Tips-List
Expert tips for well-groomed shoes
Tips-List
Recommended care
1. Smooth leather
Care: shoe cream in a tube, shoe polish in a tin, long-lasting waterproofing, self-shine products (only partially suitable for delicate shoes)
Cleaning: brush, smooth cloth
2. Mix of suede/smooth leather
Care: shoe cream in a tube, shoe polish in a tin, suede care, long-lasting waterproofing
Cleaning: brush for suede
3. Suede
Care: suede care, permanent waterproofing
Cleaning: brush for suede
4. Fabric shoes
Care: long-lasting waterproofing
Cleaning: brush, damp cloth
5. Artificial Leather
Care: cream in a tube
Cleaning: brush
6. Jackets, bags (leather)
Care: leather care lotion (apply with a cloth), long-lasting waterproofing
Cleaning: brush, cloth
7. Furniture (leather)
Care: leather care lotion (apply with a cloth)
Cleaning: cloth
Tips-List
Chewing gum stuck to your shoe
Nearly everyone has had the unpleasant experience of stepping on chewing gum, and it’s often very difficult to remove. Simply place the shoe inside a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for several hours. Once the chewing gum is frozen, it will come off easily.
Tips-List
The right way to waterproof
When waterproofing, it is very important to keep the spray at least 30 cm from the shoe. The shoe should never be sprayed so that it becomes too wet. Several thin, even layers provide the most effective form of protection. For outdoor use only. Let shoes dry properly. For optimum protection, shoes should be impregnated regularly.
Tips-List
The perfect summer shoe
The ideal summer shoe is made entirely of leather. The positive qualities of leather are especially apparent in shoes. Made from animal hides, leather is a highly stretchable natural material, continuously adjusting to the foot over the course of the day. It is also absorbent and breathable, allowing perspiration to evaporate so your feet stay dry and comfortable. If you have an important appointment after a long day at work, it is often a good idea to change your shoes as part of the freshening-up process.
Tips-List
Keeping your shoes fresh
Your feet perspire more in shoes made of textiles or imitation leather than in real leather ones because the material is not absorbent or breathable. As the feet produce approximately 4 cl of moisture over the course of a day, unpleasant odours can quickly build up. If your shoes are not made of leather, it is a good idea to use leather insoles. Changing your shoes every day also helps. After removal, a shoe tree (ideally made of wood) should be placed in the shoe while it is still warm. This will prevent cracks and help the shoe to keep its shape.
Tips-List
Caring for your handbag
The same rule applies to handbags as to shoes: if you want to preserve the beauty of the leather, you must use appropriate care products; otherwise, the leather will dry out and become brittle over time.
In general, every bag should be waterproofed directly after purchase and then several times a year. This protects it from moisture and repels dirt. Smooth leather bags should also be treated regularly with leather care lotion. For suede or nubuck bags, a suede spray is recommended. If you have a mark on your handbag, moisten it with distilled water and dab it away carefully. Normal tap water contains too many minerals and may leave unsightly limescale spots.
Tips-List
The perfect winter shoe
The ideal winter shoe is made entirely of leather, apart from the sole. Nothing is worse in winter than having wet shoes, which can quickly result in catching a cold.
If you wear leather shoes or boots in winter, two products are recommended to protect against moisture: rubber soles and waterproofing products. Although no moisture can be released through a rubber sole, insoles will keep your feet comfortable. Rubber soles can also be fitted with a slip-proof tread, preventing you from slipping on ice.
Waterproofing products not only prevent moisture from penetrating into the shoe, but make it harder for dirt to stick. The shoes will remain breathable and will continue to wick away moisture, particularly if they are made of leather. To provide continuous protection, the water-repellent layer should be regularly renewed (depending on the level of moisture and how you use your shoes).
Tips-List
A secret tip for extra shine
A spit and polish creates an especially attractive shine on smooth leather shoes of any color. The more times shoe cream has already been applied, the easier it will be to achieve the spit and polish. Clean the shoe as usual and apply shoe polish. Once this has been fully absorbed by the leather, you can begin with the spit and polish. Using a fine cloth, take a little polish from the tin and then moisten it with distilled water. Work the polish into the leather using gentle pressure and circular movements. Repeat this process until you have polished the whole shoe. The longer you polish, the shinier the leather will become.
Tips-List
Looking after football shoes
To keep football shoes made of leather pleasantly supple and ensure that the stitching does not gradually come apart, regular care is required. Remove coarse dirt with lukewarm water and a brush. Once the shoe is completely dry, apply several thin layers of leather grease.
Thorough, regular brushing will revive the nap and preserve the natural properties of the leather.
Tips-List
Caring for velour fashion boots
Velour leather can be easily cleaned and revived with a suede brush. The shoe should also be regularly waterproofed. A suede spray can be used to refresh the color. Coarse dirt on the non-woven fabric lining can be removed using a suitable brush.
Tips-List
How to hide scratches on heels
To hide unsightly scratches on heels, simply coat them with a matching shade of nail varnish.
Tips-List
The right care for suede shoes
Suede shoes should be brushed off each time after wearing them. This raises the nap, prevents dirt from becoming attached and minimises unsightly creases.
Over time, all suede shoes will begin to turn slightly grey, in which case the color needs to be revived using a product designed for suede.