SHOE CARE
Most of our Children’s shoes are made of Leather including linings and insoles. Leather is a durable material that breathes, which allows your children’s feet to breath as nature intended. It bends and flexes with every move they make.
Leather may cost a little more but it will last a lot longer with proper care. The lifespan of a shoe is dependent on how well we take care of it.
The following are ways to get the most from your child’s shoes (and your shoes too!) and, to ensure they are kept in the best conditions:
*Don’t let dirt build up and clean shoes regularly.Smooth Leather: Remove obvious dirt with a shoe brush . Then, use a soft cloth to gently rub away remaining dirt. Maintain the leather gleam by polishing the shoe with the appropriate colour shoe cream or wax(available in our store).
Patent leather boots/shoes: use a wet cloth and remove all dirt and dust gently.
Napped Leather
Nubuck: use an eraser to rub away dirt and scuffs. Special nubuck erasers are available at shoe repair shops but desk erasers work as well.
Suede: use a suede brush or other shoe brush on dirt and scuffs.
All of the above leathers may be sprayed with a waterproofing spray (available in our store) to protect against both water and dirt.
*Leather shoes are not waterproof unless they have been treated with a water proof membrane such as Gore-tex or Sympatex.If the leather shoe has been exposed to water, do not wear it while it is wet and, do not expose it to sunlight in an attempt to dry it.
Allow the shoe to dry at room temperature and do not expose it to direct heat i.e. fireplace, radiator or tumble dryer because the leather will dry and crack. If the insoles are removable, take them out and let them also dry at room temperature. You can also stuff with rags or newspaper and allow to air dry.
*Leather shoes should never be washed in a washing machine or dryer. DO NOT use soap and water to clean shoes. Canvas shoes may be washed in a washing machine if advised by the manufacturer.
*Keep the shoe shape by encouraging young children to open laces or Velcro straps before removing or putting on a shoe. Not following this good practice will result in the shoe losing its shape and not support your child’s foot as intended.
*Alternating shoes will extend the life of the shoe and will also give them time to rest and dry any moisture present caused by perspiration.
*Wear and tear is NOT a manufacturing defect. Wear and tear can happen after 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months. In all shoes, there is a finite durability lifespan. Unlike adults shoes which may last a long time, children’s shoes are exposed to a lot of punishment and abuse. Of course, shoes could be made more durable, but then they will be also stiffer, thicker and less flexible.
*Scuffing on toe or heel areas due to friction against hard surfaces areas (tarmac, gravel or stones) can happen in a matter of hours. Also, these hard surface areas are extremely abrasive and can wear away shoe soles quiet rapidly.
*Ensure that your child is wearing the right shoes for the right occasion.
WE STOCK A LARGE RANGE OF COLOURS SHOE CREAMS/WAXES, WET BLOCKER & PROTECTOR SPRAYS AND LEATHER CLEANERS.
Please follow the following links for more advise on Shoe Care.