Shoe care & cleaning
Everyone loves and needs some good ol' TLC - including your kicks!
Footwear care is an important chapter in our quest to lead a more sustainable life. Regular care and cleaning has multiple advantages ~ it will extend your footwear's lifecycle, there won't be unnecessary extra footwear in circulation and it'll help your own hip pocket!
Q & A
How long will my shoes last?
Good question! The answer actually depends on several factors. Firstly, ill-fitting shoes causes premature damage to your kicks. That’s why we're darn keen to get you fitted properly!
Your shoe life is also determined by:
- Daily use versus a few times a week/month and the environment you're in (eg. sun, dust etc)
- How, and if, you care for your shoes regularly
- How you remove your footwear
- If your shoes are fit for purpose (so they don't wear down quicker than they should)
- How you store your footwear when not in use, and how often footwear is stored
- Water is not a friend to leather so regular or constant dampness to your footwear will affect the longevity. Walking on highly abrasive surfaces (like bitumen) or working with chemicals (such as bleach) will wear even high quality shoes down quicker
- The quality of the shoe materials (we only use high quality, certified and tested materials)
If your work shoes are worn out, it’s important to kick them to the curb, and now. Otherwise you put your safety, plus foot and body health at risk. Woah!
Please continue to read below for important information and instructions on caring and cleaning your footwear, and also have a read of our blog article on our 10 top tips on getting the best life out of your shoes and boots.
Combined with our quality materials, the better you care for your shoes the longer they will last. The longer they last is better for your hip pocket. And the longer they last is better for the environment.. less old shoes in circulation!
WE'RE ALL GUILTY - EEP!
The big no-no!
“Kicking off” your shoes is a one way street to early damage! Kicking, or tapping, off is using one shoe to apply downward pressure on the heel of the other, to remove your foot.
After a long day, you just want your shoes off! We feel you. But kicking off any shoe will damage the heel counter and stitching (even our double stitched reinforcements!). She wears are also contoured to better fit female ankles and feet, so it'll also take more pressure (translation: extra drag on stitching) to kick off your shoes. It also voids your warranty.
Instead, pull up a comfy chair, have a sit (it’ll be nice after a hard day on your feet), loosen your laces well, then remove your shoes with your hands. A little time now means extra life in your shoes.
ATTENTION PLEASE
Super duper important!
Water is not a friend to leather and is probably the number 1 cause of leather footwear deterioration. TLC goes a long way to help the longevity of your leather boots and kicks, so please have a read through our guide below on how to best care for your footwear in the wet.
It's also critical to know that anti-static resistance and electrical hazard protection is affected by excessive moisture or incorrect cleaning methods. Keep reading for the full low-down.
LEATHER
Is water damaging to footwear?
Water damages leather footwear. Fact. And wearing footwear in water or getting shoes wet on a regular basis will affect the longevity and durability. But there are some things you can do to get the best life out of your shoes .. and we really do want you to get the best life out of your she wears!
Why is water not leather's BFF? Well, leather is a porous material which soaks water quickly. When this water dries out and leaves the material, it leads to premature damage and mostly, cracking of the leather. It's worth noting, leather cannot be totally "waterproofed" but you can help it's resistance to water with some love, care and attention (and they're worth it right?!?).
Now we know shoes can get wet in the rain and it's totally unavoidable to not get them wet every now and then (particularly work boots!), so our leather is protected with a water resistant coating prior to production (which is tested and independently certified). However this protection does minimise over time, so it's very important to use a waterproofing spray on a regular basis (here you can find our recommended products).
Another consideration is switching between work boots and waterproof rubber gum boots during the times you're in wet conditions.
Here are our top tips on caring for your leather footwear if wet regularly:
- Apply a waterproofing spray (like this one) on a consistent basis.
- If wet, dry shoes straight away - take them off as soon as you get home, and place them in a cool, dry spot. Do not force dry or place them near a heat source as this will expedite the cracking process and they will dry out even more quickly. Wet boots are a breeding ground for bacteria (yuck!).
- Restore the moisture - apply a conditioner (that is suitable to your leather type) and clean according to the methods below.
- Alternate boots - there aren't many shoes worn as regularly as work boots or work shoes, so rest and switch between 2 pairs for best results. This will give each pair time to decompress and dry out correctly.
- If you are getting your footwear wet ALL the time (NB not recommended!), then look for a product like Sno Seal. This is a wax type product and creates a barrier between water and your footwear upper. It may change the colour and appearance of the leather, so make sure to follow the directions!
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
Advice from a shoe expert, Trevor the cobbler
"All shoes need to be cared for and cleaned on a regular basis, and lack of care and water exposure are some of the biggest reasons why customers bring their shoes in for repair. Cracking on leather and issues with sole separation generally occur with regular water exposure, or when feet sweat excessively.
My professional advice - leather shoes and boots need to be waterproofed, cleaned and conditioned on a regular basis. I suggest to have 2 pairs on rotation (week in, week out) and give time for your shoes or boots to rest between wears. Footwear will last a lot longer when it's looked after. If you don't look after them, they just won't last a long time (even if you pay $600 for a premium pair!)."
Footwear care instructions
LEATHER
Nubuck
NUBUCK - MOST OF OUR SAFETY STYLES | NAVY EXPLORES
Nubuck is a high quality, durable, top grain leather sanded/buffed on the external side of the hide to give a slight nap of short protein fibres, producing a velvet-like surface.
