Shoe Care 101 - How to Polish & Protect Leather Shoes

Learn how to clean, polish, and protect smooth leather and suede leather shoes in this handy tutorial filled video.
Congratulations! You've got yourself a beautiful pair of high-quality, long-lasting, real leather shoes. You want to keep those shoes looking beautiful for years to come...but how? Nicole, our shoe designer, shoemaker, and expert in historic shoes walks us through the "how" and "what" of keeping your leather shoes clean, oiled, hydrated, and waxed so they last for decades to come.
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- Angelus Mink Oil Sole Conditioner - www.american-duchess.com/hist...
- Angelus Lustre Cream - www.american-duchess.com/hist...
- Angelus Shoe Wax Polish -www.american-duchess.com/hist...
- Angelus Easy Cleaner - www.american-duchess.com/hist...
- Angelus Suede Brush Kit - www.american-duchess.com/hist...
All of these products, and more, are available at www.american-duchess.com/hist...
We recommend hydrating and polishing your shoes at minimum once per year, but at the start and finish of the season is even better. Leather shoes can dry even just sitting in the closet, so keep them looking amazing with a regular polish and buff.
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[@davidhutchison3343]

Shoe care for leather shoes is just so important. During the Victorian and Edwardian era in Britain, the larger stately homes had a servant who's main job was taking care of all the shoes. It was truly, a full time job. It was stated that you could always tell a true lady by the condition of her shoes.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Yes, that's right! It's a little detail in Downton Abbey we always appreciated, too

[@mollymoon510]

LOVE this video- I will say though, the sound is a bit weird.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks! hrm, sorry about that - will work on the sound for next time

[@josieofalltrades3559]

Oh I'm glad it's not just me! I was about to start poking my speaker settings.

[@peggyriordan9857]

This reminded me of my youth! Every Saturday morning, we had to clean and shine our Father's shoes and we did all of the steps shown here. Thanks for bringing back good memories and yes, I still do clean and shine my leather shoes each week!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

It's a great practice and as you know it makes a big difference to the longevity of real leather shoes. Thank you for keeping the practice alive!

[@cshunter89]

This is too wonderful! Thank you so much. I just got my 1st American duchess shoes 3 days ago and I was too scared to wear them without knowing how to clean them. This was brilliantly done and Made at the perfect time for me. Thank you so very much!!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad we could help! Don't be scared to wear your shoes, though - leather is incredibly resilient and hard-wearing.

[@seanmcgcostumes]

Bless you for making this video for us who just love the pretty shoes but have never had to upkeep special shoes before because we've only had basic modern shoes! Also, I have two vintage boots, one of which is an early 20th century men's buttoned boot that's in really good condition but needs a bit of upkeep. I can't wait to apply these new-to-me techniques to those boots so I can start wearing them!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

You are so welcome! Hit those Edwardian boots with some lustre cream and shoe wax and you will be *amazed* at the result.

[@wendynordstrom3487]

That was my question as well. I have some antique shoes that desperately need some moisture. I will bit some luster cream and take care of them.

[@marys.9367]

I'm so glad I thought to look for this video, I bought the lustre cream and shoe wax polish when I got my American duchess shoes but I've been too unsure about how to use them, but now I feel far better equipped to care for my shoes (and they're my favourite shoes)!

[@bhelliom3]

I have a gorgeous pair of Italian oxfords I found secondhand and wore them nearly every day without taking care of them cuz I didn’t realize how much damage I was doing wearing them in the winter salt. They developed a large crack on the side of the toe where it bends the most, and I haven’t worn them since cuz I wanna see about getting them repaired. So now I’m watching this before my AD shoes get to that point too.

[@AdolfosTube]

Great video! I haven't seen much on shoe care for women's shoes so it's nice to see this. Keep it up.

[@reneestarling9525]

This was super informative! I've always been a bit intimidated by the idea of shoe care, but this did a great job of breaking it down. Thank you!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad to be of help!

[@jessicafireng4884]

I just ordered my first pair of American Duchess! So happy to have this for care instructions!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you! we hope you *love* them!

