A good pair of leather sandals should last for years — and with a little care, they will. Because our sandals are handmade in Brazil from LWG-Gold leather, they're built to age beautifully. Here's how to keep them looking their best, season after season.
The golden rule: leather likes to be dry and clean
Most leather problems come from two things — moisture and neglect. Wipe your sandals down after wearing, let them breathe, and they'll reward you for it.
Everyday cleaning
After a few wears, wipe the leather with a soft, slightly damp cloth to lift dust and skin oils. For a deeper clean, use a tiny amount of mild soap on a damp cloth, then wipe off and let it air-dry away from direct heat. Avoid soaking the leather or using harsh household cleaners.
Can leather sandals get wet?
A little rain won't ruin quality leather, but standing water and prolonged soaking can. If your sandals do get wet, blot them with a dry cloth and let them dry naturally, at room temperature — never on a radiator or in direct sun, which makes leather stiff and causes cracking. Stuffing them with paper helps them keep their shape as they dry.
How to keep leather sandals from smelling
Odour comes from trapped moisture, not the leather itself. Let sandals air out between wears rather than wearing the same pair two days running. Sprinkle a little baking soda inside overnight and tip it out in the morning, or use a cedar shoe insert. Keeping feet dry and rotating your pairs is the best prevention.
Conditioning & protecting
A few times a season, treat the leather with a suitable leather conditioner to keep it supple, and a natural-leather protector spray for water resistance. Always patch-test on a hidden area first, especially on light or dyed leathers. A little goes a long way.
Storing them
Store sandals somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight (which fades colour). Keep pairs apart so they don't rub, and use a dust bag or box for the off-season. Avoid airtight plastic — leather needs to breathe.
Breaking in a new pair
Real leather softens and moulds to your foot over the first few wears. Start with shorter outings, and if you're unsure about sizing, our Fit Guide covers how our shoes run (including wide and narrow feet).
Made to last in the first place
Care is easier when the shoe is well made to begin with. That's the whole point of how we make ours — LWG-Gold leather and small-batch craft, designed for many summers rather than one. Explore the sandals.
Quick FAQ
Can I wear leather sandals in the rain?
Light rain is fine; avoid puddles and prolonged soaking, and dry them naturally afterwards.
How do I clean white or light leather sandals?
Wipe gently with a damp cloth and a touch of mild soap, and patch-test any product first. Clean light leather more often, as marks show sooner.
How do I get rid of the smell?
Air them out, rotate your pairs, and use baking soda or cedar inserts overnight.