Know your materials
Shoe care can be a jungle of information about the combination of care products and materials. We have made it easy and clear for you to find the materials you want to know more about, so that you can quickly and without problems elevate the look of your shoes and extend their lifespan.
Find the material you want more information on below.
SMOOTH AND EMBROIDERED LEATHER
Smooth leather, also called nappa leather, is the outer side of the calfskin, and therefore has the nice smooth surface. For aesthetic reasons, the leather can be embossed so that it gets a pattern as desired. Crocodile or snakeskin embossed leather is often seen here. Smooth leather benefits from regular care from either leather grease or a Leather Care. This strengthens the leather and gives it moisture when the material starts to look tired and dull. This treatment avoids cracks in the material over time. You can advantageously buy shoe polish in the material's own color for an extra splash of color and then brush them with a shoe brush for a nice polished finish. As with all your other shoes in organic material, you must always remember to impregnate your shoes with a Protector Spray to ensure they are protected from wind and weather. If the accident has happened and the shoes have become wet, these must dry at room temperature and preferably with newspaper inside. It is not recommended to expose your shoes to high heat. Drying by a radiator or other heating devices can damage organic materials and give your shoes a stiff appearance or create cracks in the material.
SUEDE
Suede is a supple leather material and is produced from the inside of the calfskin. The material is subsequently processed in a way that gives it the fine surface with the easily recognizable fiber fibers that cover the surface of the leather. Suede requires special treatment and if you own a pair of suede shoes, we recommend you invest in a suede brush. Before use, it is recommended to impregnate the shoe with a Protector, which will protect the fine material against wind and weather. If necessary, this type of leather will benefit from a regular refresh with a Suede & Nubuck Care, which not only cares for the leather but also refreshes the material's own color. When the products are applied, make sure to do this at a distance of 30 centimeters from the material and only give the shoe a fine layer, as the leather cannot withstand getting soaked. Once the product has dried in, it is recommended to brush the shoe carefully with a suede brush to lift the leather fibers a bit again. If your suede requires a major color refresh, suede impregnation with color can be purchased in the desired color. Remember to always apply this product outdoors so that excess color does not discolor the surrounding area. If the shoe gets marks or wear, these can easily be removed by gentle use of a suede brush. If stubborn dirt is found that the brush is unable to remove, it is advantageous to moisten the material with steam and brush it again. If the accident has happened and the shoes have become wet, these must dry at room temperature and preferably with newspaper inside. It is not recommended to expose your shoes to high heat. Drying by a radiator or other heating devices can damage organic materials and give your shoes a stiff appearance or create cracks in the material.
NUBUCK
Nubuck is specially processed calfskin that originates from the upper side, also called the grain side, of the leather. Closest to this material we find suede, as these two leather materials both have a particularly rough appearance. Nubuck's refined expression should not be perceived as fragile. The material is strong and can withstand more than you would think. However, nubuck is a material that usually requires a little extra love from the lucky owner. It is recommended that the shoe be impregnated 2-3 times before use, half an hour apart. After this, the impregnation must be repeated regularly if the shoe is used often. It is important that the right products are used. Suede & Nubuck Care cares for and refreshes the shoe's color as needed and Protector Spray is an impregnation for all leather types. Just as you know it from suede, the material can become smooth in the areas exposed to a lot of wear and these can be refreshed with light brushing with a suede brush and a treatment with your favorite care product. If the accident has happened and the shoes have become wet, these must dry at room temperature and preferably with newspaper inside. It is not recommended to expose your shoes to high heat. Drying by a radiator or other heating devices can damage organic materials and give your shoes a stiff appearance or create cracks in the material. If the material appears particularly dry, it is a good idea to give the leather an oil impregnation, as this gives the shoe a shot of life.
PATENTED LEATHER (LACQUER)
Patented leather is surface-treated leather that gets the fine shine of a polyurethane and acrylic solution. The material is very robust and can withstand much more than the fine shiny appearance suggests. Since patent leather is a finished material, your shoes will require no more care than regular cleaning with a soft cotton cloth and lukewarm water. Clean your shoes after use so that they are not damaged by dried dirt and grime. Over time, the surface can lose its shine and it is advantageous to invest in a special paint care that can freshen up the shine.
