Knowing how to care for your loafers will ensure that you enjoy them for years to come. There are just a few simple tips to keep in mind when caring for your loafers.
Treat your leather loafers before wearing them. This will prevent staining and will go a long way in making future cleaning easier. Select the appropriate product for the leather type of your moccasin and be sure to apply it to the sole of the moccasin. There are specific products for smooth leather, suede, and nubuck (which is softer than suede). If you know you’ll be wearing your loafer in the snow or rain, consider applying a coat of mink oil and beeswax mix; simply heat to melt the mixture. , then apply with a brush to the sole of the moccasin and let it dry.
Don’t wear your soft-soled loafers when you know you’ll be walking on a lot of concrete pavement. It would be a bad idea to wear a soft-soled loafer to a marathon, to a parade, or to an amusement park all day. Although soft-soled loafers can be worn outside and leather is a tough material, it was never designed for hours and hours of exposure to concrete. The rough surface will significantly shorten the life of your moccasin. Even the Plains Indians who walked on some rocky surfaces wore hard-soled moccasins, so learn from them about walking on hard surfaces in soft-soled moccasins. Consider wearing only hard-soled loafers on such occasions.
Use lukewarm water to clean sheepskin loafers. Very hot water will damage delicate fibers and toughen the feel of sheepskin by weighing down the natural fibers.
Do not wear unprotected leather loafers in the rain. One of the first things you’ll want to do is spray a water protectant on your suede loafers. Water will damage any moccasin, but chamois is especially vulnerable to its effects. (Make sure you spray in a well-ventilated space. I find water protectant sprays give me terrible headaches.)
Make sure your leather is warm before cleaning or protecting it. Warm leather fibers are more relaxed and can absorb cleaning creams or protective sprays than cool leather.
Do not use straight lines or rub hard when applying your cleansing creams. Be sure to use gentle, circular motions when applying the products. This will ensure an even application and protect your leather from damage that is possible from applying products too forcefully.
Use a good quality saddle soap for soft leather moccasins to clean surface dirt. Once you’re sure your smooth leather loafer is clean, apply a leather conditioner to lubricate and soften the leather. A polishing paste can be used on top of the loafer if some shine is desired. Remember that with leather, your goal is to keep it hydrated, supple, and durable.
Use a rubber-tipped brush on the suede to keep the nap fresh and upright. Poorly cared for suede will end up with crushed fibers and won’t feel as soft to the touch.
Do not immerse leather in water when cleaning. It is much better to use a damp cloth and the right cleaner than to submerge the moccasin in water. Blot your loafers to dry and allow the air to finish the drying process. Never put them in a dryer.
By keeping these pros and cons in mind, your loafers will last for years, developing their own natural and unique character as they age.
