How to care for and clean your full-grain leather shoes

Shoes, especially Dolomite full-grain leather ones, are our indispensable allies in our daily adventures, whether hiking in the mountains or strolling through town. They endure all kinds of conditions, and it's not uncommon to take them off at the end of the day, covered in mud or dust, before putting them away carelessly. Yet regular maintenance is the key to prolonging their life and preserving their functional qualities. So how do you care for them properly?

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Here are the essential steps for effective cleaning and care of your full-grain leather shoes.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start cleaning, there are a few preparatory steps you'll need to take, no matter what type of shoe you have:

  1. Dry shoes naturally: After use, allow your shoes to air-dry, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources (such as a radiator). Excessive heat can dry out leather, damage plastics and affect the adhesives bonding the sole to the upper.
  2. Remove laces and insoles: This allows better ventilation of the shoe interior and helps to eliminate moisture. Also check the inner linings for tears or wear, and inspect the condition of the laces.

Step 2: Cleaning

Full-grain leather is highly prized for its durability, resistance and ability to adapt to the shape of the foot, offering optimum comfort. But it's also a living material that requires special care to prevent it from drying out, cracking or losing its properties.

  1. Brushing: Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust and dry dirt from the shoe surface. If traces of mud remain, moisten the brush slightly or, if possible, opt for a crepe brush specially designed for leather.
  2. Nourish the leather: Once the shoe is clean and dry, it's important to nourish the leather with a specific cream, such as Crème Dolomite. Apply it gently with a soft brush or wool sock to moisturize and preserve leather suppleness.

Caution:

  • Do not use excessive amounts of cream, as this could excessively soften and deform the upper.
  • The application of certain products may slightly darken the natural color of the leather.

Before wearing your shoes again, leave them to rest for several hours to allow the products to absorb properly. During this time, replace the insoles and laces after checking that they are dry.

Step 3: Maintenance

A few best practices to prolong the life of your full-grain leather shoes:

  • Storage: When you're not wearing them, remove the insoles and stuff the inside of the shoes with newspaper, especially at the toe, to retain their shape.
  • Storage: Store them in their original box, wrapped in tissue paper, away from direct light, humidity and extreme temperature variations.

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With these tips, you'll extend the life of your Dolomite full-grain leather shoes while maintaining their performance and comfort over time. Regular care ensures that your shoes are always ready for your next adventure, while maintaining their natural elegance and sturdiness.

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