Shoe Care Guide
Every pair of Nokwols is made to be worn and lived in. A little care goes a long way, and the right routine keeps them looking considered season after season.
The Essentials
- Protect before the first wear. Use a protector spray suited to the material to help keep water and marks off.
- Little and often. A quick brush after wearing does more than a deep clean once a season.
- Let them rest. Try not to wear the same pair two days running. Giving them a day off lets them dry out and hold their shape.
- Dry them slowly. If they get wet, stuff them with paper and leave them to dry at room temperature. Keep them away from radiators, hairdryers and direct sun.
- Store them well. Keep them in their dust bag somewhere cool, dry and dark. Shoe trees or boot shapers help keep their shape.
Care Instructions
Smooth Leather
Leather softens and shapes to you over time, and the creases it picks up are part of its story.
Wipe off surface dirt with a soft, dry cloth or a horsehair brush. Every few weeks, put a small amount of leather cream on a clean cloth and work it in with gentle circular movements. Pay extra attention to the creases at the toe. Let it absorb, then buff to a soft sheen.
Woven Leather
Our woven styles, like ESSA, need a lighter touch.
Use a soft brush, working along the weave and not against it, to lift dust from between the strands. When they need conditioning, apply cream sparingly with a cloth and don't let it build up in the gaps. Never soak woven leather.
Oiled Leather
Oiled leather is made to wear in, not stay perfect.
Small scuffs can often be buffed out with a clean cloth, or even your fingertips, because the warmth brings the oils back to the surface. If the leather starts to look dry, use a wax- or oil-based conditioner to restore its depth.
Suede & Nubuck
Soft, tactile and a little more delicate.
Brush regularly with a suede brush, moving in one direction to keep the nap even. Use a suede eraser to lift marks, pressing gently and working it in small strokes. For water marks, dampen the whole panel lightly with a cloth so it dries evenly, then brush once it's dry. Top up the protector spray every few wears.
Wool & Textiles
For wool, felt and nylon details.
Brush off dust and lint with a soft brush. Spot clean with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, blot dry with a clean towel, and leave to air dry. Never put them in the washing machine.
Soles
Wipe soles and edges with a damp cloth after wearing. An old toothbrush helps reach grooves and stitching. On leather soles, a resoling or rubber topping from a cobbler adds grip and gives them a much longer life.
What to avoid
Harsh chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners, bleach and household wipes can all strip colour and finish. If you're unsure, test a product on a small, hidden area first.