[@michaelparness2896]

This is super calming. Great video ☺️

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thank you!! 😊

[@nicoledeloncrais5940]

I worked with specialty shoes many years ago. Thank you for the refresher. Was so good to be reminded. Real well done, excellent quality video and fabulous content!!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@averyt9600]

This was incredibly helpful, thank you!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@katvaughn6201]

This was so helpful (and oddly soothing), thank you!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lenore_nvrmore3317]

This was very interesting. Thank you!!! Ive never done this kind of care to my shoes. now i know better!!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

glad to be of help!

[@irenecostigan3623]

Thanks SO much; I have been needing to see this! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🖤

[@AmericanDuchess1]

You are so welcome!

[@jayneterry8701]

Ty Nicole, shoe cleaning is a very good life skill to have! My father taught me and I taught my niece. ❤ I hadn't heard of the mink oil . Will have to find here in Canada as I have always used waterproof spray and I know that's not good for the environment!

[@erinwishart9740]

This is awesome. Off to clean the collection.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Excellent!

[@kestrels.9189]

Yay! It’s Nicole! 💗 Thank you for the information! I didn’t know mink oil was for the soles. I usually used it on the uppers. Good to know.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

You are so welcome!

[@MangoMonster34]

Exelent information! I just got new leather sneakers and I want to make them last! Very helpful video :)

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

Can across this and I realised that I have the brushes you were using which I inherited from a grandfather 1895-1973 who was known for his very shiny shoes. This must be the way he did them

[@AmericanDuchess1]

yes! the brushes are amazing at shining things up. what a treat to have your grandfather's!

[@EmsIsFab]

I've been wanting thizs video!

[@antonina0zuzanna]

Highly needed knowledge! 🤗 Thank you! And what if I want to apply water resistant spray? On which stage should I do that?

[@beingrealistic2562]

I must of seen 10 other video's and they talk more about themselves (self centered) or just fall off the Subject using 🏈 I want to talk about shoes!!! You by far 👌to the point, no nonsense. Thank you so very much.. 🌹

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you

[@kitdubhran2968]

Thank you for doing this! I’m waiting for my shoes to come back to me right now. 😁 Any particular care one should do when you first get the shoes, or are they already prepped?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

They're good to go when you get them. No need to polish. Just every few months or so, especially at the end/start of seasons, particularly winter.

[@kellylincoln8244]

I would love a video on the Bernadettes! I’m a little confused on how to care for them with all the different leather types. I know there were web pages but I am confused by some of the information (for instance one part says don’t use mink oil, and another part says yes do use it for the soles!). I have the waterproof spray, and the neutral luster cream- but should I also get mink oil for the soles or just use the waterproof spray? Thank you!

[@KaworuNagisa]

Thank you for this video. Today I bought a pair of black leather shoes that "seemed to call out to me" and since I want to take good care of them, your video was very helpful. It's kind of reassuring to have someone (who knows what they are talking about) tell you how to do things. :) Also if it's okay to say that, I really liked your style, such an awesome look.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks! and we're so glad to be of help! Your new black leather shoes will last ages now, thanks to polishing and hydrating!

[@RaisingSerge]

@11:13 for that part I use the vacuum cleaner, it raises everything back up nicely.

[@princessophelia]

How frequently would you recommend adding mink oil and lustre cream? (often was a bit vague) I don't necessarily need them to shine like new but I plan to walk daily in them - in sometimes dirty or rainy terrain so I definitely want to prevent damage. :) thank you very much for the great tutorial.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

It's a good idea to clean and polish your shoes once every six months. If they particularly scrubby looking, they'll thank you muchly for a clean and polish any time, though.

[@MiaMia-px5xo]

My compliments, from the bottom of my heart. :) You are the most elegant, gorgeous and lovely looking young lady I have ever seen. I love your hair, style, etc. A new big fan here from Europe ;) I am a 30 years old guy and I am also very into vintage, old fashion and so on. Greetings x

[@11thShadowDragon]

I always feel a little worried about care of the multi-material shoes, but the just-leather ones nahhh. Y'all got me covered, for whenever I get a pair or two

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that's a legit concern! just gotta be very careful with the leather polish around the fabric areas.

