For a long time the mankind has exploited leather thanks to its multi-purpose properties that have enabled a production of many kinds of useful products.
Leather is a flexible material which makes it the perfect material for most kinds of shoes. It adapts easily to, sometimes complicated, shapes of feet. Moreover, it is a durable material and enables the feet to breathe as it is created by the tanning of animal rawhide and skin.
There are many types of leather available depending on the animal as well as the processing method. Also the selection of colors is extensive. We at Botisto can offer you a nice example of this versatility in the shape of our shoes and materials.
Leather is such a versatile material that it is impossible to name just one purpose of use for leather. The wide variety of colors and textures ensures that you will always find the perfect pair of leather shoes for any occasion. At Botisto you can choose the model, texture and color from our wide selection.
Moreover, what makes everything even more interesting is the selection of other goods and products made of leather, such as bags, wallets and belts. You have an endless number of alternatives to make interesting combinations.
Leather is a resistant, multi-purpose and elegant material for all kinds of dress codes and occasions.
As leather is a natural product is has some same qualities as the human skin. Leather can absorb some amounts of moisture, however greater amounts of water can change the shape and color of your shoes. This is to say that it is recommendable to wear your shoes in dry conditions as far as possible.
There are available various kinds of products, such as sprays, creams and polishes, to protect your shoes and using them is essential to preserve the leather and keep shoes looking good.
However, sometimes it can be impossible to avoid the incident when it rains. In this case, let your shoes dry in a dry and warm place avoiding direct sun light. Once they are dry add a layer of cream in order to nourish the leather, and finally put the shoe trees inside your shoes.
When a stain appears in your shoes one of fundamental factors is rapid reaction. Try to get rid of the stain as soon as you get the right instruments for solving the problem.
Here we give you some tips regarding the stains:
There should not be problems regarding color run on your leather shoes if the shoes are not exposed to sun light during long periods of time.
In any case, it is possible to renew the color of your shoes by using specific shoe cream products that can brighten the color.
Here are few steps to follow when adding the cream to your shoes:
We also recommend to add a layer of shoes cream to the outsole if it is made of leather to nourish and extend its lifespan.
Suede leather is one of the top materials when it comes to different types of leather. It is a high-quality material with a stylish appearance, and the star material of our shoes. The texture of suede leather is one of fundamental reasons behind its attractiveness and popularity. It adapts relatively fast to the shape of the foot.
Its natural characteristics, such as softness, thinness and pliability, make it the perfect material for sophisticated garments. As a matter of fact, suede was originally used for fabricating women's gloves. Nowadays it is used universally in shoes, bags and other accessories, not to mention our models Allegria, Benevolenza and Coraggio.
We at Botisto use the best Italian suede leather available, made from the underside of the skin of the animal.
Traditionally suede leather shoes are considered to be most suitable for casual events. However, suede leather can be used in a very versatile way to different shoe styles as well as in numerous colors. Fashion and trends evolve constantly and many old patterns are breaking, for example dress codes are gradually getting more casual and relaxed when compared to the older times.
At Botisto you can get a pair of black Allegrias and use them in any formal occasion without worrying about being underdressed. For instance, in Italy it is common to see businessmen wearing suede leather shoes. Or alternatively, you can choose a pair of green Benevolenzas with white outsole for a relaxed summer party.
We at Botisto always recommend to our customers to use a protective spray before the first use. This procedure helps to protect the leather on rainy days as well as against dirtiness.
In order to apply the protector, first take of the laces, cover the outsoles with medical tape and fill the shoes with newsprint in order to avoid stains. Also, make sure that the base under then shoes is protected in order to prevent possible stains on the floor.
Next, take off dust and other dirt with parallel brush strokes. Finally, use the spray at a distance of 30 cm of the shoe.
There are many ways to get rid off the stains. It is important to clarify what kind of a stain it is at stake.
The most difficult ones are grease stains. Here are some tips to get rid off them:
By following these instructions the stain should come out.
There are also alternative methods such as specific soaps for suede leather. The water forms a lather with the soap when applied with a synthetic brush. Finally, the lather should be removed with a humid sponge.
There should not be problems regarding color run on your Botisto shoes if the shoes are not exposed to sun light during long periods of time.
In any case, it is possible to renew the color of your shoes by using specific powder form products that can brighten the color.
Patent Leather is treated with a polyurethane and acrylic solution to give it its shiny, reflective surface. The finish of patent leather shoes is very robust and does not require much cleaning. However, the shine of patent leather easily reveals the slightest dirt or blemish on the shoe's surface.
In order to help your patent leather shoes maintain their original shape, use shoe trees when they are not in use.
Exposure to sunlight for extended periods of time can cause discoloration and fading.
You can easily clean off fingerprints and general dirt with a cloth moistened with water. In order to get out any bits of dirt from between the stitching it is recommended to use a soft shoe brush.
To get rid of major stains and in order to maintain your patent leather shoes, first wash your patent leather shoes in a mixture of mild soap and water. Always use a soft cloth made of cotton to wipe down the shoe, until it is cleaned. This procedure will prime the shoe for future steps. Allow the shoes to dry at room temperature for at least 24 hours before moving on.
Next, use for example saddle soap or a special-purpose patent leather cleaner with a soft cloth to clean your patent leather shoes inside and out. Make sure you clear off any excess cleaning product. The leather will absorb only as much as it can.
Finally, apply a wax or polish to your patent leather shoe. This will protect the leather from future dirt, but it will also help to waterproof the leather, making for greater longevity.
Make sure that when purchasing shoe polish for patent leather shoes, you have exactly the right color. Polish can easily change the color of your shoe.
Ostrich leather, viewed by many as an exotic leather, is considered to be among the highest-status fashion items.
Ostrich skin should be treated delicately, otherwise its color could fade and its texture could harden and crack prematurely. In order to help your ostrich leather shoes maintain their original shape, use shoe trees when they are not in use.
If you do not plan to use your ostrich leather shoes for an extended amount of time it is recommended to store them in a soft cloth bag or wrapped in tissue paper.
Exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods of time can cause discoloration and fading.
After every use dust off any loose dirt or debris with a soft cloth or brush. Pay close attention to detail areas where dust and grime can collect. Use professional quality shoe care products to thoroughly clean the boot. Apply a thin layer of ostrich leather conditioner or shoe creme to the surface of the leather and allow it to dry completely. Once the conditioner has dried you can buff the leather with a soft dry cloth in a circular motion. Afterward, apply a fine layer of a neutral shoe cream, after which you must rub or buff the shoes with a soft cloth until you reach the desired luster.
Do not use detergents or chemicals to clean your ostrich leather shoes as this can result in permanent damage to the surfaces of the leather. Before cleaning the shoes it is recommended to test the cleaning product in question on a small test area that is out of view, to ensure that it doesn't adversely affect the quality of the product.
Accidental spillages or marks, such as oils and inks, should be removed with a slightly dampened cloth as soon as possible. But keep in mind that products with oil contained in them can cause permanent damage to the surface, and the best way to remove them is to add a thin layer of talc over the affected area. The talc soaks up the oily substance and can be wiped away easily to leave a clean surface.
How to take care of LEATHER SHOES