How to Store Leather Shoes Properly: A Year Round Guide

There’s something personal about a pair of leather shoes. They soften where you bend, warm where you stand, and tell quiet stories about everywhere you’ve been. Good storage is simply a way of honoring that—helping the leather rest so it can return to you, ready for more.

When you take your shoes off, give them a moment. Let them breathe in an open corner before tucking them away. Leather, like skin, holds onto moisture; a little air prevents it from settling into stiff wrinkles. Slip in cedar shoe trees if you have them—they gently hold the shape and draw out what the day leaves behind. If not, loosely stuff the toe with soft tissue.

After rain, wipe gently and remove the laces so the shoe can dry evenly. Keep them away from heaters and direct sun—heat ages leather before its time. Once fully dry, a light layer of conditioner keeps the surface flexible and ready for the next wear.

Seasonal shifts ask for a little routine. When summer arrives, keep leather in a cool, shaded space. Sunlight can fade color, and plastic bags trap humidity. Cotton or flannel bags are best. When the nights turn colder again, bring your boots out with a quick brush and a small touch of conditioner—just enough to wake the leather.

Humidity—whether Hong Kong, New York, or London—can be tricky. A few charcoal packets near your shoes help prevent mustiness. Every so often, check on them: is the leather dry, soft, holding its shape? A minute or two is enough to keep things on track.

Travel adds small challenges, too. When packing, place shoes in soft bags and let them settle on arrival before wearing. Even one night of rest helps them recover from tight suitcases.

Different leathers have different needs. Full‑grain grows more beautiful with time—occasional conditioning is enough. Suede prefers a brush and a little distance from moisture. Patent leather just needs a wipe now and then.

Good habits matter, but perfection isn’t required. Avoid plastic bins, crowded shelves, or long stretches without attention. Little consistency keeps leather young.

At Dwarves Shoes, we build pairs meant for this kind of life—full‑grain leathers that grow softer, hand‑stitched details that settle into your days, silhouettes that age with grace instead of expiring with a trend. Storage is the quiet half of craftsmanship: what we make inside the studio, you keep alive at home. Treat your shoes to air, shape, shade, and small, regular care. They’ll carry your story—season after season, city after city and look better for it.