[@VNicanndrais]

This was an extremely helpful video, thank you! Are you supposed to do anything to the rim of the sole? I feel like I saw something once that was applied with a dauber but I can't remember what it was.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

You can! You can apply heel and sole dressing around the edge of the leather soling, which stains it (black in most cases). If you don't want to do that just the mink oil is fine.

[@DUCK-3076]

I'm waiting for my oxfords to arrive! I have a question though. Should I polish them on arrival, or will they already be freshly polished when I receive them? This is my first time owning real leather shoes, so I don't know how to tell yet, haha.

[@nicolekuha9769]

Great info! Very helpful. What about cedar shoe trees? I purchased some for my flat leather shoes, but what about heeled boots and other high heels (1.5-3 inches tall)? Are there specific shoe trees for these, or should I be storing them a different way?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Hi - there are shoe trees for high heeled shoes - I'm sure you could find them on Amazon

[@Mockingbird650]

The prices are very reasonable. I'm excited about bringing back to life a second-hand pair of Brazilian made Schutz slip-on heels I picked up on eBay for dirt cheap.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

nice! yes, polishing shoes is so satisfying!

[@Mockingbird650]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I will more than likely be making some purchases from your site soon. The leather upper is a rather delicate design-little leather hearts stitched together with multicolored thread in a snowflake-like lattice. They are getting dry, and seem to be losing suppleness (creases in the hearts don't want to come out). I was going to purchase Lustre Cream. Any other suggestions?

[@anushkavig9398]

How to take care of inner sole and how to preserve shoes or heels ?

[@mohammedmohammeddd246]

طيب كيف الطلب لهذا المنتج

[@missfish11]

any tips for treating shoes that the color might come off on the towel, basically are not colorfast? also can i use a cotton towel?

[@brbob4934]

Love those Oxfords, madam has taste.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@piX0une]

thank you ! this is such a useful video ! i do have a question : is there any way to hydrate suede ? would lustre cream work or would that just end in disaster ?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

We don't recommend using lustre cream. A suede cleaner should be just fine.

[@fatimasabbah4996]

Can i do these methods at my white poots?

[@Thefemefatal]

Quick question. I have a kiwi shoe Polish that’s sapposed to be brown. And it’s turning my brown into a tint of red tint. My hands are stained red. Does angelus stain true color?

[@godlesslippillow]

Okay, so we don’t do anything to the inside of the shoe? Or is there something we could or should be doing?

[@ChildOfDarkDefiance]

Do you need to add wax to new shoes? I you have a new pair of leather boots, do you need to treat them before wearing them on a rainy day?

[@whiterosesj]

Can you please do a tutorial on how to get a good quality shoe tree for women's shoes? Most videos and resources are geared only to the shape of men's loafers

[@alexaamarok2680]

Thank you so much for this video, especially talking about suede. I am very conflicted between getting real leather shoes as they last and cause less waste overall and getting non animal product faux leather shoes. Are there ways to up keep faux leather shoes? I am getting so done with how much I end up having to throw away that I am seriously considering leather

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thank you! These are legit issues. Unfortunately with faux leather (polyeurathane), it's plastic and there is no way to repair it. Once the shoes are worn out, that's it, and because of the natural of PU, shoes made with this material wear out quickly. Leather, if taken care of, can last for decades and can be repaired. It's breathable, for better foot health, stretchable for better comfort, and when they are well and truly spent, the leather will biodegrade. Leather shoes are more expensive. It is indeed an investment both monetarily and in a little time to polish and hydrate them, but they will last you much much longer and be much more comfortable.

[@Lucysredshoes]

Would you do a video on your personal style as seen here please? Whether you're wearing mens clothes and how to adapt them to the female body, or if you're wearing women's clothes in a masculine style? Thanks!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Great idea!

