Leather Shoe Cleaning & Care
The sun is shining and so are our hopes for spring! It’s always sad to say goodbye to our favourite Rieker and Remonte boots for the season, but we have many new summer styles to celebrate!
Here are some cleaning tips for storing our products for the season. With our high-quality leather boots and shoes, you want to give them the best care. Read our cleaning tips and learn more about the types of leather you own, or if your shoes are made with vegan-friendly synthetic materials: what you can do to help prevent damage.
STEPS FOR PROTECTING LEATHER
1. PROTECT
Before you wear your Rieker and Remonte winter boots and shoes, it is highly suggested that you protect them with protector spray. By spraying your boots and shoes, you are limiting the chances of water, dirt, and salt damage. Please note the type of material and the protector spray; some spray may not be good for synthetic materials and may cause damage! It is important to pay close attention to which spray and which shoes you own. Also consider if the upper is full leather or partial, determining if the synthetic materials require the same care.
2. WEAR
When wearing your boots and shoes, try to limit damage by planning where you go and consider Rieker’s intended use of the product. For example, Rieker’s leather shoes cannot endure the same conditions as Rieker’s leather ankle boots. The lifted sole of a hiking boot prevents direct damage to where the leather upper and outsole meet. We know shoes are meant to be worn and puddles are tempting – especially with our TEX membrane that kicks moisture out, but save the jumping for excitement not the slush!
3. CLEAN
Now it’s time to put your boots and shoes away. At the end of the season, clean your boots and shoes before storage. Don’t worry, you will see them again! It’s important to understand which material your boots are. For smooth leather use lotion, for nubuck use cleaner, and for vegan-friendly synthetics use a damp cloth. You can read more about the type of material care below.
4. POLISH
Polishing your boots and shoes will require you to find a polish that matches the shade of your leather. We recommend asking your retailer for their input on matching the right shade. Gently rub the polish in circular motions to nourish the leather and enhance the colour.
5. PROTECT
Before storing your shoes, don’t forget to spray them again! Extra protector spray will help preserve the polish and rehydration of leather shoes, while also protecting against dust and climate.
*For all protection and shoe care products, visit your retailer for recommended solutions. Each store carries their own inventory*
Leather Finishes and Care
Nappa – full grain leather, soft and comfortable feel. What you need: Leather protector, leather cleaning lotion, and polish in the same colour as the shoe.
Nubuck – grain or smooth side of leather, it is buffed with an abrasive action giving a velvety feel. You can use a suede and nubuck or leather protector, clean using a suede and nubuck block.
Suede – the underside of leather that is buffed and brushed, suede and nubuck are similar so same products can be used to clean and protect. A suede brush works best for cleaning suede.
Aniline – leather treated with a clear aniline dye and wax finish. It will have a very high gloss finish but not patent. Patent care can be used so as not to dull the finish.
Reptiles – The skins of animals such as snake, crocodiles or other reptiles, or an embossed leather or synthetic material to look like reptile skin. Patent care is recommended.
Metallic/Pearlized – a finish applied to leather which gives the shoe a metal or pearl look. Patent care is recommended.
Patent leather – leather or synthetic which have a surface coating of PVC or polyurethane to give it a very high gloss finish. This finish reduces the ability of leather to breathe. Patent care is recommended.
Oily Nubuck – nubuck with heavy oiling. Oiled leather protector is recommended and a suede/nubuck block or brush to lift pile.
Follow these simple steps to preserve your shoes for many more seasons to come!
To find more tips on protecting synthetic shoes, visit our Shoe Care page.
