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Our Handcrafted leather shoes and boots are made from high grade Italian leather from the finest European tanneries. The meticulous tannage will ensure that the leather shoes and boots will, if appropriately cared for, last for many years to come.
To enjoy your life’s journey with your new shoes or boots, we would always advise that any new pair of Goodyear welted footwear should be worn for short periods of time, to begin with, to allow for bedding-in and to avoid discomfort – ‘breaking in’ as we call it.
On the first few occasions wear your shoes in dry conditions as new leather soles can become slippery on wet surfaces.
Always use a shoe horn when putting on the shoes to maintain the back shape and when not in use place a shoe tree to maintain form and shape.
We advise that you should not wear your shoes on successive days as the fine leathers used in their manufacture need 24 hours to dry out from natural perspiration.
On the occasion that your shoes become very wet they should be allowed to dry out fully for a few days away from any source of direct heat, such as fires, radiators or hot pipes. If leather is dried too quickly it can burn or become brittle which will greatly accelerate its wear.
Capturing the essence of natural design, our shoes are more than just footwear; they are a statement of timeless style and artisinal elegance. To ensure they stand the test of time and continue to turn heads, let’s uncover the secrets to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your leather shoes.
To remove all the dirt and dust we recommend using a brush with natural bristles as they don’t harm the stitches on your shoes, especially cotton thread stitches.
One particular area to pay attention to is the gap between the upper and the welt (where the soles meet the shoe).
This area is actually one of the most important to nourish, since it is very exposed to water and needs to be protected. If dirt gathers here, the shoe cream can’t reach the leather and won’t nourish and protect it.
If more resilient dirt or old layers of wax have gathered on the shoe use a cloth with a light mixture of detergent and water.
Make sure you leave the shoes to dry naturally.
As important as it is to clean your shoes before taking care of them, you should avoid to overdo it. The excessive application of cleaning products can damage the leather, therefore we recommend to only clean the shoes If it is necessary and there really is dirt or wax that has to be removed.
Leather is a natural product and can become dry and damaged. To nourish the leather, apply the conditioner or a moisturising renovator cream in small circles using a cotton cloth. A circular motion allows the conditioner to be applied evenly both with the grain of the leather and against the grain of the leather, ensuring a thorough application. The conditioner will moisturize the leather while also providing a gentle cleaning.
Let your shoes dry until the leather is dry to the touch. Allowing the conditioner to dry ensures that it fully permeates the leather and provides sufficient moisture.
Once dry, spread a small amount of shoe cream or wax polish evenly and in circular motion over the shoes with a cotton cloth or an applicator brush to rejuvenate the color in the leather and leave to dry for a moment. Using a lighter shade of polish will allow you to maintain the current color of the shoes while a darker shade will add more color to the leather.
Before applying any new polishing product to your leather dress shoes, always be sure to test it in a small, unnoticeable area.
Let the cream polish dry for a few minutes. To speed up the shining process, alternate these steps between the left and right shoes so that one is drying while cream is being applied to the other.
After the shoes are dry and the cream or polish has well settled into the leather, brush the shoes to a soft shine using a fine or soft horsehair brush with a back and forth motion. If you begin brushing before the leather is fully dry, it will become more dull – ensure it is completely dry in order to achieve a more lustrous shine.
Brushing removes most of the polish and evens up the colouration of the shoes once again.
Buff the leather using a soft cloth and brisk, back-and-forth movements. This is the fastest and easiest way to add shine to your shoes for a final glossy appearance and remove the tiny brush marks from the previous stage. Best not to buff the shoes too hard as this causes friction and excessive heat can darken the leather.
WOODEN SHOE TREES
Insert cedar or beechwood shoe trees shortly after wear. They gently draw out moisture, preserve the shoe’s shape, and slow the natural ageing of leather. A shoe horn, meanwhile, ensures your heel glides in without stress on the collar or counter — preserving elegance with every entry.
THE CHAMOIS TOUCH
After a light buff with a cotton cloth, finish with a well-worn chamois leather. Naturally soft and slightly oily, it offers a gentle polish that enhances depth and sheen — ideal for a refined glow without the intensity of a full mirror shine.
Leather, like all fine materials, benefits from rest. Rotate your pairs between wears and store them in cloth shoe bags — allowing the material to breathe, recover, and maintain its elegance over time.
Offering
a fusion of tradition and luxury,
raw beauty and artisanal craftsmanship,
W&F Boots exude rustic charm and seamlessley take on the urban edge.
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