At Closets By Design, we believe in custom closet organization, and in taking care of what's inside! Read on for tips on taking care of leather shoes.

At Closets by Design, we design, build, and install custom closets (closet organizers), garage cabinets, home offices, laundries, pantries and other storage solutions for DC, VA and MD homes. We offer a wide selection of finishes, accessories, and hardware. Contact us for more information about solutions for your closet organization needs.

1. Always store leather shoes with moisture-absorbing cedar shoe trees, to prevent leather cracking and permanent creasing where the toe bends.
   
   
2. Always use a shoe horn when putting on shoes to prevent the back of the shoe from breaking down. Never force feet into the shoes.
   
   
3. Always keep shoes away from direct heat to prevent the leather from drying out. Leather should always dry naturally.
   
   
4. Give shoes a rest between wearings. Leather shoes should have one full day to dry out from natural foot perspiration and should not be worn on two consecutive days.
   
   
5. When polishing shoes, use only a high quality paste or cream that will help moisturize leather and keep it from drying out. Never use a liquid polish on leather shoes.
   
   
6. Never use any type of cleaner that contains an acid or a detergent. Both are damaging to fine leather, and will age the shoe.
   
   
7. If shoes become heavily soiled, use a mild application of mild soap on a damp cloth, wipe off, and allow to dry. Then apply shoe cream. This treatment should restore the original lustre without any damaging effects to the leather.