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How to Clean: Leather Shoes

how to clean
Leather Shoes
From classic Chelsea boots to a sleek pair of pumps, leather shoes are the exclamation point to any outfit. When it comes to cleaning everything from leather dress shoes to leather boots, we offer a wide variety of leather maintenance tools for smooth, nubuck, patent, and leather with contrast stitching.
Close up of men's and women's leather shoes from Cole Haan

leather care essentials

leather care essentials

how to clean
Smooth Leather
Be it your first pair of wingtips or chic strappy sandals, keeping your smooth leather shoes looking pristine is an essential part of dressing well. Read on to learn how to care for and clean smooth leather shoes.
To clean smooth leather shoes and leather dress shoes, you’ll need Cole Haan Shoe Cream, a buffing brush, Cole Haan Leather Conditioner, a clean cotton cloth, and a polish dauber brush.
Close up of men's and women's leather shoes from Cole Haan
  1. Start cleaning your leather shoes by removing all of the loose dirt with a medium-stiff brush. Work your way all the way around the shoe.
  2. Next, you’ll want to put moisture back into the leather shoes. To do so, use the leather conditioner. Apply a small amount to a clean cotton cloth and begin applying to the shoe. Using the conditioner with a clean cotton cloth rather than directly onto the shoe will decrease the likelihood of dark staining.
  3. From front to back, work around the leather shoe. If you see some color coming off onto the rag, this is normal. Your shoes will not become damaged from the product.
  4. Ensure that the shoe is evenly covered and wiped thoroughly.
  1. Allow the shoes to dry fully.
  2. To finish cleaning smooth leather shoes, use shoe cream with a polish dauber brush.
  3. Dip the brush into the cream lightly. Then apply it to the shoe in a circular motion. Continue this around the shoe.
  4. Using a clean cloth, remove the excess and smooth around the shoe.
  5. Let the shoe dry.
  6. Using the buffing brush, shine the shoe by brushing over it. Work in both vertical and horizontal directions to ensure that the shoes are clean.
How to care for waterproof leather showing a white waterproof leather shoe

how to clean
Waterproof Leather
Investing in a few good pairs of waterproof shoes and boots is a smart move. Getting them wet comes with the territory, but did you realize you should be putting in some routine maintenance to preserve the waterproofness and materials? Just a few minutes spent cleaning waterproof leather shoes can go a long way in extending their useful lifespan.
To start cleaning your waterproof leather shoes, you’ll need Cole Haan Leather Conditioner and a clean cotton cloth.
how to clean
Patent Leather
From oxfords and pumps to boots and booties, patent leather shoes are the perfect way to make a style statement with their glossy material.
However, we all know what can happen to that perfect patent pair—scuffs, scratches, and dulling over time. Our patent leather shoe cleaning tips will help you shine on and maintain that glam look for years to come.

To start cleaning your patent leather shoes, you’ll need Cole Haan’s All Purpose Cleaner, a shine sponge, and a clean cotton cloth.
Black patent leather shoe example of how to clean and care for it with steps
  1. Start by applying the all-purpose cleaner directly onto the upper. This foam product is ideal for getting into all of the cracks and crevices of your shoes.
  2. Next, take the clean cotton cloth and wipe off all of the all-purpose cleaner. This step helps to ensure that the shine of your patent leather shoes is restored.
  1. To get the greatest shine and brightness out of your patent leather shoes, finish by using the shine sponge.
  2. Let the shoes dry for a few minutes.
  3. Then, wipe off the excess product. Your patent leather shoes are now clean and restored!
How to clean and care for leather with a contrasting stitch showing a red women's sandal
how to clean
Contrasting Stitch Leather
Contrast stitching adds unique detailing to leather oxfords, boots, flats, heels, and loafers and provides that special finishing touch to almost any style. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to keep the stitching clean and also ensure it stays its original color.
To clean leather shoes with a contrasting stitch, you’ll need Cole Haan Neutral Shoe Cream, a buffing brush, Cole Haan Leather Conditioner, a clean cotton cloth, and a polish dauber brush.
  1. Begin by removing all of the loose dirt with a medium-stiff brush. Be sure to work your way around the shoe from front to back.
  2. Next, to put moisture back into the leather shoes, use the leather conditioner. Apply a small amount to a clean cotton cloth and apply to the shoe. Applying the conditioner to a clean cotton cloth rather than directly to the shoe will decrease the likelihood of dark staining from the leather conditioner.
  3. Work your way around the shoe from front to back. It is normal to see a little bit of color coming off onto the rag – your shoe will not become damaged or lose its color.
  4. Be sure that the shoe is evenly covered and wiped thoroughly.
  1. Let the shoe dry fully.
  2. To finish cleaning leather shoes with a contrasting stitch, use the neutral shoe cream with a polish dauber brush.
  3. Dip the brush into the cream lightly. Then, apply it to the shoe in a circular motion. Continue this around the shoe.
  4. Using a clean cloth, remove the excess and smooth around the shoe.
  5. Let the shoe dry.
  6. Using the buffing brush, shine the shoe by brushing over it. Work in both vertical and horizontal directions to ensure that the shoes are clean.
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