Leather Care Guide – KarolShoes

Care & Use of Leather Footwear

KarolShoes footwear is made with natural leather uppers, leather lining and leather insoles, so it requires simple, regular care and proper everyday use. Natural leather works over time, develops character and patina, but it should not be heavily soaked, dried near heat sources or cleaned with aggressive chemicals.

Basic leather care rules

  • After use, remove dust, mud and moisture with a soft brush or dry cloth.
  • Do not wash leather footwear under running water and do not put it in a washing machine.
  • Protect the footwear with a product designed for natural leather.
  • For matte, distressed, rubbed or hand-finished leathers, avoid polishes and waxes that may change the color or shine of the leather.
  • Always test any care product on a small hidden area first.

Drying and storage

  • If the footwear gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature.
  • Do not place leather footwear near a radiator, fireplace, heater or in direct strong sunlight.
  • Use shoe trees or paper inside the shoes to help the leather keep its shape.
  • After a full day of wear, let the footwear air out before storing it.

Correctly removing leather shoes

  • Before removing the footwear, loosen the laces or open the zipper fully.
  • Do not remove one shoe by stepping on the heel with the other shoe.
  • Do not pull the upper by force and do not twist the foot out aggressively.
  • Repeatedly stepping on the back of the shoe may damage the upper, heel counter, stitching or the connection between the upper and the sole.

What to avoid

  • Fuel, solvents, degreasers, oils and workshop chemicals.
  • Strong rubbing after contact with water, fuel or dirt.
  • Aggressive detergents, hard brushes and random universal cleaning products.
  • Storing damp footwear for a long time in a box or closed cabinet.

Natural creases, patina, small scuffs and subtle shade changes are normal features of natural leather, especially with leather types such as Crazy Horse, Kabir and Crust.

You can find the full care and usage guide here: leather care and usage guide for handmade footwear.