The Complete Shoe Care Guide

Leather is a natural material that softens and relaxes with wear. When purchasing leather footwear, it is important to understand how the material behaves over time.

Depending on the material and construction, leather may stretch slightly across the width of the foot, but it will not stretch in length. A new pair will typically feel firm yet comfortable, allowing the leather to gradually mould to the shape of your foot.

• When walking or standing, the tip of your toe should not touch the end of the shoe.
• Any area with visible stitching should feel comfortable immediately, as stitching limits stretch in those sections.
• More structured finishes such as patent leather and high-shine leather may take longer to soften and mould to the foot.
• Breaking in shoes gradually can sometimes improve comfort, depending on your foot shape and the construction of the style.

Fit can be very individual, and leather stretching will vary depending on both the shape of the foot and the construction of the shoe.

To support you in getting the best possible fit, we provide product‑specific fit notes on every product page. These notes highlight how each style fits and feels based on its materials and construction. For additional help, visit our Size Guide for measuring tips and sizing advice.

Proper leather shoe care helps maintain softness, prevent dryness and preserve the appearance of your footwear. All leather requires maintenance and regular conditioning to help prevent cracking, dryness and splitting.

• Clean leather regularly with a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and surface dirt.
• Use a specialised leather conditioner or polish cream to keep the leather supple and hydrated.
• Always ensure your leather conditioner is colourless or the exact same colour as the shoe before applying, as the wrong colour may stain or damage the finish.
• Use a colourless waterproofing product suitable for footwear to help lessen the impact of moisture and weathering.
• Allow shoes to air out between wears to maintain freshness and help the leather retain its shape.
• Always test any conditioner, cream, polish or protectant in an inconspicuous area first.

Regular conditioning and protection are among the best ways to care for leather shoes and help them last longer.

Nappa leather and baby calf leather are known for their luxurious softness, smooth finish and flexibility. These fine leathers require gentle care to maintain their appearance.

• Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and dirt.
• Condition regularly with a specialised leather cream to maintain softness.
• Ensure the conditioner is colourless or matches the leather exactly.
• Avoid excessive exposure to moisture, direct sunlight and artificial heat.
• Store in a dust bag when not in use.

Patent leather and high-shine leather offer a polished, structured finish. These materials tend to be firmer than softer calf leathers and often hold their shape more strongly, which means they can take longer to break in.

• Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently wipe away dust and marks.
• Avoid over-bending the leather, as creasing can become permanent.
• Store patent leather shoes in individual dust bags when not in use.
• Patent finishes can transfer colour or bleed onto lighter shades, so darker colours should never be stored directly against lighter styles.
• For example, black patent should not be stored next to nude or light-coloured patent leather.

Correct storage is essential when caring for patent leather shoes, as it helps preserve both the shine and colour of the finish.

Suede is a soft, luxurious material with a distinctive texture. Because it is more delicate than smooth leather, suede requires gentle cleaning and protection.

• Use a suede brush or suede sponge to remove surface dirt and restore the nap.
• Brush gently in one direction to maintain an even finish.
• Use a suede protector spray suitable for footwear before first wear.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to water, oils and harsh elements.
• If suede becomes wet, blot gently with a clean, dry cloth and allow it to air dry naturally.
• Never use direct heat to dry suede.
• For stubborn stains, consult a professional cleaner experienced with suede.
• Store suede shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Store in a dust bag, but avoid sealed plastic as suede needs to breathe.

Edward Meller espadrilles and woven styles often feature raffia and other natural fibres. These materials are lightweight and textural, but they are sensitive to moisture and fraying.

• Avoid wearing in wet weather or exposing the shoes to excessive moisture.
• Spot clean only using a soft cloth.
• Do not scrub or use abrasive cleaning methods.
• Take care not to catch or pull the woven fibres, as fraying may occur.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity.

Snakeskin is an exotic leather with a distinctive scale pattern that requires careful handling to preserve its natural texture and finish.

