigment, Renovating Polish is your go-to. This nourishes and conditions the leather, whilst refreshing colour to help cover scuffs and scratches. The polish is a water-based wax formula which gives a superb high-gloss finish. We recommend using this on smooth or grained leather. We have a range of colours available in this to suit your shoe collection. Apply with our Shoe Brush or Polishing Cloth. Use our Instant Shine to enhance the colour.

 

 

SHOE GEL

This clear gel cleans, moisturises, preserves and nurtures the leather on your footwear. You can use for smooth, delicate leathers such as calf, kid, snake-effect/croc-effect and ESPECIALLY metallics. Plus you can use this on all colours! Apply with our Polishing Cloth. It also smells great (like really good!) and can be used on sandals to soften straps that cut in.

 

 

 

PATENT LEATHER DRESSING

Available in black or neutral, our Patent Leather Dressing cleans, conditions and shines patent leather, but is also suitable for high gloss, synthetic plastics and vinyl. We highly recommend applying before your first wear using our Polishing Cloth.

 

 

SHOE BRUSH

The natural bristles on our Shoe Brush are gentle on leather, allowing for even distribution of products and buffing to a high shine. Use the Shoe Brush to get rid of any excess dirt or dust on your shoes. You can also use the brush to apply shoe polish and wax and gently buff your shoes. Use this to apply Renovating Polish and Beeswax.

 

 

POLISHING CLOTH

Premium, lint-free cotton for a superior shine, our Polishing Cloth is long wearing and has overlocked edges. Use this to apply Leather Conditioner, Shoe Gel, Patent Leather Dressing, Renovating Polish and Shoe Gel. Apply a tiny amount of product to the cloth and gently rub the shoes in small circles. Buff the shoe until it shines.

 

 

INSTANT SHINE

This wonder-sponge contains silicon oil and impregnating waxes, cleaning and polishing for a superior, high-gloss finish. Appropriate for all colours of smooth and grained leather. Apply all over your shoes using the applicator sponge on first use, or after applying your Renovating Polish or Leather Conditioner.

 

 

 

ULTIMATE LEATHER KIT

New to shoe care? This leather kit is for you! Everything you need to give your shoes some TLC in one. The kit includes our Polishing Cloth, Shoe Brush, Small Shoe Horn, Mini Instant Shine, Black Renovating Polish and Beeswax Dressing. All this shoe care goodness for just $40.

 

 

 

If you ever have any further questions on how to clean your leather shoes, our friendly team members in stores are shoe care experts and are happy to help!

 

Terms and conditions: Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the use of Merchant 1948 care products on other brand’s shoes. Please refrain from using Merchant 1948 care products on shoes made by other brands. Merchant 1948 cannot be held liable for the results produced by using our care products on other branded shoes.