Care

Dukes Boots are made to last, using the finest quality leather that ensures high performance and protection.  But all leather needs care, and with a little time and the right treatments, your footwear will stay supple and waterproof, whatever you do in yours.

Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your new boots looking great..

  1. Your new purchase should be protected before wear. Leather needs a wax or cream dressing together with a suitable rain protector. Our suede boots need the appropriate protector and leather soles need Sole Guard.
  2. Leather soles are a porous material, allowing the feet to breathe. However, they will absorb water in wet conditions and should not be regarded as waterproof. We recommend leather soles are protected with Sole Guard before use and are regularly treated to prolong the life of the sole.
  3. When your boots are wet, either from wear or cleaning, leave them to dry naturally – they should not be exposed to heat to dry
  4. Store your shoes with boot shapers. Boot shapers hold the boot upright and help prevent cracking and creasing of the leather.

 

To help maintain the appearance and prolong the life of your shoes, we recommend you clean and protect them regularly and before the first wear. Here's how!

 

Step 1: Protect

Use a protector to help guard against water marks and stains. There are different protectors for the different materials.

  • Nano Protector – For leather, suede, fabric and wool surfaces.
  • Waxed and Oiled – For waxed or oiled nubucks and leathers.
  • Sole guard – For leather soles.

Step 2: Clean

Leather:

  • Shoe Cream – Nourishes leather to keep it soft.

 For Suede:

  • Compact Suede Cleaner – Removes stains and spots from suede leathers.
  • Soft Cleaner – Removes stains from suede leathers and fabrics.
  • Suede Revive – Cleans and restores the colour to suede and nubuck leathers.

 

HOW TO CARE FOR SUEDE

 

We have had a lot of queries about caring for your new suede boots or monk shoes - so here are our top tips on keeping your boots in great condition.

Suede requires a little more care and maintenance than leather as suede has a nap - a soft raised textured surface. Suede is particularly susceptible to scuffs, dirt, mud and liquids because of its nap.

 

THE TOOLS:

(these can be bought from your local shoe shops, shoe menders and supermarkets)

 

                

suede protector   stiff bristle suede brush    softer suede brush         Suede cleaning block

 

When you first get your pair of Dukes, we will have sprayed them for you. It is best to give them another spray with a suede protector.

Give them a light brush with a cleaning brush to remove dirt and lift the nap - then spray all over. This spray is not a permanent sealant and your boots will need care throughout their use:

 

COMMON PROBLEMS

 

1. Shiny spots or scuff marks

Give a light brushing (only in one direction) to lift the nap to its usual appearance.

 

2. Surface dust and dirt

Brush off with a suede cleaning brush

 

3. Water

Water is harder to deal with as it leaves marks on the suede.

Use a stiff bristle brush to apply thin layer of water over the whole shoe to provide a unirofm look. Sponge off and use a shoe tree to keep its shape whilst drying.

 

4. Mud

Mud can be hard to remove. NEVER remove mud whilst wet. Leave it to dry and use a stiff bristle brush to remove main body of dirt. Then use a suede brush and go over boot.

 

5. Heavy stains

Need a cleaning block - use it like an eraser to rub the dirt off of the shoes - removes the worst stains and dirt. Then brush with a soft bristle suede brush - go slowly, repeating the process in small doses to avoid damage.