1. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes for extended periods without a break; when not in use, place them in a sunny spot to air dry. Leather should not be soaked in water; excessive moisture can cause "salt bloom" (white powdery deposits), compromise the leather's elasticity and strength, make the shoes feel stiff when worn again, and lead to deformation.
2. Do not share leather shoes with others, as this can cause significant deformation; since foot shapes vary, shoes tend to mold to the wearer's specific foot shape over time.
3. When storing leather shoes, apply shoe polish to nourish the leather surface, insert shape-retaining paper and a desiccant into the shoe, and store in a well-ventilated area with an ambient temperature of approximately 18–20°C.
Tips for Leather Shoe Maintenance
1. If "salt bloom" (white frost-like deposits) appears, wipe it off with a piece of gauze or cotton dampened with a little warm water. Allow the shoes to air dry in a ventilated area, then apply a small amount of shoe polish before storing.
2. Clean leather shoes gently using a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. Use specialized shoe polish to avoid adverse reactions that could cause discoloration or damage the leather.
3. For nubuck or suede uppers, do not use standard shoe polish or water. Instead, use a specialized cleaner and gently brush in the direction of the nap, or use a dedicated suede eraser or cleaning powder.
4. Oiled leather uppers have been treated with oil; clean them using a dry cloth or specialized products designed for this type of leather.
5. Banana peel cleaning method: Use banana peels to wipe away oily stains from leather shoes. This leaves the surface clean and fresh, as banana peels contain tannins, which are effective at removing oil stains.