Shoe Care

Once you have purchased your beautifully handcrafted Cheaney shoes, naturally you will want to do everything you can to preserve them in pristine condition.

The use of a wooden shoe tree is the most important thing you can do to maintain a pair of leather lined shoes.

Wooden shoe trees made of an absorbent material such as cedar should be inserted into the shoes immediately after every wear, in order to absorb perspiration from the lining of the shoe, keeping it from cracking while helping to reduce the creasing of the upper.

We advise that shoes are rotated and not worn continually, day after day, in order to give them the opportunity to dry out.

The regular use of wax polish, not containing silicone, is also important in the care of leather shoes. Shoes should be wiped clean before the application of polish with a suitable brush.

 The important thing is to prevent the leather losing its natural oils.

These oils, which can be replenished by polishing, are the key to leather’s flexibility and strength. Even if you do not wish to wear your shoes straightaway, it’s important to nourish the leather.

For suede shoes, remove dirt when dry with a stiff brush, and then bring up the nap with a suede brush.

Also, with new leather soled shoes, for the first couple of times, it is good practice to walk in them on a dry, slightly gritty surface. If leather shoes get very wet, they should be left to dry naturally

Our Guides Handy Tips, Style Advice & Information
How our shoes are made

For over 140 years, we've been crafting exceptional footwear in the heart of England's shoemaking county. Discover the skilled craftsmanship, traditional techniques and attention to detail that go into making every pair of Cheaney shoes.

Size & Fit Guide

Nothing compares to visiting a Joseph Cheaney & Sons store in person and receiving a fitting consultation from our expert staff. However, we understand that visiting a store isn't always an option for everyone so we've put together this guide to help you choose the correct size

Our recommended polish & creams

If you’re wondering which products and colours we recommend to look after your shoes. We've put together this guide; you will find a comprehensive list of our current leathers with the recommended products. Feel free to use some creative licence within reason.

Wedding Shoe Guide

Regardless of the style or cut of your suit, choosing the right colour shoes for your outfit is crucial to achieving a sophisticated and well put-together end result for your big day.

Style Guide

What's an Oxford and how does it differ to a Derby? How is a Brogue different to a semi brogue? Discover the range of different styles of footwear we design and manufacture in our Northamptonshire based, UK factory and learn more about their origins and history. 

Polishing Guide

Polishing, if done regularly, shouldn’t take up too much of your time and won’t be at all arduous, as long as you do the basics right. Discover our top tips and step by step video of how to keep your shoes looking their best and what the best care products are to use.

Sole Guide

Have you ever wondered what the letter(s) B, C, D, R, GV means in the name of the style of footwear; well it references the sole used. Gain insight into the different types of soles we use on our footwear, from a traditional leather to heavy duty rubber sole, there is a sole for every occasion.

Last Guide

The last is the 3-dimensional form on which our shoes are constructed. The shoe proportion, shape, fit, width and character start with the last. If you can identify the last that suits your foot, all the shoes or boots built on that last will fit well. 

Leather Guide

We only source high-grade leather from the best tanneries in the UK and abroad to produce our footwear. Our collection includes various leathers and we are constantly discerning new treatments and characteristics to expand our unique collection.

How to care for suede shoes

The common myth is that suede shoes are notoriously difficult to keep looking their best. However, don’t be put off as this really isn’t the case; whether it’s a new pair or you need to rejuvenate an exsiting pair, we’ve created a definitive guide on how to care for and protect suede shoes.