How to care for your shoes
By Michaela Longstaff, Mikko Men’s founder
As with anything of value, the secret to getting the most out of it is in consistent maintenance and care. Below, we’ve outlined five tips for shoe care to help yours last the distance. Simply follow these recommendations and your footwear will look premium for years to come.
1. Condition
All footwear performs best when it is conditioned with a topical balm or cream. Two great options are the Tarrago Leather Balm for more robust leathers, or the Tarrago Gel Cream suitable for all applications including delicate items and finishes. Like food for your footwear, these creams clean and condition smooth, suede and patent leathers.
Conditioning it from the outside while restoring natural lustre, apply yours with a microfibre or polishing cloth every two months, and they’ll look like new.
2. Protect
When you’re caught in the rain, it makes all the difference if your shoes have been waterproofed prior. We recommend a generous spray of Tarrago Protector Spray to protect the leather’s colour, while reducing the risk of rain spots and watermarks. Apply every two to three months, and you’ll have a whole year of protection.
Pro-tip: If your shoes aren’t new this season, condition and clean as a first step, then set in the goodness with your waterproof spray.
The only finish that doesn’t require protection is patent leather - thanks to its varnished finish, the work has already been done for you.
3. Polish
It's important to protect your shoes against dryness and dust - shoe polish will not only protect but will add lustre and a well-cared for appearance. It hides everyday scuff marks and blemishes, making it well worth the effort.
As a general rule of thumb, polish your leather footwear every 6-8 wears with a microfibre cloth in circular motions.
4. Whiten
A sleek, white-soled sneaker will instantly lift a casual outfit. Ensure your soles are always clean with Tarrago Cleaner. An excellent product that won’t harm the leather upper, it’s our failsafe option.
5. Store
Paying attention to the way your footwear is worn and stored can add years of life to every pair. Alternating the shoes you wear on a regular basis allows your shoes to dry out, reducing bacteria and moisture damage. And for your feet, changing up your shoes allows your feet to experience different levels of support and cushioning and can give your feet a break from repeated pressure in the same areas.
If you’re putting them away for the season, clean your shoes beforehand. Keep them in a dust bag or box and make sure the storage location is dry to avoid mould over time.
When you buy from Mikko Men’s, you can trust you’re buying quality shoes that will last. Adding these simple steps for care will ensure they look great for even longer.
Michaela
Mikko Shoes founder
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About Mikko
Mikko Men’s is for the contemporary man who values quality, sophistication, and long-wearing comfort. Prioritising authentic craftsmanship, superior design, and the latest innovation, all of our footwear styles are hand-picked from artisan brands that we consider the best in the world.
The team at Mikko are professionally trained in fitting and styling, ready to help you find your next pair of men’s shoes that deliver on comfort. We have footwear that is orthotic and wide feet friendly. Mikko is a New Zealand, family-owned business.
Like our Facebook and Instagram page to see new arrivals and latest news. Visit our Mikko Men’s stores at 134 Victoria St, Christchurch, 13 Hunter Street, Wellington Central or 351 Remuera Rd, Auckland or shop online.
Free NZ shipping with all online orders of $200 or more.
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