Shoe care tips
Could your shoes use a
thorough refresh?
We have researched the best ways to clean and treat your shoes for each type of material, so they get the love and care they deserve. With the right approach, your favorite shoes will stay beautiful longer, and their lifespan will be significantly extended. Discover our tips and give your shoes the care they need to always look like new.
What material are your shoes made of?
First and foremost
Remove the laces from your shoes, as they could use a refresh too. Place them in a laundry bag and run them through the wash. For stubborn stains, use a stain remover before washing. Are your laces worn out or in need of replacement? Feel free to drop by the store; we’ll gladly help you find a new pair that fits your shoes perfectly.
Cleaning your soles?
It’s easy with the Midsole Cleaner. This handy cleaner removes dirt and stains, leaving your shoes looking fresh and well-kept. Clean soles instantly give your shoes a neater appearance, contributing to a polished look.
By regularly cleaning your shoes and laces, they will stay beautiful and comfortable for longer. Take a look at our range of maintenance products in-store or on our webshop, so you always have the right product on hand.
Leather is a durable, strong, and breathable material. With proper care, your leather shoes will last even longer. Follow these three simple steps for optimal care of your leather shoes:
1. Cleaning
Want to clean your leather shoes? Start by removing dust and dirt with a shoe brush. Are you dealing with stains or stubborn dirt? Then choose the Clean & Care product. It is suitable for nearly all materials, gentle, and provides you with clean shoes quickly and easily.
2. Nourishing
It’s very important to properly nourish your shoes after cleaning, just like you would care for your own skin. Ideally, use a shoe polish that matches the color of your shoes. This helps maintain the original color. If you can’t find polish in the right color, opt for a colorless variant. This keeps the leather supple and ensures your shoes maintain their fresh appearance.
3. Protecting
The better protected your shoes are, the less quickly they will become dirty again. We apply an initial layer of protection to the shoes upon purchase with the Carbon Pro Spray, which provides about a month of protection against moisture and dirt. After that, it’s important to repeat this treatment regularly, depending on the spray you use at home.
The spray creates an invisible protective layer on the shoe, preventing moisture and dirt from penetrating the leather. A key advantage: your shoes remain fully breathable, keeping your feet comfortable no matter the weather.
Suede and nubuck: what’s the difference and how do you care for them?
Suede and nubuck are very similar in their soft, velvety appearance. However, there is a difference between these two materials. Suede comes from the inside of the leather hide, while nubuck is made from the outside, which is then buffed. Despite these subtle differences, you can treat them both in the same way.
1. Cleaning
A stain? No worries! There are several ways to get your shoes looking spotless again. Always start with a dry cleaning method. Use a crepe brush and gently rub over the shoe. The friction creates heat, allowing the brush to lift away dirt and remove any stains.
Are you dealing with stubborn stains or dirt? Then use the Clean & Care product. This cleaning product is suitable for nearly all materials, gentle, and ensures clean shoes quickly and easily.
2. Nourishing
After cleaning, it is essential to nourish your shoes properly, just like you would care for your skin. Sneaker Care is ideal for refreshing and caring for the colors of suede, nubuck, and textiles. The spray is easy to use and gives your shoes a like-new look.
3. Protecting
The better protected your shoes are, the less quickly they will become dirty again. We apply an initial protective layer to shoes at purchase with the Carbon Pro Spray, which provides about a month of protection against moisture and dirt. After that, it’s important to repeat this treatment regularly, depending on the spray you use at home.
The spray creates an invisible protective layer on the shoe, preventing moisture and dirt from penetrating the leather. A key advantage: your shoes remain fully breathable, keeping your feet comfortable no matter the weather.
Combination of leather, nubuck, and/or textile
Many of our shoes combine different materials, giving them a fresh and modern look. With the right products, maintenance is easy and worry-free!
Many of our styles combine materials such as leather, nubuck, and textile. This mix gives the shoes a fresh, contemporary appearance. With the right care products, maintaining these shoes is quick and simple!
1. Cleaning
Start by tackling the suede and nubuck with a crepe brush. This helps to remove dust and dirt without damaging the delicate texture.
Next, use the Clean & Care product to thoroughly clean the entire shoe. This product is suitable for nearly all materials, is gentle, and offers deep cleaning, so your shoes look like new again in no time.
2. Nourishing
After cleaning, it’s essential to properly nourish your shoes, just as you do with your own skin. Choose the easy-to-use Sneaker Care product to care for your entire shoe in a single step. This versatile product is suitable for leather, suede, nubuck, and textile, ensuring that all your materials receive the proper care while maintaining their fresh look.
3. Protecting
The better protected your shoes are, the longer they stay clean and beautiful. When you purchase your shoes, we apply a first layer of protection with the Carbon Pro Spray, which provides about a month of protection against moisture and dirt. After this period, it’s important to repeat this treatment regularly, depending on the spray you use at home.
The spray creates a protective layer that prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating the materials. A major advantage of the Carbon Pro Spray is that the shoes remain fully breathable, providing comfort with every step.