[@PandDaBaby]

Do the same care guidelines apply to sandals? I have a pair of Rita’s that scuffed after I took a pretty bad fall

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Yep, any and all real leather shoes can be hydrated and polished this way. If you have brown Ritas, the Angelus lustre cream in "English Tan" is a good match and will clean those scuffs right up - www.american-duchess.com/historic-shoe-buckles-accessories/angelus-lustre-cream

[@Thialeana]

Wow, this is excellent. Do you think these would work on Irish Dance shoes? My Ghillies and Hard Shoes could surely use a shine up.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

All of these products will work on any and all real leather shoes, and you'll be *amazed* at how good they look!

[@Thialeana]

@@AmericanDuchess1 Ooh, Yay! I might have to give them a try. My dance shoes look very worn at the moment!

[@pheart2381]

@@Thialeana stuff them with paper first to keep coloured polish off the insides. It might transfer to your tights if it gets inside.

[@gloworm7940]

I am planning to preorder the Londoner but wanted to do more research on how to care for leather shoes. I was wondering if mink oil could be used on the whole shoe for water resistance or is it only for the sole?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

You can use mink oil on the upper but it can leave a bit of a greasy finish. It's better than nothing, though! The best products for the uppers are the lustre cream and/or the shoe wax.

[@Bluefoot65]

as suggestions for silk slippers or cloth shoes

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@joebartley2302]

I love the Oxford shoes, where did you get them from please?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

They are Londoners on our website - www.americanduchess.com/collections/edwardian-shoes-and-boots/products/londoner-edwardian-oxfords-cherry?variant=35772179349654 All of the shoes in this video are from AmericanDuchess.com

[@joebartley2302]

@@AmericanDuchess1 thank you.

[@blaise8076]

I have a leather balm that I got with my doc martens, it's coconut oil, beeswax, and lanolin. it was billed as being a moisturizing and protective/waterproof layer, should I be putting a wax over it?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

yeah, you can use leather balm on leather shoes - works well. Wax only partially protects. It doesn't fully waterproof. Reapply every 3 - 6 months or so

[@ellareed793]

About how often should these products be used?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

At minimum once a year, but once every 6 months or 3 months should be fine, or whenever your shoes look like they need a little spiff-up

[@marybeth406]

I used Angelus waterproof spray on my Londoner’s when they were brand new. I haven’t worn them much yet but I’ll obviously need to use different products on them in the future. How do I remove the waterproofing later or should I just apply wax etc on top of it?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

The silicone waterproofing spray is one thing we didn't talk about in the video. It does work amazingly well. It'll just wear itself off over time, so don't worry about removing it.

[@marybeth406]

American Duchess Thanks for replying!

[@josieofalltrades3559]

How do you apply the pigmented polish/lustre cream without staining the edges of the sole?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

just carefully go along with the rag or brush

[@suzannaflores1164]

Amazing presenter and presentation. Audio quality not so good.

[@cymbeline8327]

Is it...ok...if you wanted to change the tint of your shoe? Such as darkening with the black lustre cream?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

lustre cream may stain them slightly, but if you want to really dye them you'll need to use Angelus leather dyes

[@_ZeroQueen_]

Can mink oil be used on the leather uppers as well?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

it can, but it can leave a bit of a greasy feeling. Shoe wax and/or lustre cream is a better option for the uppers.

[@fairyfreak63]

Hello. Thanks for your review. May I Inquire? I have patent vegan shoe boots. If I put regular black shoe polish (to get rid of the shine), would this work, rather get rid of the shine? Thanks!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Hi Fairy - shoe polish would only temporarily cover the patent, but it would not last.

[@fairyfreak63]

@@AmericanDuchess1 Makes sense. Thanks American Duchess, appreciate your response. Take care!

[@r05km]

@americanduchess I'm a kind of stompy gal so I seem to wear down the heels and toes of my boots within months, which cleaning can't help with. I've had cheaper shoes reheeled, but they tend to staple on a bit of plastic and call it a day :( Would you consider making a video on what you should be asking for/looking for at a shoe repair place to get a good job done if you need to get soles or heels repaired?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Every shoe repair is different, and they're not created equally. You can ask for plastic, leather, or rubber heel tips, each with different wearing properties. For toes, adding toe taps, or replacing/patching the toe portion of the leather sole (especially on pointed-toe shoes), is a common repair that all shoe repairs *should* be able to do.

