Shoe Care

Timelessness, craftsmanship and quality are stitched meticulously into every pair of Tiger of Sweden shoes, and it is essential to care for them so they will last for years to come. To do so for all kinds of shoes, consult this guide.

General shoe care tips

Always use a shoehorn because damaging the counter (back of the shoe) will compromise the shoe’s structure and no longer provide your foot with the necessary support.

Use cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture, prevent cracking and maintain the shape of your shoes as they dry.

Brush dirt off your shoes with a soft shoe brush after wear. Suede and nubuck shoes are particularly susceptible to dirt sticking between fibres and growing into the material, and you should always brush them in one direction, towards the toe. It is the easiest way to keep them clean and fresh.

Extend the life of your shoes by rotating wear. For example, try to let your shoes rest at least one day after each wear. They will keep their shape better, and it prevents cracking.

If your shoes have a leather sole, and you want to wear them outdoors in different seasons and damp conditions, consider adding a rubber sole. Tiger of Sweden shoes with full leather outsoles will always include a half rubber sole in the box, and your local shoemaker can attach them.

Finally, if your shoes get wet, pat them dry and stuff them with newspaper to soak up moisture. Allow them to dry slowly at room temperature, avoiding the temptation to dry them quickly with a heat source. Once the shoes are dry, condition them.

Suede shoes

Though suede and nubuck are often more durable than leather, the myth that they are delicate persists. On the other hand, suede can be a challenging material to maintain, but also straightforward with the right approach.

First and foremost, treat uppers with a protector spray to prevent stains and boost water resistance. Apply in an even layer over the entire shoe when new.

To lift small dirt particles from shoes, hold them over boiling water. Once steamed, use a rubber suede brush to lift the fibres further, releasing more dirt.

To remove single, dry stains, rub them with a suede eraser using moderate to firm pressure. Hard stains, on the other hand, necessitate suede shampoo. To do this, mix the shampoo into a bowl of water and lather up to foam. With a dauber brush or toothbrush, rub the cleaner over the entire shoe until the surface is foamy and rinse under running water until the shampoo is completely gone. Fill the shoes with newspaper to dry.

Once dry, use a brass wire brush to maintain the lustre of the suede and spray with a protector. If your shoes have lost colour during the process, refresh them with a recolouring spray before applying the protector.

Leather shoes

Above all else, leather shoes require regular treatment with a good-quality shoe cream. It protects the upper and tongue, prolongs the shoe's life and maintains its appearance. To apply, first, brush the shoe clean to remove dust and dirt. Use a damp cloth to remove stains and remove the laces to ensure you get the same coating of shoe cream everywhere. Using a clean cloth, apply the shoe cream sparingly. Use a toothbrush to add shoe cream to the stitching and between the welt and the shoe. When the shoes are dry, which should take around 15 minutes (or overnight), buff them with a soft brush or cloth until they reach your desired level of lustre.

With practice, you may even wish to produce a high shine 'glaçage' finish on your shoes. To do this, apply a thin layer of high-shine polish to the areas of the shoe you want to add extra shine, then buff the polish into the shoe with a soft cloth. Spray a fine layer of water over the first layer of polish and buff as fast as possible with a soft cloth. You should feel the heat from the friction between the shoe and the fabric. Or, if you want a professional touch, take your shoes to the local shoemaker.

Sneakers

Sneakers and tailoring are a perafect combination, but it works only if the sneakers are clean. If you care for your sneakers as you would leather or suede shoes, they will last for many seasons.

First, treat leather, suede, or canvas sneaker uppers with a protector spray. Start by spraying an even layer over the entire shoe when they are new, preventing dirt and stains from sticking and boosting water resistance.

To remove dirt, marks, and stains, pour an eco-friendly sneaker cleaner solution into a bowl of lukewarm water. Wipe away stains and marks with a damp cloth, then remove the laces to access the tongue. Dip the tip of a firm bristled brush into the water and apply a small amount to the sneaker. Go over the shoe, scrubbing in circular motions until the entire surface of the shoe is foamy. If it stops lathering, add more solution to the brush. Wipe off the foam with a clean and damp cloth and leave the sneakers to dry at room temperature. When dry, apply a layer of protector spray.

Before lacing, clean the laces by placing them in the sneaker cleaner. Rinse them under cold water and let them dry overnight. Or place them in a wash bag to clean in the washing machine.

To remove light insole odours, remove them to air out. If the odour is stronger, place the soles in an enclosed box with baking soda.