All about leather shoes?

Leather has been a popular material for footwear for thousands of years, and rightfully so. Today, there are different types of shoe leathers and myriad materials from which shoes are made. However, leather has stood the test of time because this sturdy, yet breathable material can easily be molded into beautiful premium footwear. It is strong enough to protect your foot from injuries, and it can also be made waterproof to sustain harsh weather. Here is everything you need to know about leather footwear for men, including its history and tips for purchasing.

5 things to consider when buying leather boots for men?

When shopping for leather shoes for men, check these 5 key aspects:

Type of shoe leather: Only purchase premium handcrafted leather boots for men, which usually come from top-tier footwear brands such as Saint G.

Colour: Darker tones such as black and deep brown will be more wearable for all occasions, whereas lighter tones like tan and grey may not pair well with a variety of outfits.

Sole: It is extremely important to inspect every nook and cranny of your leather shoes, but the sole will determine whether the shoe will work for you or not. For instance, shoes with durable rubber, ridged outsoles will be better suited to everyday wear and outdoor activities than shoes that are smooth on the bottom.

Maintenance: When buying leather shoes, remember that premium leather footwear does need to be cleaned and taken care of. Buy a pre-packaged leather cleaning kit online, or simply use a microfiber cloth and soapy water to gently clean your shoes.

Use: You also want to consider where and when you’ll be wearing your leather shoes most, which, in turn, will determine the type of shoe you need. If you intend to wear them to events and parties, then a pair of sleek loafers is a better choice than leather sneakers.

The history of leather shoes?

Humans have been using leather to protect their feet from the elements for over 5000 years. Cave men used sheets of leather tied together by leather strings, which later evolved into the leather strappy sandals that civilians wore in the Roman Empire. Since then, shoemakers have continued to innovate with leather shoes, which has resulted in the multibillion-dollar footwear industry we know today. While there is no shortage of mass-produced leather footwear, premium leather footwear is still designed and handcrafted by the most skilled artisans in the world. This is the true sign of authentic, high-quality leather shoes.

The benefits of leather shoes?

Leather footwear often comes with a hefty price tag, which usually deters buyers. However, investing in premium leather shoes is worth it, because it’s a gift that keeps on giving. For starters, they are extremely durable, especially if taken care of properly. Leather is a naturally tough material and it can easily be made water-resistant too, which makes it an ideal choice of material for shoes. A good pair of leather shoes will last you longer than multiple pairs of inexpensive synthetic shoes. So, even though they come with a bigger price tag, you get what you paid for.

The other key benefit of leather footwear is the variety of options available in the market. Because leather is so easily customizable, it can be used to create a wide range of shoes in different styles for both men and women. Saint G too offers an expansive range of leather shoes for men, from loafers and moccasins to Chelsea boots and sneakers. You can also find a variety of formal footwear for men on our website, such as leather monk shoes, derby shoes, brogues, and even dress boots.

How to stretch leather footwear

Leather shoes take their time to adapt to your foot and become comfortable to wear. To give the material a good head start, it is essential to stretch your leather footwear when you first buy it. This means wearing them around the house for a few hours a day so that your shoes that adapt to your feet shape. Make sure you wear thick socks so that your feet fit tightly inside the shoes; this helps the leather expand. You can even stuff the shoes with rolled up towels or socks, any material that will firmly fill up the shoe and cause the leather to expand. Both these methods are extremely effective, but only if done regularly over a period of time.

But if patience is not your virtue, you can even buy commercial shoe stretchers online or from any commercial shoe retailer. Also known as a shoe tree, this is a handy tool that helps stretch leather footwear quickly without damaging the material. There are also a variety of sprays and liquids that are designed specifically to help stretch out leather footwear. Further, you can even go to a leather footwear expert at a shop who will stretch your shoes for you.

How to shine leather shoes

Keeping your leather footwear in good condition is paramount, and it’s not a very challenging task. You will first need a shoe brush — a soft horsehair one - for smooth leather and an abrasive boar bristle brush for a more textured leather. The other tool you need is a microfiber towel, or even a plain cotton t shirt will do.

To correctly shine your shoes, first remove the laces from your shoes and start brushing the outside of your shoes with the shoe brush. This will clear all the dust and dry debris from your shoes. Then, apply a little bit of leather conditioner to your towel and gently rub it into your shoes. Let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off the excess. This offers additional protection to the leather and prevents any cracks and creases from forming. Then, use a clear shoe polish or one that is similar to the colour of your shoes and apply it over the entire shoe before letting it dry for another 10 minutes. Brush off the excess and wipe with a clean cloth to restore its shine. You can also use a finishing wax or a protector spray at the end to seal in all your hard work. Doing this regularly will maintain the finish of your leather shoes.