[@kostusia]

What do you think will be best a) set of brushes, clothes and products for each pair separelty or b) set for each color/kind like suede Also, i have suede shoes with decorative foil on, that started to rub of. U think suede cleaner will get rid of the rest?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

You want to make sure your brushes are clean, so you don't accidentally use a brush that was with black polish on a light colored shoe. You can clean them, but it's easier to have a dedicated brush. I'm not sure if the suede cleaner will get rid of the foil...you may need a solvent for that.

[@kostusia]

@@AmericanDuchess1 thank u so much

[@Nightmare19125]

Is there something you can put on the soles to protect them? So you don’t wear down the finish

[@AmericanDuchess1]

You can have your soles rubberized, but the finish on the leather is going to be worn off with wear, it's unavoidable, but by using mink oil or sole sealer/paint you can protect the leather soles over time. :)

[@Paprika-six]

@@AmericanDuchess1 so glad to see this in the video, when the finish started wearing off my boots I was so worried I'd done something wrong!!!

[@kitdubhran2968]

How often would you say one should mink oil the soles? Of ones shoes? With regular wear, in the Pacific Northwest (rain 9 months out of the year)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Hi - in the Pacific Northwest, where it is rainy, you'll want to do it maybe every 3 months, possibly more if you notice the raw leather on the soles is a "light" ish color. The mink oil will darken the raw leather.

[@kitdubhran2968]

@@AmericanDuchess1 thank you! ❤️

[@miscellaneouscell]

How do I care for my ivory colored American duchess shoes? I don’t want to stain them with waxes or tinted oils.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

We have neutral/clear Angelus shoe wax and lustre cream that is perfect for the job: www.americanduchess.com/collections/shoe-care/products/angelus-shoe-wax-polish?variant=35801591054486

[@gregorybarton-qs9qs]

So, your presentation was just fine, however, the audio was not as stable as it should have been, thanks

[@pokgrl12]

Watching this allows me to pretend I own beautiful American Duchess shoes when I am, in fact, too poor to afford them

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Some day

[@pokgrl12]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I JUST ORDERED THE SHOES

[@AuroraCeleste]

Would you still use neutral lustre cream on shoes that have been painted with the angelus leather paints?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

No, the Angelus leather paints are acrylic-based, so they form a plastic barrier atop the shoe that inhibits the lustre cream from soaking into the leather.

[@kissmekate14]

I bought the products and until now have been hesitant on how to use them, fearing i would some how mess it all up, and thus ruin some rather pricey shoes. But fear be gone!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad we could shine some light on how to use this stuff!

[@DraganGrazic]

i used a wrong product on one of my boots, how can i reverse this?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

hi! what product did you use? it will help us determine how to fix it.

[@DraganGrazic]

@@AmericanDuchess1 longlife protection creme by HUKLA

[@tammi0on0pills]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@VictorianMaid99]

This was shoe care? I want to buy those cloth top shoes.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

To protect the cloth-top Manhattan boots, spray the tops with this magical stuff - www.americanduchess.com/collections/shoe-care/products/angelus-water-and-stain-repellent

[@wthinwthout2786]

Can you use a different oil? We are a vegan/vegetarian house, but my partner does wear leather boots. I'd like to teach him how to care for them better, but still not use another animal product. Thanks!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Yes, any oil that inhibits the ingress of water and soaks into the leather should work

[@tamarab.7151]

make victorian boots

[@AmericanDuchess1]

we do, with more to come ;-) - www.americanduchess.com/collections/victorian-shoes-and-boots

[@chaunybuck6065]

What is up with the audio???

[@modestmaude8367]

Uh, aren't these shoes made in China? Yeah, I think I'll pass.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Yes, they are, and they're fantastic quality. You can read more about our sourcing policy here - www.american-duchess.com/sourcing-policy

[@accidentalinfluencer]

These human really think all made in "china" some sort off trash. 😅