Buying guide: Which product is right for which type of leather?
A wide range of leathers is used for shoes, and identifying them is not always easy. Two quick tests provide clarity: in the water-drop test, smooth leather is indicated if the drop beads up; if it is absorbed and darkens the area, the material is aniline leather. In the fingernail test for pull-up leather, the nail leaves a line that can be rubbed away again. Suede or velours leather can be identified visually by its velvety structure.
Pigmented smooth leather
The most common and easiest type of shoe leather to care for. Elephant Leather Preserver is suitable for regular care and also makes the upper water-repellent, which is particularly important for hiking and hunting boots during the cold season. Clean heavy soiling and snow marks with Shoe Cleaner diluted 1:1 with water. Leather Fresh colouring products restore minor surface damage. Degrease the area beforehand with Leather Cleaning Spirit to improve adhesion.
Aniline leather
Open-pored and considerably more sensitive than smooth leather; a drop of liquid permanently darkens the surface. For care, apply a thin amount of Elephant Leather Preserver to a cloth, never directly to the leather, as this would cause grease stains. There is no universal remedy for stains that have already been absorbed; please contact us briefly for personal advice. Treat fresh grease stains with Grease Absorber Paste.
Pull-up leather
The surface is treated with coloured leather grease, so signs of use can usually be remedied easily. Brush on a small amount of Elephant Leather Preserver using a soft shoe brush. This cares for the leather while renewing its protective function and providing additional protection against moisture. For heavier soiling, clean first with Shoe Cleaner.
Suede, nubuck and velours
Nubuck and velours leather are among the most sensitive types of shoe leather; every stain and sign of abrasion is immediately visible, especially on light colours. Regular brushing with natural-bristle brushes and occasional impregnation protect against moisture and dirt. Older, dry leather should also be impregnated and replenished with Aniline Protector. This material cannot tolerate creams or oily care products, as they would stick the fibres together and make the surface greasy. Realistically, no treatment can guarantee complete restoration.
Leather soles
Leather soles become dry and brittle over time and absorb water when wet. Leather Shoe Sole Oil considerably increases their longevity and makes the sole more water-resistant. During the first application, continue applying it until the leather no longer absorbs any more.
Patent leather
Patent leather is covered with a closed, high-gloss coating and does not absorb conventional care products at all. Do not use normal leather grease or conventional shoe polish, as these immediately make the surface greasy. A soft, slightly damp cloth is sufficient for surface cleaning.
Applications
Leather shoes come in many forms, from business shoes and trainers to hiking boots or winter boots. The right care depends on the type of leather, not the type of shoe. Hiking and hunting boots benefit from additional protection before each season, while sensitive suede shoes are better suited to dry environments. Leather is a natural material and deserves corresponding patience when being cleaned and cared for, both in wind and weather and in everyday use.
Cleaning and caring for leather shoes: the most important steps
- Identify the leather type: The water-drop and fingernail tests provide clarity about smooth leather, aniline leather or pull-up leather; velvety surfaces can be identified visually.
- Clean: Brush off coarse dirt while dry and, if necessary, wet-clean with diluted Shoe Cleaner.
- Dry: Always dry at room temperature, never on a radiator or with a hot hairdryer, as this sticks the fibres together and makes the leather hard. Insert shoe trees or stuff the shoes with newspaper, replacing it regularly if the shoes are very wet, to retain their shape and absorb moisture.
- Care: Treat smooth, aniline and pull-up leather with Elephant Leather Preserver for greater suppleness and use the appropriate impregnation product for more sensitive materials.
- Impregnate: Ideally before first use and then regularly in thin layers. Pump sprays generally have a better environmental footprint than aerosol sprays, which is one aspect of sustainability.
These tips apply equally to all types of leather. You will find further details and illustrated instructions in our shoe-care guide.
Frequently asked questions about shoe care
How often should I care for my leather shoes?
If worn regularly, clean and care for leather shoes every few weeks and impregnate them once per season or after every thorough cleaning.
Which is better, leather grease or shoe polish?
Pure leather grease is too viscous to penetrate deeply into the leather and is more suitable for care than for softening. Shoe polish containing wax produces a sheen but damages suede. For most leather shoes, we instead recommend a high-quality synthetic leather grease such as Elephant Leather Preserver.
Is Nivea Cream or another household cream suitable for leather shoes?
We advise against it. Household remedies and generic creams such as conventional shoe polish or saddle soap are not tailored to the particular type of leather and can stick the fibres of suede together in particular.
What should I do about salt marks on leather shoes in winter?
It is best to wipe them off immediately with a damp cloth. Clean dried-on marks with diluted Shoe Cleaner, then leave the shoes to dry with shoe trees inserted and apply a care product afterwards.
When is professional restoration still worthwhile?
For high-quality leather shoes, it is almost always worthwhile; this is also a question of quality and service life. Before accepting an order, we will tell you honestly whether a repair or recolouring is worthwhile.