Shoe Care Guide

Shoe Care Guide

A well-kept pair doesn't just look better — it stays comfortable for years longer. Five minutes of care a week is all it takes. Here's how to treat each material right.

Knit & mesh sneakers

  • Remove loose dirt with a soft, dry brush;
  • Mix lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, dab with a soft cloth — don't soak;
  • Air-dry away from direct sun and radiators (heat deforms cushioning);
  • Avoid the washing machine: it breaks down glues and midsole foam.

Leather

  • Wipe weekly with a slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately;
  • Condition every 4–6 weeks with a neutral leather cream to prevent cracking;
  • Let leather rest 24 hours between wears — it needs to breathe;
  • Keep away from heaters: fast drying stiffens and cracks leather.

Suede & nubuck

  • Brush only when fully dry, using a suede brush, always in the same direction;
  • Lift stains with a suede eraser — never water and soap;
  • Apply a water-repellent spray for suede before first wear, and reapply monthly in rainy seasons.

Soles & midsoles

  • Clean outsoles with an old toothbrush, water and mild soap;
  • For white midsoles, a soft cloth with a paste of baking soda and water works gently;
  • Check wear patterns occasionally — uneven wear is a sign it's time to rotate pairs.

Everyday habits that double a shoe's life

  • Rotate: alternating between two pairs lets cushioning decompress and materials dry — both last dramatically longer;
  • Loosen the laces when taking shoes off instead of forcing the heel — it preserves the collar and structure;
  • Store in a dry, ventilated place, ideally with the original box or a shoe tree for leather models;
  • Protect before the first wear: one coat of water-repellent spray keeps rain marks and stains from setting;
  • Dry wet shoes with newspaper stuffed inside, at room temperature — never on a radiator.

A note on comfort

Cushioning materials naturally settle with use. If your everyday pair starts feeling flatter after many months of daily wear, that's the midsole telling you it has done its job — rotation is the best way to delay it.

Questions about caring for a specific model? Write to support@lievezza.com — happy to help.