One of the best investments you can make is on quality leather shoes. The only catch is that you must take care of those shoes religiously. A quality pair of shoes will last you a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Also, the products you use on your leather footwear do not have to cost more than the price of the shoes. There are a number of tips to help you maintain those leather shoes so they will not only last longer, but will maintain a great look.

The first thing to remember is that two pairs of good quality leather shoes will last more than twice as long as one pair. This mathematical impossibility is nonetheless true, because by purchasing two pair of leather shoes, you can wear one pair every other day and allow the shoes to dry on a cedar shoe tree to absorb the moisture from your skin and from the leather while still holding the shoe in the correct shape. In this case, 1 + 1 = 3.

Cleaning your leather shoes is largely a matter of daily care and daily attention to any blemishes. Using all natural shoe care products allows the leather to breathe. Suggested cleaning products include those made specifically for leather, such as saddle soap. If you use saddle soap, and follow the treatment with mink oil, you will almost always have great success in keeping your footwear looking like new. These products can be found in most areas where shoe care items are found. Goop hand cleaner which can be found in most automotive supplies stores is another great product for getting the leather clean, without damaging the product. Goop is waterless and is excellent for removing oil and grease from the surface of the leather. Pine gum will help to restore your shoes when they are the victim of small nicks, scratches and cuts. This product soaks into the leather and serves as an excellent camouflage. If the color of the leather has faded, pine gum will help to restore the color and appearance.
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