The art of speaking to a shoemaker

A noble material like leather requires regular care. Let's be clear, our shoes deserve our long-term commitment! Some care can be done at home and should be planned regularly: in case of stains or if the leather has become dull, there are colorless cleaning products for which you will also find videos to guide you. The basis of cleaning is obviously the brush, for dusting with firm and repeated strokes. If the leather looks dry, it needs to drink! Leather hydration is done with shoe polish, or shoe cream, which will also restore color. As for protection, it starts right from the purchase with a waterproofing spray. Understanding these specific needs is already a good start. If you have any doubts, the shoemaker will be able to enlighten you on the steps to follow. He can help you if you are unsure about one product over another, the use of a brush, or how to keep your shoes as timeless as their original design.

To preserve your luxury shoes, preventive maintenance is key. As soon as you acquire a new pair, it is IMPERATIVE (!) to take them to the cobbler for sole protectors. Some will tell you to walk a bit before doing so, but know that it makes no difference, as the leather will be sanded regardless to ensure the protector's adhesion. This simple step extends the life of the soles and can prevent major mishaps. How sad it would be to scuff your brand-new sole too hard, or to be caught off guard by the rain, knowing that leather directly on the ground will absorb all the moisture it can... Waterproofing is the second essential step: easy to do, ideally by an open window to avoid inhaling fumes, and to be repeated every 15 days if these are pairs you wear regularly. For storing your shoes... Depending on the space you have, try to store them away from humidity and direct sunlight, and preferably in fabric bags or shoeboxes. Shoe trees can also be used to maintain the original shape of the shoes, thus preventing deformations over time.

To properly care for your luxury shoes, it's crucial to know when to consult your cobbler. Don't let small issues become big ones: a loose stitch, a scratch on the leather, or a wobbly heel should send you straight to your artisan. Early repair will prevent damage from worsening and extend the life of your shoes. The tip of the heel that touches the ground is called a "heel tip." This is what will most often be replaced on stiletto heels. It's usually a quick and inexpensive operation, unless you've waited too long and truly damaged the shoe. Snags from sidewalk slabs can also damage the leather covering the heel. This is referred to as "heel wrapping." This is a much more delicate operation that will involve the cobbler unnailing the heel from the shoe, stripping it, and reapplying a layer of leather. Not all cobblers do this, so you'll need to find the right one. You'll usually be offered some masking tricks. The rubber sole added to the outsole to be directly in contact with the ground instead of the leather is called a "sole protector." This is what we have installed as soon as we acquire our pair of shoes. It can be replaced indefinitely.

Building a trusting relationship with a cobbler is essential for the care of your luxury shoes. To select the right artisan, start by seeking recommendations from acquaintances who share an interest in quality fashion or check online reviews. During your first visit, don't hesitate to discuss the techniques and products they plan to use for the pair you bring them. You will then be able to assess their expertise. A good cobbler will be able to share their knowledge with passion and detail. Also, test them on a more common pair from your wardrobe to see the results. You're bound to find your gem eventually, and like everyone else, you'll be able to start your sentences with "My cobbler...". If you've found your perfect pair on MyPrettyFrenchShoes, know that all pairs have also been to our artisan to arrive like new on your feet!