Shoe Care Guide
Care for Your Shoes. Extend Their Life.
A well-made pair of shoes can look better for longer when it is cared for properly.
At Aldren & Rowe, we recommend a simple maintenance routine designed to preserve the shape, finish and overall appearance of your footwear.
The right care will depend on the material and construction of each shoe, so always check the individual product page for any specific instructions.
Start With the Right Routine
For most leather footwear, good care begins with a few simple habits:
- allow shoes to rest between wears;
- use shoe trees after use;
- brush away dust and surface dirt;
- avoid prolonged exposure to water and excessive heat;
- use care products suitable for the specific material;
- store footwear in a cool, dry and ventilated environment.
Consistency is more important than over-treating the leather.
Cedar Shoe Trees
Why Use Shoe Trees?
Shoe trees help footwear retain its natural shape between wears.
They can also help reduce creasing and support the structure of the shoe while it rests.
Qualifying Aldren & Rowe promotional orders may include complimentary Cedar Shoe Trees.
When Should I Insert Them?
Insert shoe trees after removing your shoes.
The footwear should be dry or only slightly warm from normal wear.
If the shoes are significantly wet, allow them to dry naturally first before inserting a tightly fitted shoe tree.
How Should They Fit?
A shoe tree should sit securely inside the shoe without placing excessive pressure on the leather.
It should support the shape rather than stretch the footwear.
If significant force is required to insert it, stop and check the size or adjustment.
Full-Grain Leather Care
Full-grain leather can develop character over time and benefits from regular but moderate care.
After Wearing
Use a soft horsehair or similar shoe brush to remove dust and surface dirt.
Pay particular attention to areas around:
the welt; stitching; creases; sole edges.
Conditioning
Leather conditioner can help maintain suppleness when the leather begins to feel dry.
Apply a small amount according to the care product manufacturer's instructions.
Always test any new product on a small, less visible area first.
Excessive conditioner can alter the finish or colour, so use products sparingly.
Polishing
For polished leather shoes, a suitable cream polish can help restore colour and surface appearance.
Use a shade that matches the leather as closely as possible, or a neutral product where appropriate.
Apply a small amount evenly, allow it to settle according to the manufacturer's instructions and buff gently with a soft brush or cloth.
Suede Care
Suede requires a different approach from smooth leather.
Do not use standard leather polish on suede unless the product is specifically designed for it.
Regular Cleaning
Use a suede brush to gently lift the nap and remove surface dust.
Brush lightly and avoid aggressive pressure.
Marks and Light Stains
A suede eraser or specialist suede-cleaning product may help with minor marks.
Always follow the product instructions and test carefully before applying to a large visible area.
Water Protection
A suitable suede protector may help reduce the impact of light moisture and staining.
Protection products should be compatible with the material and applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
No protective spray can make suede completely waterproof.
Water and Rain
Leather footwear can tolerate occasional light moisture, but prolonged soaking should be avoided.
If your shoes become wet:
Do not place them directly on a radiator, heater or other strong heat source.
Excessive heat can dry the leather too quickly and may affect its shape or finish.
Instead:
- remove excess surface moisture with a clean cloth;
- allow the shoes to dry naturally in a ventilated area;
- use absorbent paper inside temporarily if necessary;
- insert shoe trees once the shoes are no longer heavily wet;
- condition smooth leather if it feels dry after fully drying.
Do Not Use Direct Heat
Avoid drying leather or suede with:
hair dryers; radiators; heaters; fireplaces; other direct high-temperature sources.
Natural drying is slower, but it is generally much gentler on footwear.
Give Your Shoes Time to Rest
Where possible, avoid wearing the same pair every day.
Allowing footwear time to rest can help moisture from normal wear dissipate before the next use.
Rotating between different pairs also reduces continuous stress on the same areas of the shoe.
Creasing Is Normal
Leather naturally flexes as you walk.
As a result, some creasing around the forefoot is expected and does not necessarily indicate a defect.
The exact crease pattern varies according to:
foot shape; shoe fit; leather characteristics; walking pattern; construction.
Using shoe trees and wearing the correct size can help maintain a cleaner overall shape.
Leather Soles
Where a shoe features a leather sole, avoid excessive exposure to wet surfaces where possible.
Leather soles may become more flexible and develop natural wear with use.
If you regularly wear leather-soled shoes in wet conditions, a professional cobbler may be able to advise on protective sole options suitable for your footwear.
Goodyear-Welted Footwear
Selected Aldren & Rowe styles may feature Goodyear-welted construction.
Where this applies, it will be stated on the product page.
Traditional welted footwear may be suitable for professional resoling depending on the condition of the upper, welt and overall construction.
If significant sole wear develops, consult a reputable shoe-repair professional before the wear reaches the upper or welt area.
Metal Details and Hardware
For styles with buckles or other metal components, use a soft dry cloth to remove surface marks.
Avoid applying leather conditioner or polish directly to metal hardware unless the product is specifically designed for that purpose.
How to Store Your Shoes
Store footwear in a:
cool, dry and ventilated environment
away from prolonged direct sunlight or strong heat.
Before long-term storage:
make sure the shoes are clean and dry; insert shoe trees where appropriate; avoid crushing the footwear under heavier items.
If a dust bag is provided, it may be used to help protect the shoe surface during storage.
Travelling With Your Shoes
When packing footwear for travel:
insert shoe trees or lightly support the interior; use individual shoe bags where available; avoid placing heavy objects directly on top of the shoes.
This can help preserve their shape while in luggage.
How Often Should I Polish My Shoes?
There is no single schedule that applies to every customer.
Frequency depends on:
how often the shoes are worn; weather conditions; material; desired appearance.
A shoe worn occasionally may need very little maintenance, while regularly worn formal footwear may benefit from more frequent brushing and periodic polishing.
Avoid applying products simply because a fixed number of days has passed.
Treat the leather when it actually needs care.
Can I Use Any Leather Product?
No.
Always check whether a care product is suitable for the specific leather or material before applying it.
Products intended for smooth leather may not be suitable for:
suede; nubuck; speciality finishes; synthetic materials.
Using an unsuitable product may permanently change colour, texture or finish.
If in doubt, use a specialist footwear-care product and test it on a hidden area first.
When Should I Contact a Professional?
Consider consulting a reputable cobbler or shoe-care specialist for:
deep staining; structural damage; significant sole wear; damaged stitching; heel replacement; professional resoling; complex leather restoration.
Trying to repair serious damage at home can sometimes make the problem more difficult to correct.
Product Defects vs Normal Wear
Normal signs of use can include:
minor creasing; gradual sole wear; natural changes in leather appearance; small variations associated with genuine materials.
These are different from qualifying defects in materials or workmanship.
Eligible Aldren & Rowe footwear is covered by our:
1-Year Craftsmanship Warranty
for qualifying defects.
If you believe there is a manufacturing issue with your footwear, contact:
and include your order number and clear photographs.
Please see our Our Guarantee page for further information.
Need Product-Specific Care Advice?
If you are unsure how to care for a particular Aldren & Rowe style, contact our Customer Care team.
Email:
support@aldrenrowe.com
Customer service hours:
Monday to Friday
09:00–17:00
Response target:
Within 24 hours
When contacting us, please include the name of the product so we can provide more relevant guidance.
Aldren & Rowe
Timeless footwear deserves considered care.
A simple routine — cleaning, resting, protecting and storing your shoes properly — can help maintain their appearance and shape for longer.