How to care
ARTS & SCIENCE items are crafted from carefully selected materials, with meticulous attention to both quality and design. Each material and method of construction offers its own unique texture and character. This page provides basic care guidelines designed to help you enjoy your items for years to come. We hope these guidelines assist you in preserving the natural beauty of the materials while appreciating the evolving depth and character they develop over time.
- Leather Shoes
- Other Leather Products
Leather Shoes
At A&S, we place importance not only on comfort and design, but also on the enduring appeal of leather shoes that evolve beautifully over time. As they accompany you through daily life, they gradually conform to the shape of your feet. With proper care and storage, the leather’s natural character can be preserved, allowing you to enjoy your shoes for many years. In this guide, we share some essential care tips for leather shoes that can easily be incorporated into your everyday routine.
Routine Maintenance
Use a horsehair or boar-bristle brush to gently remove dust and surface dirt. Pay attention to fine particles that may settle into the grain of the leather, and brush them out with care. A soft dry cloth can also be useful for light touch-ups.
Replenish moisture and nutrients with a leather-specific cream or wax. Using a soft cloth, apply it in small circular motions, then lightly buff with a brush to restore the leather’s natural sheen.
If your shoes get wet from rain or snow, pack them with newspaper to help maintain their shape and allow them to air-dry in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight or the use of a hair dryer, as excessive heat can cause the leather to stiffen or crack.
Napped Leather
Nubuck, suede, and other types of napped leather are delicate materials cherished for their soft texture and refined finish. Given their particular sensitivity to water and friction, please observe the following care guidelines:
- If your shoes become wet, gently blot away moisture with a dry cloth, reshape them, and allow them to air-dry in the shade. Avoid the use of a hair dryer.
To extend the life of your shoes
Rotate your shoes regularly:
Wearing the same pair every day puts strain on the soles and uppers, leading to faster deterioration. To allow moisture to escape and give your shoes time to dry, try alternating with a different pair the following day.
Use shoe trees:
After each wear, insert shoe trees to help preserve the shape and prevent creasing or distortion. They also help absorb any moisture that has built up inside the shoes.
Use a shoehorn when putting on or taking off your shoes:
Stepping on the heel can cause the shoe to lose its shape and compromise its fit. Always use a shoehorn, making sure your toes are fully in before sliding your heel into place.
Adjust the fit each time you wear your shoes:
Tighten laces or straps to fit your feet. Wearing shoes loosely can lead to injury and may cause the shape to deform or the fit to deteriorate over time.
Store in a well-ventilated area:
Rather than keeping your shoes in a closed shoebox, store them on a well-ventilated or open shoe rack that allows air to circulate. During humid seasons, use a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing agents for added protection.
If a white film appears on the leather surface:
In colder weather, oils within the leather may harden and rise to the surface, resulting in a white film. Store the shoes in a warm indoor space and gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth to help the leather absorb the oil again. If the film does not fade, use a hair dryer on medium heat from a distance while gently wiping. Avoid rubbing too hard, as it may alter the leather’s surface—always handle with care.
Maintain your shoes regularly:
If you notice wear on the soles or uneven heel wear, address it early through repair to help extend the life of your shoes overall.
* The care methods introduced here are intended as general guidelines. Depending on the material or dyeing process, they may not always apply. Please use them as reference information.
Other Leather Products
A&S leather goods—including bags and small accessories—are thoughtfully crafted with careful attention to both their function and design, using precise and meticulous stitching. Because leather is a natural material, its appearance will evolve over time through daily use and exposure to the environment, developing a unique, rich patina that adds character. To help you enjoy your leather items for many years, here are some basic care guidelines.
Routine Maintenance
Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away dust and dirt from the surface.
If the leather feels dry, apply a thin layer of leather cream. This will help maintain its natural shine and keep it soft and supple.
Caring for Suede, Nubuck, and Other Napped Leathers
These delicate materials are prized for their soft texture and refined appearance but are sensitive to water and friction. Follow these care tips:
- If your item becomes wet, immediately blot off moisture with a dry cloth, reshape it gently, and allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid using hairdryers or other heat sources.
- To restore the nap, use a brush designed specifically for suede or nubuck to gently restore the texture.
Precautions for Use and Storage
Avoid Humidity and Direct Sunlight:
Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can cause leather to deteriorate, leading to deformation and fading. Store your leather goods in a cool, well-ventilated place.
Handling Water Exposure:
Do not rub wet leather. Instead, gently press with a dry cloth to absorb moisture, reshape the item, and let it dry naturally in the shade. Avoid drying with direct sunlight or heat, as this can harden the leather.
Color Transfer:
Leather items dyed with natural dyes may transfer color onto light-colored clothing, especially when wet, in humid conditions, or with friction. Take care to avoid this.
If a white film appears on the leather surface:
In colder weather, oils within the leather may harden and rise to the surface, resulting in a white film. Store the shoes in a warm indoor space and gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth to help the leather absorb the oil again. If the film does not fade, use a hair dryer on medium heat from a distance while gently wiping. Avoid rubbing too hard, as it may alter the leather’s surface—always handle with care.
Long-Term Storage:
To keep your items’ shape and protect them from dust, stuff them with paper and store wrapped in a breathable cloth. Avoid storing in sealed, non-ventilated spaces for long periods, as this may encourage mold. Instead, keep them in a well-ventilated area and air them out occasionally.
* The care methods introduced here are intended as general guidelines. Depending on the material or dyeing process, they may not always apply. Please use them as reference information.