The Benefits of Leather Shoes and How to Take Care of Them
That distinctive smell. The inimitable texture. The sheen and the gleam.
There is nothing else quite like a good quality leather shoe.
If you’ve ever been scared off by the price tag of a leather shoe, have a look through our list of the benefits of a leather shoe below to understand the value of this incredible investment.
Top 5 Reasons to Buy Leather Shoes
5. Comfort
A number of factors contribute to making leather shoes so comfortable, especially when compared with synthetic shoes.
This naturally elastic material stretches and moulds to your feet, enabling a fit that is quite literally made for you. The leather adapts to your gait and step, and is flexible to avoid breaking and cracking in the folds that form while walking.
Not only this, but it will keep your feet warm in the cold and cool in the heat, because leather is also breathable. Another plus about its breathability is that it prevents excessive sweating – which brings us to our next point.
4. Odours
Leather has its own natural, fresh, distinguishing smell, on top of which, the breathability of the shoe prevents bad odours as a result of sweat. It’s the perfect balance.
3. Fashion
Leather boat-shoes, penny loafers and formal shoes have been in fashion since their creation, and we can see why. Today, a smart-casual leather sneaker can have a very similar effect, too.
There is just something about the look of this natural material that adds a certain level of effortless class to the rest of your outfit.
Have a look at our wide range of ever-green and stylish leather shoes on our website.
2. Eco-Friendly
Many synthetic fibres and materials can have a damaging effect on the environment when manufactured, as they release harmful substances and emissions.
Leather, on the other hand, is a natural material made using other natural materials and natural enzymes.
1. Durability
This gets the number 1 spot because the durability of a leather shoe is the biggest reason to invest.
If you take care of your shoes properly (a fairly simple task, as you’ll see below in our care tips), one pair of good leather shoes can last you longer than two or more pairs of synthetic shoes. And this more than justifies the price, making it more cost-effective for you in the long-run.
The same factors that make a leather shoe so comfortable double up to aid its long-lasting level of durability. These include its flexibility and softness, and its odour control and breathability. If treated with wax, it also becomes more water resistant.
The cleaning and maintenance of a leather shoe is fairly easy, if done regularly, and it will ensure that your shoe will outlive its synthetic counterparts.
So here are some of our leather care tips:
Cleaning |
On a regular basis, gently brush away any surface dirt with a soft brush. After extended, rugged use, wash with mild soap and warm water with a cloth, but be sure to rinse off the soap. To clean the seams and soles, which are often in an accent colour, use a specialised narrower brush in the mild soap and warm water mix and be careful not to press too hard on the leather parts around it. |
Drying |
Never expose your leather shoe to heat. Open the footwear fully, remove the insole and laces and dry at room temperature. Also, be sure to air-dry in non-direct sunlight. |
Conditioning |
Your cleaning routine will be further minimised if you have a good maintenance routine as well – as they say, prevention is better than cure. There are a variety of leather creams, feeds, polishes and oils available, but the recommended treatment for your specific shoe depends on the construction and materials of the footwear, as certain treatments can alter the colour. Pro tip – a darker shoe treatment can darken a leather shoe slightly, but a lighter shoe treatment will not lighten the colour of the leather. |
So if you’re ready to start (or continue) your long-term relationship with leather, make sure you put your best foot forward with a classy G.H. Bass shoe from Cable & Co.
