The Footwear
Guide

To maintain your suede shoes, using a suede protector spray when you first purchase your shoes will help repel any dirt or water. Suede and Nubuck can then be cleaned gently with a suede brush. We don’t recommend wearing suede in wet weather. We recommend using a good-quality suede protector, especially on lighter coloured suedes, which will help if you get caught out in the rain.

We would suggest using a professional leather cleaning specialist who uses an environmentally friendly method to protect your footwear when needed.
Leathers can also be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt, or with a small footwear brush.
Suede and Nubuck can be cleaned gently with a suede brush. Removing stubborn marks will require a suitable product available in good-quality shoe care stores.
Canvas can be cleaned with a damp soft cloth – never use the washing machine as it will damage the footwear and your machine. Care must be taken when cleaning canvas uppers as finishings are applied. Brighter colors may change if water and excessive rubbing is applied.

Smooth leather footwear can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt. Gently clean suede and nubuck footwear with a suede brush. Removing stubborn marks will require any suitable shoe care product.
Polishes and creams may damage hand-finished leather and leather details. Test in a discreet spot before applying to the whole shoe. If in doubt see your local cobbler or footwear specialist.
Liquid polish applicators on fine leather footwear is not recommended as it would destroy natural leathers.
To protect textile uppers, they can be treated on a regular basis using a good quality shower guard spray. This helps create a barrier to make it slightly shower resistant and prevents excess dirt from sticking.
It is advisable to use a shoe horn when putting on footwear to avoid damage to the heel area.
Before applying any polish or sprays:
- Remove the laces and undo any straps. Place a correctly sized shoe tree into your shoes.
- Remove any dust and dirt with a small footwear brush

Store in a warm dry environment. Should your leather shoes become wet, allow them to dry naturally, never dry them using direct heat or a radiator.
Natural leather heels and soles are often made up of several layers. Leather will expand when wet and should be dried slowly to avoid separation of these layers. Store footwear with limited exposure to heat and sunlight. Most leathers become hard if they get very wet. Once fully dried they may need a day or two to soften up again.
Using shoe trees or shoe moulds whilst footwear is in storage will maintain the shape of your footwear and help absorb moisture.
Your shoes will proportionally last longer if you alternate between two or three different styles. We don’t recommend that you wear the same shoes every day as they need time to breathe and to completely dry out.

As the outer soles of your shoes wear out, a good shoe repair shop should be able to remove and replace either the sole or heel lift to prolong the life of the shoes. Small top pieces (the ends of heels normally found on stiletto-type footwear) can easily be repaired to prolong the life of your shoes/boots. Never allow your heels to wear down past the top piece.

AllSaints selects leathers with rich character and natural finishes. Due to the natural finishes of our leathers, color transfer can occur on other materials. Avoid contact with light colored garments.

The ‘breaking in’ process is an essential part of making new shoes comfortable enough to wear outside for long periods of time. When you purchase any footwear, it is always best to wear them at home for short periods of around two to three hours for the first few days to allow the materials to mould around your foot and naturally prevent blisters. This ‘breaking in’ process is an essential part of making new shoes comfortable enough to wear outside for long periods of time.

If strappy adjustable shoes or sandals have been set too tight it can make rubbing worse – especially on warmer or busier days. Loosening the straps will help give feet some space without sacrificing security.

If you are wearing sandals barefoot and you encounter rubbing on straps, try sprinkling talc-free body powder on feet to help your feet stay a little more dry.

It is advisable not to wear the same footwear over consecutive days, this is to allow your feet to relax and to allow the leather enough time to dry and recover after each wearing.

Ideally use a professional service. Many high street cobblers now have this service. If not, you can clean light marks using a damp (nearly dry) cloth or soft brush.

Biker boots, heels, sneakers, or even knee high boots hidden underneath - take your pick, anything goes.

From minis to maxis, shorts and culottes - knee high boots work with a range of outfits. Whatever your vibe.