How to care for your shoes

Choosing the right shoes

When choosing shoes, please make sure the model, size and shape match exactly what you're looking for. Also think about the intended use, design, materials and care requirements. It's especially important to avoid things that shorten the lifespan of your shoes — such as wearing the same pair every day, using them for purposes they weren't designed for, or washing them.

Regular care also plays a big role — always use products specifically designed for the material. Incorrect or insufficient care significantly shortens the lifespan of your shoes.

Types of footwear

The intended use influences the choice of materials, construction, design and care method.

• Occasion footwear is designed for short-term indoor wear at social events and is not suitable for extended walking. It is very sensitive to moisture and uneven surfaces — we don't recommend wearing it outdoors.
• Fashion footwear is designed and constructed for wear in undemanding conditions. The primary focus is on style rather than durability. Current fashion elements also largely determine its approximate lifespan.
• High fashion footwear is intended for short-term and occasional wear. Materials and construction are chosen with a strong emphasis on the latest fashion trends — everything is subordinate to appearance and aesthetic value (e.g. extremely elongated toes, platform soles). The lifespan of such footwear is limited and may be significantly shorter than the warranty period. This footwear is intended primarily for dry environments and is not suitable for everyday wear.

Construction method

The construction method significantly affects the function and care of the shoes — specifically, how the upper is attached to the sole.

• Glued footwear — the sole is attached to the upper using adhesive. The strength of the bond can be negatively affected by soaking or excessive perspiration, or by repeatedly wearing shoes that haven't dried out properly.
• The lifespan of your shoes also depends on proper care and maintenance.

Shoe care by material

• Smooth leather shoes — treat with a specialist leather cream. Leather is not waterproof, but water resistance can be improved using waterproofing sprays.
• Nubuck and suede shoes — care for with brushing, ideally using a specialist rubber brush. For heavier wear, you can use coloured or colourless water-repellent sprays and products designed for this material. Never use cream on suede!
• Textile shoes — care for when dry, using brushing and textile cleaning sprays.
• Synthetic shoes — plastics and faux leather (PET, PAT, PU) — these often look similar to leather but have different properties (breathability, flexibility, absorption). Care for with products designed for synthetic materials, or simply wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Never use leather care products on synthetic materials.

Plastic parts of shoes are dyed and can be very susceptible to mechanical damage — for example from scuffing.

General care tips

• Rotate your shoes regularly and avoid wearing the same pair every day.
• Use a shoehorn when putting on closed shoes.
• After each wear, allow your shoes to dry out and air thoroughly — even after short use, the inside becomes damp from perspiration.
• Wearing shoes that haven't dried out properly causes excessive wear.
• Be aware that leather shoes may partially release dye if they get wet or are exposed to heavy perspiration.
• Replace worn heel tips, soles, insoles or laces promptly to prevent damage to other parts of the shoe. This is basic user maintenance carried out by the customer and is not grounds for a warranty claim.
• The rate of heel tip wear depends on the size of the surface area. A small heel tip (e.g. on a stiletto) is under much greater pressure and will wear down significantly faster than a wider one.
• Make sure your foot is properly secured in the shoe using laces, straps or fastenings. Insufficient fastening can cause excessive wear to linings and insoles.
• White materials may yellow slightly over time with regular use.
• With fashion shoes featuring elongated toes, the tip of the shoe comes into contact with the floor during walking, resulting in relatively rapid wear to the toe area of the sole and sometimes the upper. Check your shoes regularly and have the soles resoled in good time — this is basic user maintenance and is not grounds for a warranty claim.