Balmain Spring 2018. Indigital
Looking for a place to work miracles on your Gianvito Rossi leather boots, or to replace the tips on a delicate pair of Aquazzura heels? The Cobbler in Dubai is the go-to option for reviving and maintaining designer shoes. Located at Level Shoes , The Cobbler is known for its traditional artisan craftsmanship and bespoke services. With an atmospheric, old-world charm, it’s a solid solution for keeping your precious pairs looking brand new. Here, experts at The Cobbler reveal tips on caring for leather, how to protect suede finishes, and which products will preserve the foundation of a women’s wardrobe.
BREAKING IN A NEW PAIR OF SHOES
The best way to break in a pair of shoes is to wear them in. Over time, most footwear will naturally take on the shape of your feet. However, if you are seeking a quick fix, use a leather softener such as Shoe-eze by Saphir, which can be sprayed inside the tight parts of the shoe. This stretches the leather quickly and enables a more comfortable fit.
Loewe Spring 2018. Indigital
ON PROTECTING SUEDE AGAINST WATER DAMAGE
Suede is a very delicate leather and it needs to be looked after and protected, especially when living in dusty climates. A simple drop of water can stain suede forever. To protect suede shoes, brush them regularly with a brass suede brush. Use a waterproof spray like Super Invulner by Saphir once a month. This universal water and stain repellent spray will protect the material from rain, penetration of dirt, grease and liquid stains. If you want to revive the color of suede shoes, a tinted suede or nubuck leather spray like Renovator by Saphir will clean, re-color, and nourish.
ON MAINTAINING VELVET SHOES
Velvet is fabric, and often synthetic, meaning it isn’t “alive” like leather. All you need to do is brush the material to remove dust. Protect shoes by using a waterproof repellent spray once a month.
Saint Laurent Spring 2018. Indigital
ON SALVAGING LEATHER HEELS FROM NICKS
To do this, you can simply glue the leather back on, or paint it. However, the scratches will still be visible. To remove nicks completely, the entire heel block needs to be replaced. Designer brands are usually able to provide new heel blocks for signature silhouettes.
ON EXTENDING THE LIFE OF SHOES
Use shoe trees. Its primordial, but it will absorb moisture from the lining of the shoes. This will keep them from cracking while helping to smooth out the creases in the vamp. Never wear the same shoes two days in a row as shoe trees need 24 hours to absorb moisture. Meanwhile, weekly maintenance is key. Let’s assume that we wear the same shoes twice a week – every week, clean them with lotion (make sure you use products that are silicone free), and add balm every two weeks. Once a month, use lotion, balm, polish, and a brush. Always use a cotton cloth, gently cleaning the leather with circular movements. Finally, bring your shoes to The Cobbler for a free assessment, where our experts will tell you what needs to be done to your shoes.
Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2018. Indigital
ON AVOIDING COMMON SHOE MISTAKES
One of the biggest mistakes is incorrect sizing, such as purchasing a larger size. Leather is meant to be stretched, so it should be tight at first. It is best to opt for a half size smaller, because the leather will stretch and become loose over time. For heel tips, it’s best to not wait until the stem block is damaged as it will be difficult to replace these.
