Care Tips

Your shoes were designed to be loved, worn, and admired. With the right care, they’ll stay beautiful season after season.

Before You Wear

To protect your shoes and extend their life:

  • Apply a protective spray (especially for suede, satin, or fabric styles)
  • Avoid wearing brand-new shoes in rain or on rough surfaces
  • Try them on indoors first to ensure proper fit

 

Caring for Sandals

Sandals are made for warm days and open air — but they still need gentle care.

  • Wipe footbeds and straps with a soft, damp cloth after wear
  • Allow sandals to air dry completely before storing
  • Keep away from excessive water, sunscreen, and oils, which can stain or weaken materials
  • Store with tissue or shoe inserts to maintain their shape

 

Caring for Kitten Heels

Kitten heels are delicate and elegant — treat them with care.

  • Avoid uneven pavement, gravel, or wet surfaces
  • Use heel protectors to prevent wear and slipping
  • Clean soles and uppers gently with a soft cloth
  • Store with tissue or shoe inserts to maintain their shape

 

 

Storage

Proper storage keeps your shoes looking brand new:

  • Store in their original box or dust bag
  • Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
  • Do not stack shoes on top of each other
  • Insert tissue paper or shoe trees to help retain shape

 

Cleaning Tips

Different materials need different care:

Leather

  • Keep dry: Leathers don’t love water, so avoid rain and wet surfaces when possible.
  • Clean gently: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wear. For small spots, use a lightly damp cloth with mild soap—never soak.
  • Air dry only: If they get damp, let them dry naturally away from heat or direct sunlight.
  • Condition when needed: Use a leather conditioner occasionally to keep material soft and prevent drying or cracking.
  • Refresh texture: Lightly brush once dry to bring back softness.
  • Store smart: Keep shoes in a cool, dry place and use tissue or shoe shapers to help maintain their shape.

Straw

  • Keep them dry: Straw is a natural material and can weaken or warp when exposed to water. Avoid wearing in rain or wet conditions.
  • Spot clean only: Use a soft, dry cloth or soft-bristle brush to gently remove dirt. For small stains, lightly dab with a barely damp cloth—never soak.
  • Air dry naturally: If they do get damp, let them dry at room temperature. Avoid direct heat or sunlight, which can cause discoloration or brittleness.
  • Protect before wear: A light spray of fabric or straw protector can help repel dirt and moisture (test on a small area first).
  • Store with care: Keep shoes in a cool, dry place. Use tissue or shoe shapers to help maintain their shape.
  • Avoid friction: Repeated rubbing against rough surfaces can cause fraying—wear with care to preserve the woven texture.

Fabric or Satin

    • Avoid moisture: Fabric and satin can stain easily, so keep away from water, rain, and spills.
    • Spot clean gently: Use a soft, clean cloth and lightly dab with mild soap and water if needed. Do not rub or soak.
    • Blot, don’t scrub: For spills, gently blot right away to absorb moisture and prevent setting stains.
    • Air dry only: Let shoes dry naturally away from heat or direct sunlight to avoid damage or discoloration.
    • Protect before wear: A fabric or satin protector spray can help guard against stains (test on a small area first).
    • Store carefully: Keep in a dust bag in a cool, dry place to prevent snags, fading, or creasing.

    Suede

    • Keep them dry: Suede is sensitive to water, so avoid rain, spills, and wet conditions.
    • Protect before wear: Use a suede protector spray to help guard against stains and moisture (test first).
    • Brush regularly: Use a suede brush to gently lift dirt and restore the nap—always brush in one direction.
    • Spot clean only: For small marks, use a suede eraser or clean, dry cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners.
    • Let stains dry first: Never rub wet suede—allow it to dry completely before brushing.
    • Store properly: Keep shoes in a cool, dry place and use a dust bag or shoe shapers to maintain shape.

     

    Travel Tips

    When packing your shoes:

    • Use dust bags or cloth covers
    • Pack shoes sole-to-sole to prevent scuffs
    • Avoid crushing heels or straps

     

    We’re Here to Help

    If you have questions about caring for your shoes, contact us:

    💌 info@areteshoeco.com