How To Care For Your Leather Sandals (And Keep Them In Brand-Spanking-New Shape)

You know what time it is, friends? It’s the most wonderful time of the year (aka spring). And with it comes new shoes (!). Sandals, specifically, are the unsung heroes of sunny days. Dresses get a lot of fanfare (they’re scene-stealers, indeed), but sandals—utilitarian, cool, outfit punctuators—really do earn their keep once the weather warms up. Think of it this way: They’re likely the things you reach for every single day. So right now is the perfect time to prep yours for all that inevitable wear. Our design team helped us compile a list of tips that will keep them in tip-top shape.

– After each use, wipe them clean with a soft cloth. This will remove any bits of dirt that may have stuck during wear. In the instance gentle wiping won’t do (say an unexpected bit of mud got on them or there’s noticeable scuffing), use leather conditioner to clean them thoroughly.

– Keep them away from water as much as possible. So no using them as impromptu rain shoes or washing them to remove stains.

– If they do get wet—spring showers can be unexpected—let them dry outdoors but in the shade. No dryers, blow dryers or direct sunlight, as they will all damage the leather.

– For pesky odors from use or moisture, line the inner sole with a light sprinkle of baking soda and let them sit overnight. Simply shake out in the morning and you’re on your way.

Follow these tips and you’ll likely have sandals that look and feel like new all season long (and maybe many more seasons after that).

Put these tips into practice and shop our newest sandals here.