Which Shoe Care Products Should You Be Using?

Most shoes don’t wear out — they dry out, crack, fade, and weaken long before they should. The right shoe care products can literally double or triple the life of your footwear.

Here’s a simple, honest guide to what you should be using — and what to avoid — based on the type of shoes you own.

The Four Core Shoe Care Products Everyone Should Own

If you only buy four things, make them these:

1. Cleaner – removes dirt, salt, and old polish

2. Conditioner / Cream Polish – restores moisture and flexibility

3. Wax Polish – protects and adds shine

4. Waterproofing Spray – shields from rain, snow, and salt

Everything else is optional.

Leather Shoes (Dress Shoes, Boots, Loafers)

Leather needs moisture just like your skin does.

Use:

• Leather cleaner (or saddle soap)

• Cream polish (adds color + moisture)

• Wax polish (adds protection + shine)

• Cedar shoe trees (critical for moisture control)

Avoid:

• Household cleaners

• Baby wipes

• Silicone spray shine products

• Over-polishing with wax (causes cracking)

Care frequency: Clean every 1–2 months, condition monthly, polish as needed.

Suede & Nubuck Shoes

Suede and nubuck are beautiful — and very misunderstood.

Use:

• Suede brush

• Suede eraser

• Suede/nubuck waterproofing spray

Avoid:

• Water

• Liquid cleaners

• Cream or wax polish (will permanently darken them)

Care frequency: Brush after each wear and re-spray protector every few weeks.

Fabric & Sneaker Materials

Use:

• Mild sneaker cleaner

• Soft brush

• Fabric protector spray

Avoid:

• Machine washing (unless manufacturer says OK)

• Bleach

• Hot dryers

Let them air dry only.

Winter Protection (Very Important in Pittsburgh)

Salt is one of the biggest shoe killers.

Use:

• Heavy-duty waterproofing spray

• Wipe shoes down after snowy or salty days

• Condition leather more frequently in winter

Salt left untreated pulls moisture from leather and causes deep cracking.

What About “All-In-One” Products?

They’re fine for quick shine — but not long-term care. They clean poorly, condition poorly, and protect poorly.

Good shoes deserve real products.

Final Tip

If you don’t know what your shoes are made of — or what to use — bring them in.

Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair will gladly show you exactly what they need.

A little care now prevents expensive repairs later.