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Shoe Care Tips

Following these simple care instructions should prolong the beauty of your shoes, and help you to avoid the consequences of some common care misconceptions.

The Don'ts of Shoe Care

• Do not use "neutral" polish
  
• Do not clean cordovan shoes using saddle soap
  
• Do not attempt to clean cordovan shoes using petroleum distillates or cleaning fluids
  
• Do not use any spray shines or aerosol type waterproofs
  
• Do not attempt to dry wet shell cordovan shoes with heat or a heater. Wipe them dry, and allow them to dry naturally
  
• Do not attempt to polish shell cordovan shoes while wet
  

Cleaning and Polishing

The most common mistake men make in caring for their cordovan shoes is using too much polish. The excess polish creates a layer of build-up which has three negative effects:

1) it covers the natural beauty of the leather
2) it creates a grainy texture in the creases of the shoes
3) and the build-up of polish scuffs easily and attracts dust.

To avoid these effects, use only the thinnest film of polish when polishing your cordovan shoes. Just a very small amount, spread very thin over the shoe, is all that is needed to restore the color and luster to your cordovan shoes. You should not have to polish your cordovan shoes frequently, and often all that is needed is to brush and cloth them in order to remove scuffs and restore the shine.
After the polish is applied, let it dry, then brush it off with your horsehair brush. Next, wipe the final film of polish away with a soft buffing cloth.
For shell cordovan shoes, Alden recommends using paste wax polish with a soft cloth, and not shoe cream.

Water Exposure
Contact with water can sometimes cause cordovan leather to form small raised areas called "welts". (tiny bumps) This is normal, and the welts will recede once the shoes are allowed to dry. Wipe the shoes dry as soon as convenient, and allow to dry naturally.

Cedar Shoe Trees
Did you know during a normal day your feet produce over a 1/4 cup of moisture and up to a 1/2 cup when active?
Cedar shoes trees can extend the life of your leather shoes up to three times their expected life span. They draw moisture out of try our shoes; re-awaken the shoe's natural structural memory; and prevent the leather from wrinkling and cracking.

Rotate Wear
Shoes need a day off. If you want your fine leather shoes to last longer, never wear them for two consecutive days. Rotate your shoes with another pair of Alden Shoes and let them rest with cedar shoe trees.

Protective Soles
Adding a sole protector prolongs the life of your shoes. Stylishly thin, this rubber top sole protects the outer sole from wear and tear. Water resistant and skid proof, protective soles will make any pair of leather soled shoes last a lifetime.

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