You just unboxed a beautiful new pair of leather shoes, exciting! Before you lace them up and head out the door, there's one thing worth doing first. New leather straight from the factory is often dry and unprotected. Taking fifteen minutes to properly nourish and seal the leather before that first wear will make a real difference in how they look and last for years to come.
What You'll Need
- Horsehair Cleaning Brush, for light dusting
- Saphir Renovateur Cream or Saphir Lotion, to condition and prepare the leather
- Saphir Crème 1925, the essential nourishment and protection step
- Pig Bristle Spreading Brush, for smooth cream application
- Horsehair Polishing Brush, for bringing out the shine
- Polishing Cloth, for the final touch
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Remove the Laces and Insert Shoe Trees
Take out the laces that came with your shoes. While they're off, have a look at them, factory laces are often an afterthought, and a quality pair can really elevate the whole look. Insert shoe trees to give yourself a stable surface to work on and to keep the shoe in perfect shape.
2. Give Them a Light Brush
Even fresh-out-of-the-box shoes can have light dust from storage and shipping. A quick pass with your horsehair brush clears the surface and ensures nothing gets trapped under the products you're about to apply.
3. Condition the Leather
New leather is like new skin, it needs moisture. Apply Renovateur Cream or Saphir Lotion with your fingertips in gentle circular motions. Both are excellent choices: Renovateur is richer and ideal for most smooth leathers, while the Lotion is lighter and works well on softer, more delicate skins. This first conditioning is crucial, it replaces the natural oils that may have been lost during the manufacturing and tanning process.
4. Apply Crème 1925, The Essential Step
With your spreading brush, apply a thin, even layer of Crème 1925. On fresh leather, this cream does remarkable work: it deeply nourishes with beeswax and shea butter, enhances the natural color depth, and creates a protective barrier against moisture, scuffs, and everyday wear. Think of it as your shoes' first line of defense against the world. Let it sit for about five minutes.
5. Polish with the Brush
Using your polishing brush, buff with firm, rapid strokes. New leather responds beautifully, you'll be amazed at how much richer they look compared to straight out of the box. The warmth from brushing helps the wax settle into the leather's grain.
6. Buff to Perfection
Finish off with your polishing cloth. A few light passes and your shoes will have a gorgeous, understated shine, ready for their debut.
Pro Tips
- Resist the temptation to skip this step "just this once." The first wear is when scuffs and water spots are most likely to happen, and untreated leather is most vulnerable.
- Use neutral Crème 1925 for your first application, it lets the shoe's true color shine through without altering it.
- If your new shoes feel stiff, the conditioning step with Renovateur helps soften the leather slightly, making the break-in period more comfortable.
- Starting a care routine from day one means your shoes develop a beautiful patina over time rather than showing wear and neglect.
While you're caring for your shoes, why not treat them to a fresh pair of laces? Browse our full collection to find the perfect match.