• Always wipe, clean or buff in the direction of the scales.
• Use a soft, lightly dampened cloth to remove dirt and surface marks.
• For stubborn dirt, use a very soft brush carefully.
• Many people choose to apply a specialised exotic leather conditioner sparingly every 3 to 6 months.
• Avoid soaking snakeskin, as too much moisture can damage the membrane underneath and lead to peeling.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure, which can damage the scales.
• Store in a cool, dry place and lightly stuff the shoes to help maintain shape.

Metallic leather is created by bonding a metallic foil to the surface of the leather. This gives the material its luminous finish, but it also makes it more delicate and prone to surface damage.

• Avoid contact with abrasive surfaces.
• Wipe gently with a damp microfibre cloth.
• Do not rub aggressively, as this may damage the metallic finish.
• Avoid friction from jewellery, straps, buckles or hardware.
• Store in a dust bag to prevent rubbing against other items.

If the metallic finish is scratched or scuffed, the leather underneath may become visible.

Silk and satin are elegant, delicate materials that should be handled with care to maintain their appearance.

• Avoid contact with water, abrasive surfaces, oils, perfumes and cosmetics.
• Treat stains such as makeup, oil or wine as quickly as possible.
• Use a gentle fabric cleaning solution specifically designed for delicate materials.
• Apply product carefully with a damp, not saturated, cloth or a soft brush.
• For oil-based stains, apply talcum powder or cornstarch and leave it for several hours to absorb the oil before brushing away gently.
• A silk-specific protectant spray may help enhance longevity, but it should always be spot-tested first.
• Store inside a dust bag to protect from sunlight, dust and environmental damage.

Because these materials are delicate, professional cleaning is recommended for more significant staining or damage.

Pony hair adds texture and dimension to statement footwear, but it should be handled gently to maintain its finish.

• Use a soft brush to remove surface dirt.
• Always brush in the direction of the hair.
• Avoid excessive rubbing or moisture as this can cause the hair to lift or shed.
• Store carefully in a dust bag to minimise friction against other items.

• Do regularly clean leather with a soft cloth or brush.
• Do air out shoes between wears.
• Do blot away water or moisture as soon as possible.
• Do dry wet leather naturally, away from artificial heat.
• Do keep leather supple with a specialised leather conditioner every few weeks or as needed.
• Do test any conditioners, cleaners, polishes or sprays in a hidden spot before full application.
• Do keep light-coloured leather and fabric finishes away from darker materials to minimise colour transfer.

• Don’t over-condition leather, as this may damage the material.
• Don’t apply waterproofing spray without checking that it is suitable for the specific product and material.
• Don’t use coloured waterproofing products or coloured creams unless they are the exact correct shade.
• Don’t use upholstery leather products on footwear or bags.
• Don’t soak leather or submerge shoes in water or any liquid.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean shoes.
• Don’t store shoes or bags in direct sunlight.

Leather shoes should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth or brush and conditioned with a specialised leather conditioner to help keep the leather supple. Always use a conditioner that is colourless or exactly matches the colour of the shoe, and use a colourless waterproofing spray suitable for footwear.

Leather shoes should generally be conditioned every few weeks or as needed, depending on how often they are worn. Avoid over-conditioning, as too much product can damage the leather.

Suede shoes should be treated with a suede protector spray before first wear and cleaned gently with a suede brush. If suede gets wet, blot it dry and allow it to air dry naturally away from heat.

Patent leather shoes should be stored in individual dust bags. Dark patent styles should not be stored directly against lighter patent colours, as patent can transfer colour or bleed.

To make shoes last longer, rotate your footwear, clean and condition them regularly, protect delicate materials, store pairs correctly in dust bags and allow shoes to air between wears.

With proper care, your Edward Meller shoes will continue to look elegant while delivering the comfort and craftsmanship the brand is known for.