Shoe Care 101 - How to Polish & Protect Leather Shoes

Learn how to clean, polish, and protect smooth leather and suede leather shoes in this handy tutorial filled video.

Congratulations! You've got yourself a beautiful pair of high-quality, long-lasting, real leather shoes. You want to keep those shoes looking beautiful for years to come...but how? Nicole, our shoe designer, shoemaker, and expert in historic shoes walks us through the "how" and "what" of keeping your leather shoes clean, oiled, hydrated, and waxed so they last for decades to come.

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We recommend hydrating and polishing your shoes at minimum once per year, but at the start and finish of the season is even better. Leather shoes can dry even just sitting in the closet, so keep them looking amazing with a regular polish and buff.
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[davidhutchison]

Shoe care for leather shoes is just so important. During the Victorian and Edwardian era in Britain, the larger stately homes had a servant who's main job was taking care of all the shoes. It was truly, a full time job. It was stated that you could always tell a true lady by the condition of her shoes.

[mollymoon]

LOVE this video- I will say though, the sound is a bit weird.

[peggyriordan]

This reminded me of my youth! Every Saturday morning, we had to clean and shine our Father's shoes and we did all of the steps shown here. Thanks for bringing back good memories and yes, I still do clean and shine my leather shoes each week!

[bhelliom]

I have a gorgeous pair of Italian oxfords I found secondhand and wore them nearly every day without taking care of them cuz I didn’t realize how much damage I was doing wearing them in the winter salt. They developed a large crack on the side of the toe where it bends the most, and I haven’t worn them since cuz I wanna see about getting them repaired. So now I’m watching this before my AD shoes get to that point too.

[seanmcgcostumes]

Bless you for making this video for us who just love the pretty shoes but have never had to upkeep special shoes before because we've only had basic modern shoes! Also, I have two vintage boots, one of which is an early 20th century men's buttoned boot that's in really good condition but needs a bit of upkeep. I can't wait to apply these new-to-me techniques to those boots so I can start wearing them!

[cshunter]

This is too wonderful! Thank you so much. I just got my 1st American duchess shoes 3 days ago and I was too scared to wear them without knowing how to clean them. This was brilliantly done and Made at the perfect time for me. Thank you so very much!!!

[marys.]

I'm so glad I thought to look for this video, I bought the lustre cream and shoe wax polish when I got my American duchess shoes but I've been too unsure about how to use them, but now I feel far better equipped to care for my shoes (and they're my favourite shoes)!

[reneestarling]

This was super informative! I've always been a bit intimidated by the idea of shoe care, but this did a great job of breaking it down. Thank you!

[jessicafireng]

I just ordered my first pair of American Duchess! So happy to have this for care instructions!

[nicoledeloncrais]

I worked with specialty shoes many years ago.
Thank you for the refresher. Was so good to be reminded.
Real well done, excellent quality video and fabulous content!!!

[hazelmeldrum]

Can across this and I realised that I have the brushes you were using which I inherited from a grandfather 1895-1973 who was known for his very shiny shoes. This must be the way he did them

[AdolfosTube]

Great video! I haven't seen much on shoe care for women's shoes so it's nice to see this. Keep it up.

[lenore_nvrmore]

This was very interesting. Thank you!!! Ive never done this kind of care to my shoes.
now i know better!!!

[erinwishart]

This is awesome. Off to clean the collection.

[kestrels.]

Yay! It’s Nicole! 💗 Thank you for the information! I didn’t know mink oil was for the soles. I usually used it on the uppers. Good to know.

[beingrealistic]

I must of seen 10 other video's and they talk more about themselves (self centered) or just fall off the Subject using 🏈
I want to talk about shoes!!!
You by far 👌to the point, no nonsense.
Thank you so very much.. 🌹

[kellylincoln]

I would love a video on the Bernadettes! I’m a little confused on how to care for them with all the different leather types. I know there were web pages but I am confused by some of the information (for instance one part says don’t use mink oil, and another part says yes do use it for the soles!). I have the waterproof spray, and the neutral luster cream- but should I also get mink oil for the soles or just use the waterproof spray? Thank you!

[averyt]

This was incredibly helpful, thank you!

[princessophelia]

How frequently would you recommend adding mink oil and lustre cream? (often was a bit vague) I don't necessarily need them to shine like new but I plan to walk daily in them - in sometimes dirty or rainy terrain so I definitely want to prevent damage. :) thank you very much for the great tutorial.

[MangoMonster]

Exelent information! I just got new leather sneakers and I want to make them last! Very helpful video :)