Your leather shoes do a lot for you, the least you can do is give them a little love once a week. A simple care routine keeps the leather supple, maintains that rich color, and adds years to your favorite pair. The best part? It only takes about ten minutes.
What You'll Need
- Horsehair Cleaning Brush, for dusting off dirt and debris
- Saphir Renovateur Cream, to prep and condition the leather
- Saphir Crème 1925, the star of the show: cleans, nourishes, recolors, and protects
- Pig Bristle Spreading Brush, for applying cream evenly
- Horsehair Polishing Brush, for building up a warm shine
- Polishing Cloth, for the final buff
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Remove the Laces and Insert Shoe Trees
First things first, pull those laces out. While they're off, it's the perfect time to check if they could use an upgrade. Pop in your shoe trees to hold the shape and smooth out any creases. This makes every following step easier and more effective.
2. Brush Away the Day
Give the entire shoe a good once-over with your horsehair cleaning brush. Work along the seams and welt where dust loves to hide. This step removes surface grime so your products can actually reach the leather.
3. Prep with Renovateur Cream
Apply a thin layer of Renovateur Cream using your fingertips or a cloth. This conditions the leather and opens up the pores to receive the main treatment. Think of it as a primer, it helps everything that follows work better. Let it absorb for a couple of minutes.
4. Apply Crème 1925, The Key Step
This is where the magic happens. Using your spreading brush, work a small amount of Crème 1925 into the leather in small circular motions. This exceptional cream does it all in one go: it cleans residual grime, deeply nourishes with beeswax and shea butter, refreshes the color, and leaves a protective layer. Cover the entire shoe evenly and let it sit for five minutes.
5. Polish with the Brush
Grab your polishing brush and buff vigorously using quick, back-and-forth strokes. The friction gently warms the wax and brings out a natural, healthy glow. You'll see the leather come alive right before your eyes.
6. Final Buff with a Cloth
Wrap your polishing cloth around two fingers and give the shoe a final buff. Light, brisk strokes will bring out an elegant low shine that looks effortlessly polished, not overdone.
Pro Tips
- Wondering about waterproofing? Crème 1925's natural wax content already provides solid water resistance for everyday wear. You generally won't need a separate waterproofing product like Super Invulner unless you're regularly caught in heavy rain.
- Always let your shoes rest at least 24 hours between wears with shoe trees inserted, the cedar absorbs moisture and the trees help maintain shape.
- Match your Crème 1925 color to your shoe, or use neutral if you're unsure. When in doubt, neutral is always safe.
While you're caring for your shoes, why not treat them to a fresh pair of laces? Browse our full collection to find the perfect match.