Care of Leather

Leather Care Guide

At ZAVIO, we believe great leather gets better with time. With the right care, your leather footwear can maintain its appearance, comfort, and character for years to come.

1. Keep Your Leather Dry

Avoid exposing your shoes to excessive water, rain, or moisture. If your footwear gets wet, gently wipe away the moisture with a soft, dry cloth and allow it to air-dry naturally.

Never use a hairdryer, heater, or direct sunlight to dry leather, as excessive heat can cause the leather to dry out, crack, or lose its shape.

2. Clean Gently

Remove dust and surface dirt regularly using a soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush. For deeper cleaning, use a leather cleaner specifically designed for your type of leather.

Always test any cleaning product on a small, hidden area first.

3. Condition Your Leather

Leather benefits from occasional conditioning to help maintain its softness and prevent dryness.

Apply a small amount of a good-quality leather conditioner using a clean, soft cloth. Allow it to absorb naturally and gently buff the surface afterward.

Do not over-condition your footwear, as excessive product can affect the leather's finish.

4. Store Properly

When you're not wearing your ZAVIO footwear:

  • Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

  • Keep it away from excessive humidity and heat.

  • Use the original shoe box or a breathable shoe bag for protection.

  • Avoid storing leather shoes in sealed plastic bags for long periods.

Where possible, use shoe trees to help maintain the original shape and reduce creasing.

5. Give Your Shoes Time to Rest

Leather footwear benefits from regular breaks between wears. Allowing your shoes to rest and air out helps preserve the leather and maintain their shape.

For frequently worn footwear, rotating between different pairs is recommended.

6. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Do not use household detergents, bleach, alcohol-based products, or other harsh chemicals on your leather footwear. These can damage the leather, alter its colour, or affect its finish.

Always use products specifically formulated for leather.

7. Different Leather, Different Care

Not all leather is cared for in exactly the same way.

Smooth Leather: Clean gently and use a suitable leather conditioner or cream when needed.

Suede & Nubuck: Avoid regular leather creams and conditioners. Use a suede/nubuck brush and products specifically made for these materials.

Patent or Finished Leather: Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth and use products specifically intended for patent or finished leather.

If you're unsure which care product is suitable for your ZAVIO footwear, contact us before applying it.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Your ZAVIO footwear is made to be worn and enjoyed. With simple, consistent care, the natural character of leather can develop beautifully over time.

Wear it. Care for it. Let it become yours.

ZAVIO

Crafted in leather. Made to last.