Have you ever found yourself unsure about the benefits of different types of leather and the best way to care for your shoes? Leather is one of the most durable materials for footwear thanks to its natural strength and integrity. With the right care, leather can be maintained and develop more character over time.
If you’ve always wondered which leather is best for your needs and how to care for the different types, read on for our answers to the most commonly asked questions.
What is suede and how do I look after it?
Suede is from the inside of the leather hide and has a rich finish which adds character to footwear. Suede contains natural waxes and often takes well to oiling or buffing to create interesting textures.
Suede needs waterproofing and regular brushing to maintain the appearance and to protect the leather. Being a natural product, suede will wear, soften and develop integrity as time goes on, and when cared for, will only look better with age.
Waterproof spray creates a membrane that will allow rain (or other liquids) to wick away, rather than be absorbed into the leather.
Is smooth leather waterproof and how do I care for it?
All leather breathes through the pores of the natural skin, allowing air in and moisture out, which means that the overall health of your foot is taken care of. The porous nature means that it is not water resistant and all leather finishes need waterproof spray regularly applied for protection.
When leather is worn and exposed to the elements, many of the essential oils that the tanners put into it can wear away. When the oils are not replaced, the leather loses its original integrity and character. By applying a leather cream the leather is nourished, therefore maintaining the finish for years to come.
If you are concerned about stubborn marks on your leather, or the colour needs refreshing, Tarrago Cleaner deeply cleans without damaging original texture or altering colours.
Gore-tex lined shoes and boots are weatherproof, what does that mean?
Gore-Tex, is the name for a patented textile membrane which sits between the outer leather and the lining of the shoe. The small pores cleverly allow perspiration to transfer in vapour form, whilst water droplets cannot penetrate, keeping any external water out and your feet dry- genius! This makes for a high-quality shoe that is both waterproof and perfectly acclimatising for the foot.
We hope our top tips on caring for your leather shoes have been useful to you. We love getting your queries in store and on our social media pages. Be sure to check out our full collection of shoe care products here, or pop in store for expert tips should you wish to give your most-loved styles (old or new) a spruce, making them feel and look their best, for many years to come.
Michaela and team
Mikko Shoes founder
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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.
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