- Use a dry nubuck cloth to remove any surface dirt
- Remove any scuffs with a nubuck/suede leather eraser (use gentle, circular motions)
- Gently use a nubuck/suede brush to manipulate the leather nap
- Remove any excess moisture with a dry cloth and leave to air dry (do not force dry)
- On a regular basis, apply a nubuck waterproofing spray and/or stain repellent to help prolong the life of your shoes.
- Ensure the product is suitable for use on nubuck (or suede) leather
LEATHER
Full grain or Pony hair leather
GRAIN LEATHER - BLACK ACHIEVES | NURTURES | SUPPORTS | STYLES | ASSURES
PONY HAIR LEATHER - ALMOND/LEOPARD STYLES
Full grain is a high quality leather and the very top external layer of a hide. It is strong, durable and has not been sanded/buffed to remove any marks, retaining a gloss finish. Pony hair leather (also known as pony fur or hair-on-leather) is made of a similar cow hide to full grain leather, but with the hair intact (it is NOT made from ponies or horses).
- Use a soft bristled brush or damp cloth to remove any surface dirt
- Apply leather polish, spray or cream to the leather - use a suitable full grain leather product. This is n/a for pony hair leather
- If using a polish on grain leather, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a polishing cloth or brush and rub gently in circular motions
- On a regular basis, apply a waterproofing spray and/or stain repellent to help prolong the life of your shoes
- Ensure the product is suitable for use on full grain leather
LEATHER
Action Leather
STRIVES - ANIMAL PRINT
Action leather is a suede leather with a thin top coating of polyurethane, similar to a patent leather. It is a durable leather perfect for printed designs but does require a different care regime. It is prone to scratching so isn't recommended for a harsher environment.
- Use a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any surface dirt
- Wipe down on a regular basis and if required, use a mild detergent and warm water
- Avoid solvents or chemicals as this will affect the polyurethane coating
- We don't suggest to get action leather wet on a regular basis - water is damaging to the top coat of this leather and will cause cracking
- Be very careful with waterproofing spray ~ most will cause the action leather colour to fade or break down
- Ensure the product is suitable for use on action leather, or PU coated leather
LEATHER
Crazy horse
PURSUES| INSPIRES | VINTAGE BROWN EXPLORES
A waxy, vintage style leather where imperfections (such as small scratches) are part of the charm! The patina of this lovely leather also changes and enriches with wear.
- Use a soft bristled brush or damp cloth to remove any surface dirt
- Apply leather polish, wax, spray or cream to the leather (use a suitable full grain leather product)
- If using a polish, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a polishing cloth or brush and rub gently in circular motions
- On a regular basis, apply a waterproofing spray and/or stain repellent to help prolong the life of your shoes
FABRIC
Knit mesh
CARES & STEPS
A breathable, flexible synthetic material. A seamless engineering construction knitted on machines so there’s almost no wasted material in production.
- Dilute a small amount of detergent in a bowl of cool water, wet a soft cloth and apply using firm but gentle pressure (careful not to snag the knit!)
- If badly soiled, use a soft brush (like a toothbrush or a suede/nubuck brush) to work the solution into the knit mesh
- Remove any soapy residue with a slightly wet cloth
- Pat dry and leave to air dry naturally
VEGAN
Non leather microfibre
CONSIDERS
Our non leather/vegan microfibre is a bio based material, more eco friendly than traditional faux leathers and completely animal free. Ensure all cleaning products are suitable for a bio based microfibre.
- Brush off loose dirt
- Use a cleaner suitable for microfibre or mild detergent with warm water
- If using a conditioner, apply a small amount, rub gently in circular motions to retain the glossy surface.
- Apply water repellent spray on a regular basis.
MIXED MATERIALS
Inner sole
- Remove the inner soles from your shoes
- Mix warm water and mild soap or detergent, wet a soft cloth and gently wipe down (careful not to saturate the innersole!)
- If badly soiled, use a soft brush like a toothbrush or a suede/nubuck brush to work the solution into the knit mesh
- Pat dry and air dry naturally overnight
ANTI-STATIC
For highly static environments
The electrical resistance of this type of footwear can be changed significantly by flexing, contamination or moisture. This footwear will not perform its intended function if worn in wet conditions. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that the product is capable of fulfilling its designed function of dissipating electrostatic charges and also of giving some protection during the whole of its life. The user is recommended to establish an in-house test for electrical resistance and use it at regular and frequent intervals.
Classification I footwear can absorb moisture where the soling material becomes contaminated. Wearers should always check the electrical properties of the footwear before entering a hazard area.
In use, no insulating elements, with the exception of normal hose, should be introduced between the inner sole of the footwear and the foot of the wearer. If any insert is put between the inner sole and the foot or the inner sole is changed, the combination footwear/insert should be checked for its electrical properties.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD
Added electric shock protection
EH protection is severely deteriorated in the following conditions : excessive wear on the soling material, contamination by conductive materials or exposure to wet or humid environments.
Care and Use of Electrical Hazards Boots: Keep the shoes and outsoles free of conductive materials such as screws, nails and metal shavings, dry the footwear thoroughly after use, clean outsoles with a mild soap and warm water, to avoid cracking, store footwear away from electric motors or electric fields, inspect footwear for any visible damage prior to use, such as punctures, tears, snags and cracking, dispose of the footwear if embedded with conductive materials, or if wear causes the outsole thickness to diminish noticeably. These conditions will result in significant reduction or elimination of the footwear’s protection if the wearer steps on an electrical circuit.
DISCOVER
