When you start building your shoe collection, it’s a good idea to pick up some shoe care products. The right combination of products will help keep your shoes looking in tip-top shape and can improve their longevity so that you can wear them for years to come. There are thousands of shoe care products to choose from, and it’s to be overwhelmed by the selection, especially if you’re not familiar with the world of leather footwear. We’ve pulled together a few of the must-have shoe care products that you’ll want to keep on hand to look after your leather shoes.
1. Wooden Shoe Tree
Leather ages like fine wine, so you want to maintain the shape and structure of your shoes. A set of wooden shoe trees can be slipped into your shoes when you’re not wearing them. They’re an inexpensive way to keep your shoes looking newer for longer, and they can help absorb any moisture in your shoes to remove unwanted odours.
2. Saddle Soap
The name ‘saddle soap’ might have you thinking it’s for a horse’s saddle, but this product is ideal for any leather items, including your shoes. Saddle soap can help clean your shoes and strengthen the leather, while also giving them a quick polish. Most saddle soap is made using a mixture of mild soap and beeswax, but you’ll want to double-check the ingredient’s list to make sure there are no unwanted chemicals.
3. Mink Oil
If you live in a colder climate and deal with rain throughout the year, you’ll want to use mink oil to treat your shoes. This product gives your shoes the most protection from the elements. It’s easy to apply with your fingers before brushing your shoes and wiping off any excess oil with an old t-shirt. If you live in a warmer climate, you can swap this out for a shoe cream, which will offer you enough protection for everyday wear.
4. Wax Polish
Wax polish is one of the must-have shoe care product if you want to give your shoes a shine. If you have a formal event like a wedding or business dinner coming up, you might want to give your leather shoes a touch-up to make them look brand new. Having a wax polish on hand means you can give your shoe’s a natural shine within a few minutes. You can also polish your shoes anytime you see scuffs and marks appearing from everyday wear and tear.
5. Shoe Horn
You might think of a shoe horn as something that an older person uses to help them put on their shoes, but they also play a crucial role in protecting your shoes. The backs of your shoes can quickly start to show signs of age if you don’t put your shoes on properly. A shoe horn makes it easy to slip your foot into your shoe without damaging the leather.