Buying a pair of Kova shoes is an investment in craftsmanship. Because leather is a natural, organic material, it reacts to the environment just like your own skin. If you treat your shoes well, they will actually look better in year five than they did on day one.
1. The Golden Rule: Give Them a Day Off
The most common mistake is wearing the same pair of leather shoes two days in a row.
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The Science: Leather absorbs moisture to keep you comfortable, but it needs at least 24 hours to fully dry out.
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The Tip: Rotating your shoes allows the leather to contract back to its original shape and prevents fibres from stretching.
2. Maintain the Silhouette with Shoe Trees
When you are not wearing your shoes, they should be resting on shoe trees.
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Why it Matters: A cedar shoe tree holds the shape of the last, smooths out wrinkles, and the natural wood absorbs lingering moisture and odours.
3. Clean, Condition, and Protect
Step 1: The Brush Down
After every few wears, use a horsehair brush to remove surface dust. If dirt stays on the leather, it acts like sandpaper, slowly wearing down the finish.
Step 2: The Condition
Every few months, apply a high-quality leather conditioner. It keeps the leather supple and prevents the cracking that happens when fibres get too dry.
Step 3: The Polish
Polishing is about protection. A wax-based polish creates a thin, water-resistant barrier that protects your shoes from light rain and salt.
4. Specialised Care: Suede vs. Smooth Leather
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For Suede: Never use water to clean a stain. Use a specialised suede brush or a crepe rubber to erase marks and lift the nap.
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For Smooth Leather: Use a cream that matches the colour of your shoe to restore pigment to any scuffs.
5. Know Your Local Cobbler
One of the hallmarks of Kova quality is that our shoes are repairable. Take them to a cobbler as soon as the sole starts to thin; replacing a heel tap is a quick, inexpensive fix that preserves the life of the shoe.