Article: Caring for Your Leather Shoes – The Vellano Way
Caring for Your Leather Shoes – The Vellano Way
"Luxury begins with craftsmanship. But it lives on thorough care."
At Vellano, we believe handmade leather shoes are more than footwear — they’re companions that walk with you through milestones, celebrations, and everyday journeys. Crafted with honesty in materials and precision in design, our shoes are made to last. But like every fine creation, they thrive with care.
Here’s our guide to keeping your leather shoes looking sharp and strong for years to come.
The Essentials
1. Cleaning – Keep It Classy, Not Dusty
Use a soft horsehair brush or microfiber cloth to gently remove surface dust and grime after each wear. For tougher stains, apply a small amount of saddle soap using a damp cloth. Work it into the leather in circular motions, then wipe off any excess. If your shoes ever get wet, let them dry naturally — never under direct sunlight or a hairdryer. Once dry, condition them with a leather balm to restore their natural oils.
For Suede: Use a dedicated suede brush and eraser to lift dirt without damaging the nap. Never use water—it can leave marks.
2. Conditioning – Feed the Leather
Just like skin, leather loses its natural oils over time. Once a month, apply a neutral or color-matched leather conditioner using a soft cloth. Let it absorb, then buff gently. This step prevents cracking, restores suppleness, and keeps the leather rich in tone.
3. Polishing – Make Them Shine with Purpose
Apply a thin layer of natural wax polish using a soft applicator brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff using a polishing cloth to achieve a rich, protective sheen. Always match your polish color to the leather. When in doubt, go with a neutral wax.
4. Storage – Preserve Their Shape and Soul
After a day’s wear, your shoes deserve a little rest. Slip them off and let them air out in a cool, dry place. Avoid tossing them in dark corners or damp cupboards. Leather is a living material — it needs to breathe to stay supple and prevent unwanted odor. Using shoe trees helps maintain shape, freshness and absorbs excess moisture. If needed, store shoes in their dust bags, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
5. Rotate, Don’t Overwork Them
We design our collections so you can enjoy different styles for different occasions. Owning more than one pair isn’t indulgence — it’s smart shoe care. Rotating your leather shoes gives each pair recovery time, extending their life while allowing you to express your style in new ways.
6. Care for Your Shoes While Traveling
Travel brings new adventures but also unique challenges for shoes. Always carry your handmade leather shoes in soft dust bags, and if possible, add lightweight shoe trees to keep their shape. Avoid packing them near liquids and give them a quick wipe after long days of wear. At Vellano, we see travel as memorable stories — with a little care, your shoes will collect memories, not damage.
Final Word: Care is the True Companion of Craft
At Vellano, we build shoes designed to age with grace. But even the finest imported leather needs your care to fulfill its legacy. Authentic and fine leather deserves more than just a quick wipe.
