Make Your Shoes Last
A well-cared-for leather shoe will outlast a neglected one by years. This guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning, polishing, conditioning, and storing your Humphries footwear.
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Properly fitted school shoes built to last the full term. Our children's range covers toddler first-walkers through to senior sizes, with wide-fit options and styles approved for most UK school uniform policies. Every pair is selected for toe room, arch support, and hard-wearing soles.
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A wide-fit school shoe for older children and teens who need extra room without sacrificing a smart, uniform-appropriate look.
View productQuality leather footwear is an investment, and like any investment it rewards attention. A pair of leather school shoes that is cleaned and polished weekly will hold its shape, maintain a smart appearance, and last significantly longer than one that is left to dry out and crack. The same principle applies to leather sandals: a little conditioning at the end of the season means they are ready to wear again the following summer without any deterioration.
At Humphries, we sell shoes that are built to last — but only proper care unlocks that longevity. The guidance on this page is drawn from decades of experience fitting and selling leather footwear in Redditch. It covers the weekly routine for school shoes, seasonal care for sandals, and the right products to use on different leather types. If you have a specific question about a pair you have bought from us, call us on +441789 869270 and we will advise you directly.
One of the most common mistakes we see is drying wet leather shoes near a radiator or in direct sunlight. Heat causes leather to dry out rapidly, leading to cracking and stiffening that cannot be reversed. Always dry leather footwear at room temperature, stuffed with newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape, and apply a conditioner once fully dry.
Five minutes at the end of each school week will keep leather school shoes looking smart and extend their lifespan significantly.
Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove any dried mud or dust from the upper and sole. Do not use water at this stage.
Dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe the upper to remove surface marks. Wring the cloth well — excess water can damage leather.
Leave the shoes to dry at room temperature, away from radiators or direct sunlight. Stuff with newspaper to help them retain their shape as they dry.
Once dry, apply a small amount of matching shoe polish or leather conditioner with a soft cloth. Work it in with circular motions and allow to absorb for five minutes.
Use a clean brush or soft cloth to buff the shoe to a shine. For patent leather, use a soft damp cloth only — no polish.
Different materials and constructions need slightly different approaches. Here is a quick reference by shoe type.
Polish weekly with a matching wax or cream polish. Condition monthly with a leather food such as Dubbin or Leather Balsam. Replace laces when they become frayed to maintain a smart appearance.
Wipe with a soft damp cloth only. A small amount of petroleum jelly restores shine. Never use wax polish on patent — it dulls the finish. Store away from other shoes to prevent colour transfer.
Wipe the footbed with a damp cloth and allow to dry fully. The footbed will darken slightly with wear as it moulds to your foot — this is normal. Apply leather conditioner to the upper straps at the end of the season.
Check the heel tip regularly for wear and replace before the heel itself is damaged. Wipe leather uppers with a damp cloth and condition at the end of the season. Store stuffed with tissue paper to maintain the shape of the upper.
At the end of the school year or summer season, clean and condition your shoes thoroughly before storing. Place them in their original box or a breathable shoe bag — never in a sealed plastic bag, which traps moisture and encourages mould. Stuff with acid-free tissue paper or shoe trees to maintain the shape of the upper.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure fades leather and dries out the fibres, leading to cracking. If shoes are stored for more than a few months, apply a light coat of conditioner before wearing again to restore suppleness.
For children's school shoes, check the fit at the start of each new term before the first day back. Feet can grow significantly over a six-week summer holiday, and a shoe that fitted in July may be too short by September.
We stock a range of leather polishes, conditioners, and shoe care accessories in our Redditch shop. Ask a member of staff for a recommendation based on your specific shoe type and colour.
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