How to Care for Your Leather Shoes in Winter Season – Men’s Fashion & Lifestyle Blog | Trending Outfit Ideas for Men

Leather shoes are a timeless choice that can instantly spruce up your fashion statement. From boardrooms to upscale weddings, men’s leather shoes exude sophistication and visual flair.

While leather shoes are highly durable, you must follow some requisite maintenance tips to keep them in their best form.

This comprehensive guide offers expert tips on caring for leather shoes in winter. Let’s dive in!

Why Is Winter Hard on Leather Shoes: Understanding the Impact

While winter may seem the perfect time to style your best leather shoes for men with trendy blazers, did you know that cold can harm them?

Yes, in more than one way, as follows:

1. Moisture and Salt Damage

Leather shoes are constantly drenched by snow, rain, and slush throughout the winter season.

This seeping-in moisture causes the leather to become sodden, potentially leading to warpage, splitting, or even discolouration. Furthermore, the salt-damaging leather dries it out and deprives it of its natural oils when used in melting ice on pavements.

2. Cold Temperatures

Very low temperatures also damage leather shoes quite often. During very cold temperatures, leather becomes very stiff and brittle, making it much more prone to cracking or other types of damage.

When not in use, store leather shoes in a controlled temperature, cool, and dry place for the best maintenance of their elegant quality.

Bonus Tip: For brown leather shoes, try using a dedicated leather conditioner or wax polish that matches the colour of the leather. This will help restore moisture and maintain the rich, warm tone of the leather, even during winter’s harsh conditions.

3. Inadequate Maintenance

During winter, leather shoes require more regular cleaning and conditioning to preserve their quality. Such upkeep and appropriate storage are usually desired during winter, resulting in the accumulation of moisture that tends to shorten shoe lifespan and deteriorate quality. 

Expert Tips to Care for Men’s Leather Shoes

Here are some quick tips you can follow to take care of your leather shoes in winter:

1. Say Yes to Waterproofing

Before winter arrives, treat your leather shoes with a high-quality waterproofing or water-repellent spray. This prevents the leather from absorbing moisture, which can cause stains and damage, and helps to form a barrier against moisture. Reapply the waterproofing treatment regularly, especially after cleaning your shoes.

2. Be Regular with Cleaning

In the winter, clean your shoes as soon as possible after wearing them.

When cleaning your leather shoes for superior durability, bear the following three items in mind:

Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove dirt, salt, and other debris.

Strong detergents should be avoided since they can damage leather.

Choose a gentle leather cleaner designed specifically for leather for more thorough cleaning.

Bonus Tip: Use black leather polish when cleaning black lace-up shoes. This will give them a smooth, glossy sheen and restore their rich colour. 

3. Practice Consistent Conditioning

Conditioning is key to leather care, keeping shoes soft, supple, and protected from the harsh winter elements.

Cold air cracks and stiffens leather, drying out its moisture. Condition the leather with a high-quality leather conditioner to prevent this drying out and help preserve suppleness and moisture.

Use it every two or three weeks or more often, when the leather starts to look dry and lifeless. With conditioning, your leather shoes will last longer and be more attractive.

4. Pay Attention to Rotation and Storage

To allow each pair to dry thoroughly between wears, consider changing your shoe rotation in winter. In general, leather shoes should be stored in a cool, dry environment, preferably in dust bags or boxes, to avoid dust and scratches.

When not in use, consider using cedar shoe trees to keep the shape of the shoes.

Wrapping Up

Leather shoes are an essential part of men’s fashion that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re attempting to attain a sophisticated everyday look or are dressed up for a formal event, men’s leather shoes can make a big impression. They are an expression of style, sophistication, and confidence rather than just a pair of shoes.

Take your fashion game up a notch with Louis Philippe leather shoes. From voguish Oxfords to elegant dress shoes, we offer a diverse range of premium leather shoes to complement top-notch outfits. Check our collection now!