Treating your shoes right year-round is crucial, but it’s more critical than ever during winter. That’s particularly true if you’re wearing leather footwear that runs the risk of suffering damage due to exposure to the elements. Fortunately, there are several simple steps that you can take to protect the integrity of the shoes you love. Here’s what you need to know.

A Guide to Protecting Your Leather Shoes During Winter

1. Apply a Waterproof Coat

Protecting the leather is critical when you’re stepping out in those handsome shoes on a cold day that presents the possibility of rain or snow. For that, waterproofing is key because it creates a barrier that prevents damage. Most shoe care products won’t disturb the appearance of the leather, either, and can be reapplied after you’ve worn the footwear a few times. For the best results, try not to wear the same leather shoes every day. Allowing them a break to breathe will help the waterproof coat last longer, too.

2. Let Them Dry Naturally

When your shoes do get wet, don’t try warming them up to dry them out. Your better bet is to dry them naturally. You might invest in a shoe tree, which will effectively absorb lingering moisture. Thanks to the fresh scent, it will also prevent any mustiness or odors that might otherwise make them unpleasant to wear in the future. You can also stuff the shoes with newspaper as an alternate method.

3. Deal With Stains Quickly

If the leather experiences some wear as a result of wet weather or salt exposure, it’s smart to handle the problem immediately. You can apply wax to the surface to immediately restore its appearance. If there’s a stain, you may need to tackle that separately using a blend of equal parts water and white wine vinegar. Apply it to the damaged area to prevent corrosion.

4. Condition the Leather Often

Conditioning leather is the best way to keep it soft and maintain its pristine appearance. Applying a moisturizing shoe care product is an easy way to protect the leather from cracking or experiencing premature wear and tear. The softer and healthier the leather, the more equipped it will be to handle the effects of winter weather.

With regular care and maintenance, your leather shoes will remain in excellent condition throughout the coldest months of the year. If you’re concerned about your footwear, though, you can trust the experts at Sofia Shoe Repair Service to restore them. Based in Rochester, NY, they’ve served the community for decades, and they take pride in offering the best shoe care products and services needed to help you maintain your shoes. Visit the shoe repair shop online for details about how they can help, or call them at (585) 244-5907.