General Shoe Care

By Napoli Pelle

A well crafted shoe is not simply worn, it is lived in. With time, the leather develops depth and character unique to its wearer. Thoughtful care allows this evolution to unfold with intention.

REST AND ROTATION

Allow your shoes to rest between wears so the leather can recover its natural structure and release retained moisture.

STORAGE

Keep your shoes in a cool, dry environment. Use dust bags when not in use to protect them from light and surface exposure.

ENVIRONMENT

Avoid prolonged contact with direct sunlight, humidity, or excessive dryness, as these conditions can alter the leather over time.

Shoe Cleaning

Care begins with attention to detail. Regular cleaning preserves both the appearance and longevity of the leather.

SURFACE CLEANING

After each wear, gently remove dust and debris using a soft brush or cloth.

DEEP CLEANING

For a more thorough clean, use a lightly damp cloth to lift dirt, followed immediately by a dry cloth to ensure no moisture remains.

CONDITIONING

Apply a small amount of high quality leather conditioner to maintain suppleness and prevent drying or cracking.

FINISHING

If required, apply a light polish to enhance the natural depth of the leather while maintaining a refined, understated finish.

Crocodile and Exotic Leather Care

Exotic leathers require restraint and precision. Their beauty lies in their natural texture and structure.

GENTLE HANDLING

Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust without applying pressure to the surface.

SPECIALISED CONDITIONING

Condition sparingly and only with products specifically formulated for exotic skins to preserve their integrity.

MOISTURE PROTECTION

Keep away from water and humidity, as excess moisture can affect the structure and finish.

STORAGE

Store carefully in a breathable dust bag to maintain shape and protect the surface.

Velvet and Zardozi Care

Velvet adorned with zardozi is as much craft as it is material. The richness of the fabric combined with intricate handwork requires a careful, considered approach.

SURFACE CARE

Use a soft brush to gently lift dust from the velvet, always following the direction of the nap. Avoid brushing directly over the embroidered areas with pressure.

HANDLING THE EMBROIDERY

Zardozi work should be handled minimally. Avoid friction, folding, or pressure on the embroidered sections to preserve the integrity of the threads and detailing.

AVOID MOISTURE

Keep the shoes away from water and humidity. Both velvet and embroidery can be affected by moisture, leading to marks or weakening of the work.

REVIVING THE TEXTURE

If the velvet nap appears flattened, use light steam from a distance, ensuring the embroidery is not directly exposed. Follow with very gentle brushing around the surface.

STORAGE

Store in a dust bag, ensuring the embroidered areas are not compressed. If possible, keep them in a way that allows the surface to remain undisturbed.

Using a Shoe Tree

A shoe tree is fundamental to preserving the structure of a well made shoe. Insert it after each wear to absorb internal moisture and reduce the formation of creases. Cedar wood shoe trees are preferred for their natural ability to maintain freshness while supporting the leather from within. Over time, this simple practice ensures that the shoe retains its intended shape and elegance.