Caring for leather shoes: tips for cleaning, care & protection

Leather shoes from Think! stand for quality, sustainability, high wearing comfort and durability. To maintain their quality, leather needs the right care - from gentle cleaning to the right shoe polish and impregnation. These care instructions provide a comprehensive overview of how Think! leather shoes depending on the type of leather.

How do I care for my Think! leather shoes?

From choosing the right care products to tried and tested cleaning techniques - we'll show you step by step how to treat your leather shoes in the best possible way.

Regardless of the type of leather, there are some basic steps that apply to the care of all leather shoes, here are our 3 tips:

Cleaning leather shoes - the basis for long-lasting shoes

Remove dirt and dust thoroughly but gently. This allows the leather to better absorb the care products later. Use a soft brush or cloth for this. If necessary, also use a special leather soap or a mild detergent.

Leather shoe care - what good leather needs

Use suitable care products to keep the leather supple, preserve its colour and protect it from drying out.

Waterproofing leather shoes - protection against moisture and dirt

To protect your leather shoes from moisture and dirt, you should waterproof them regularly. To do this, use a suitable waterproofing spray and apply it evenly to the dry leather. This will keep your shoes water-repellent and keep them looking good for longer. Follow our instructions for waterproofing leather shoes.

Care instructions depending on the type of leather - that's what matters

Not all leather is the same: each type has its own characteristics - and therefore deserves customised care. This is the only way to keep the material beautiful, supple and functional in the long term.

Caring for suede and nubuck leather

For example: Velour Soft, Velvet Goat, Nubuck Soft Free

Cleaning: With a crepe brush or suede rubber. No moisture!
Care/impregnation: Spray on suede leather care spray (colourless or colour refreshing). e.g. with the ‘Organic Protect & Care’ from Collonil
Tip: After drying, gently roughen to preserve the structure.

Caring for smooth leather

For example: Nappa, Capra Rustico, Goat, Soft Agnello

Cleaning: With a soft cloth or damp brush. If necessary, use a mild leather cleaner.
Care: Apply shoe polish (e.g. our Think! shoe polish), allow to soak in briefly and polish with a soft cloth.
Impregnate: After care, seal with a suitable spray.
Tip: For extra shine, use a shine brush or a cotton cloth.

Effect leather care

For example: Effect Bright Flowers, Ponce Calf, Urban Jungle

Cleaning: Only with a soft, slightly damp cloth - no brushing!
Care: Use special and solvent-free care for effect leather - e.g. ‘Organic Protect & Care’ from Collonil
Impregnate: Use a specially formulated spray (non-matting).
Tip: Always test protective sprays on an inconspicuous area first.

Extra tip: Recognising vegetable-tanned leather and caring for it properly

If you see a green logo on the inside of your Think! shoes, this is vegetable and chrome-free tanned leather. This naturally tanned material is particularly skin-friendly and environmentally friendly - but also requires gentle care.

This type of leather should only be treated with a suitable waterproofing spray. This keeps the leather breathable, supple and protected - without leaving any residue or changing its lustre.

Mistakes in leather care - what to avoid

Even with the best of intentions, mistakes can be made when caring for leather shoes - some of which can permanently damage the leather. To ensure that your Think! shoes stay beautiful for a long time, we recommend that you observe the following points:

Leather grease: Leather grease is not suitable for Think! shoes. It can darken the leather, change the colour and alter the natural shine. In addition, grease is often absorbed unevenly - leaving unsightly stains, especially on light-coloured leathers. Tip: Existing grease stains are best treated carefully with a crepe rubber.
Drying in direct heat:Wet leather should never be dried on a radiator, in the sun or with a hairdryer. The rapid exposure to heat can make the leather brittle and lead to cracks. Instead, allow your shoes to dry slowly at room temperature.
Incorrect storage: Without suitable shoe trees, shoes quickly lose their shape - creases and creases remain visible. It's best to use shoe trees made of untreated wood to absorb moisture and maintain the fit.
Irregular care: Leather shoes require constant attention to keep them supple. If the leather is not cared for, it dries out and becomes brittle over time. Important: Don't forget to waterproof your shoes - it reliably protects them from moisture and dirt.

A second life: Repair Think! shoes and wear them for longer

With the right care, Think! shoes last a particularly long time. If the sole has worn through, the outsoles and insoles can often be replaced. Use our Think! repair service. This ensures sustainable use of your shoes and extends their lifespan.