Seasonal Shoe Care
As the seasons turn from the warmth of late summer to the damp chill of autumn and the sharp cold of winter, your shoes and boots need a little extra care to stay looking their best.
Autumn is the time to prepare, start by giving footwear a thorough clean, brushing away any dust and dirt that has gathered over the summer months and paying attention to seams and welts where grit can hide. Leather benefits from conditioning at this stage, with a nourishing cream or balm to prevent drying and cracking as the air cools. Waterproofing treatments are essential too, especially for suede and nubuck, which are particularly vulnerable to autumn rain. Rotating your footwear is wise, giving each pair time to dry naturally between wears, and this is also the season to check soles and heels, repairing any worn areas before pavements grow slippery.
Winter brings tougher challenges in the form of wet pavements, slush and road salt, all of which can damage shoes if left unattended. A daily clean becomes more important, brushing off dried mud and wiping away salt marks before they set in. Leather should be conditioned more deeply during the colder months to keep it supple and resilient, while waterproofing treatments need to be reapplied regularly as winter weather quickly wears them away. When shoes do get wet, patience is key, dry them slowly at room temperature, never near direct heat, and use shoe trees or newspaper to help them retain their shape and absorb excess moisture. Storing them in a cool, ventilated space will protect them further, with cedar shoe trees providing the added benefit of discouraging odours.
Shoe brushes are an essential for keeping footwear in tip top condition, for example a small brush kept by the door makes it easy to whisk away grit before it causes lasting damage. Regular brushing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to care for shoes and boots. A good brush not only removes everyday dirt and dust but also helps maintain the leather’s natural finish, keeping footwear looking its best for longer. Whether it’s a sturdy brush for cleaning mud from walking boots, a softer horse hair brush for polishing leather shoes to a shine, or a sole brush for tackling hidden grit, the right tool makes all the difference. Thoughtfully crafted brushes turn a routine task into a satisfying ritual, protecting your investment and ensuring your shoes stay comfortable, presentable, and ready for every step.
Autumn Care (Preparation & Protection)
Clean thoroughly: Remove summer dust and dirt with a soft brush. Pay special attention to seams and welts.
Condition leather: Apply a nourishing leather balm or cream to prevent drying and cracking as the air gets cooler.
Waterproofing: Treat shoes with a protective spray or wax before the rain and mud set in. Suede and nubuck especially benefit from a waterproof spray.
Rotate footwear: Alternate pairs to allow shoes time to dry naturally between wears.
Check soles & heels: Autumn is the time to repair worn soles before slippery pavements make them hazardous.
Winter Care (Protection Against Salt, Wet & Cold)
Daily cleaning: Brush off dried mud and wipe away road salt as soon as possible (a damp cloth with a little vinegar helps neutralise salt stains).
Deep conditioning: Cold weather makes leather stiff, use rich conditioners or mink oil with a soft shoe brush to keep it supple.
Reapply waterproofing: Salt and slush will quickly strip protections, so re-treat every few weeks.
Drying: Always air-dry shoes at room temperature. Avoid radiators or fireplaces, heat cracks leather. Use shoe trees or stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture.
Storage: Keep footwear in a cool, ventilated place. Use cedar shoe trees to maintain shape and deter odours.
Shoe Sole Brush
Coarse dirt can simply be brushed from shoes using the side with the tough bristles. For more narrow spaces, the extra-hard side with only one row is more suitable. For wedged-in stones and other stubborn dirt, use the stainless steel implement on the side. Perfect for post-hike maintenance to prolong the life of your footwear. Keep your shoes in top condition with this durable shoe sole brush, designed to remove dirt and debris from the soles. Fitted with stiff effective bristles to clean away dirt and debris from the soles. Comfortable to hold and built to last, it’s the perfect tool for maintaining hiking boots, trainers, and everyday shoes, ensuring they look smart and perform at their best.
Bristles: Tough, stiff densely packed natural fibres for effective cleaning.
Handle: Solid oiled beechwood, shaped for a secure grip even with gloves.
Size: 16cm.
Designed and developed by Redecker in Germany, quality brush manufacturers since 1935, most of our collection is manufactured at the Redecker workshops, although some items require specialist manufacturing processes in other parts of the world. With over 80 years experience in brush making, the family owned business continues to work using traditional methods and natural materials sourced from across the globe.
Hiking Shoe Brush
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this sturdy hiking shoe brush quickly removes dried mud, dust, and dirt from boots and trail shoes. Whether you are fresh off the trail or prepping for your next adventure, this brush helps keep your hiking shoes in top condition. Perfect for post-hike maintenance to prolong the life of your footwear. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this robust brush is perfect for cleaning mud and grit from hiking shoes and boots. A reliable tool to keep your footwear clean, fresh, and ready for the next adventure.
Bristles: Tough, densely packed natural fibres for effective cleaning.
Handle: Solid beechwood, shaped for a secure grip even with gloves.
Size: 10cm
Designed and developed by Redecker in Germany, quality brush manufacturers since 1935, most of our collection is manufactured at the Redecker workshops, although some items require specialist manufacturing processes in other parts of the world. With over 80 years experience in brush making, the family owned business continues to work using traditional methods and natural materials sourced from across the globe.
Shoe Shine Brush, Light Horse Hair
Crafted for both elegance and performance, this classic shoe shine brush features a body made from untreated beechwood and densely packed light horse hair bristles. Crafted from high quality wood and fitted with soft light horse hair, this classic brush brings out a brilliant shine in your shoes. Gentle yet effective, it polishes without damaging the leather, helping to maintain a smooth finish and prolong the life of your footwear. Ideal for restoring leather shoes to their full lustre, whether for everyday maintenance or special occasions. A timeless essential for anyone who values well-kept footwear.
Bristles: Light horsehair for a gentle yet effective shine without scratching.
Handle: Smooth, untreated beechwood for a natural, comfortable grip.
Size: 16 cm, easy to hold, perfect for controlled polishing.
Designed and developed by Redecker in Germany, quality brush manufacturers since 1935, most of our collection is manufactured at the Redecker workshops, although some items require specialist manufacturing processes in other parts of the world. With over 80 years experience in brush making, the family owned business continues to work using traditional methods and natural materials sourced from across the globe.