Patent Leather: Shiny Shoes with the Right Care
Patent leather shoes are leather shoes with a special, glossy coating. It is very important to clean and care for patent leather properly to prevent cracks and dullness. With the right approach, your patent leather shoes will maintain their brilliant appearance.
1. Cleaning
Patent leather is easy to maintain. A dry or slightly damp cloth is usually enough to remove dirt. Make sure your shoes are clean before applying any care products, so that they can be properly absorbed.
Next, use Lack Mousse. This mousse helps maintain the elasticity and shine of patent leather. The added elasticity helps prevent cracks in the leather, while its antistatic properties ensure that the leather attracts less dirt.
2. Polishing
While patent leather cannot be nourished like other types of leather, you can restore its shine with Lack Polish. This product provides an intense shine and helps keep your shoes looking as good as new.
3. Protecting
Good to know: Due to the dense structure of its coating, patent leather does not absorb moisture. As a result, patent leather shoes do not need to be treated with water-repellent sprays, as these would have no effect. This makes patent leather one of the most low-maintenance materials when it comes to protection against moisture.
A few extra tips.
Cork footbeds provide a natural and comfortable wearing experience, and with the right care, they will stay in top condition for even longer. Follow these simple tips to keep your cork footbeds in optimal shape, so you can enjoy them for longer:
1. Cleaning
Regularly clean your cork footbeds with the Cleaner Stick. This helps to remove any surface dirt from the suede. If needed, use the Clean & Care product for a deeper clean.
2. Drying
Always allow cork footbeds to dry thoroughly at room temperature after cleaning. Never place them directly in the sun or near a heat source, such as a radiator, as this can dry out the cork and cause it to crack.
Do you want your shoes to last long and always look well-maintained? Then regular maintenance is key, depending on how often you wear your shoes. Do you wear them frequently? Clean them weekly with a dry cleaning method, like a brush or dry cloth, to remove dust and surface dirt.
For a deeper clean, a monthly treatment is a must: use a cleaning product like our Clean & Care to tackle stubborn dirt and bring back the shine to your shoes. Follow this with a nourishing product suited to the material to keep the leather or suede supple and beautiful. These products help maintain the vibrancy of the colors and significantly extend the lifespan of your shoes.
Protect your shoes optimally: Don’t forget to reapply a water-repellent spray, such as the Carbon Pro Spray, to your shoes each month. This spray creates an invisible layer that shields your shoes from moisture and dirt, keeping them in top condition even on rainy days. Good protection ensures that your shoes stay looking new for longer, and by investing in the right care products, you save on expensive repairs or replacements in the long run.
Small investment, big difference: Our high-quality care products are specially developed to give your shoes the care they deserve. With a good brush, a cleaning product, and a nourishing spray, you can easily extend the lifespan of your favorite shoes.
Proper storage of your shoes can significantly extend their lifespan.
Always store your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent mold and unpleasant odors. Use shoe trees for leather shoes to maintain their shape and prevent creases. Avoid placing your shoes directly next to a heat source, such as a radiator, to prevent the material from drying out and cracking. This way, your shoes stay in top condition, even if you don't wear them for a while.
Did you know that Mephisto uses many natural materials like rubber and cork? These materials offer excellent comfort, but they can dry out or lose their elasticity during long periods of inactivity. Sometimes it's even better to wear your shoes regularly rather than leaving them in the closet. By using them, the materials stay supple and retain their resilience.
So, don't buy shoes for years down the road, enjoy the comfort they provide right now. This way, your Mephisto shoes will stay beautiful for longer and give your feet the precise support they deserve.
Winter weather can be challenging for your shoes, but with the right approach, they will stay in great condition. Protect your shoes before winter starts with the Carbon Pro Spray, which repels water to prevent damage from snow and rain.
Have your shoes gotten wet anyway? Always let them dry at room temperature, and don’t place them near a heater or other heat source, as this can damage and dry out the material. Put some newspaper inside the shoes to quickly absorb the moisture. This not only helps speed up drying but also prevents the material from warping.
Don't forget to remove your insoles or orthotics in the evening. This allows both the shoes and the insoles to dry properly, helping to prevent mold and unpleasant odors. Regular maintenance ensures that your shoes remain resilient against winter conditions and stay beautiful for longer.
In the summer, your shoes also need a bit of extra care. Heat and direct sunlight can cause leather to dry out or fade. Store your shoes out of direct sunlight to keep their color looking good. Regularly use a nourishing cream or spray to keep the material soft and supple.
Also, don't forget to ventilate your shoes well after a hot summer day, allowing moisture and sweat to evaporate. This helps to prevent unpleasant odors and ensures freshness with every step.
Choose natural care products for your shoes.
Did you know that we also offer a range of products that are entirely natural, without added chemicals? These products provide an effective way to keep your shoes clean and well-maintained, while also being an environmentally friendly choice. From organic cleaners to natural sprays, we have everything you need to care for your shoes in a responsible way.