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Beau Brummell, the famously stylish rake in Regency London, is said to have recommended using the froth from champagne to put a shine on one’s boots and keep the leather soft and supple. As discerning French boot-makers we can’t help but think of better uses for champagne. That said, fine leather boots do require a bit of care and attention to keep them at their best.  Here are a few tips.

One of the most important things to remember with leather is allowing it to dry naturally when wet. Don’t place your boots next to a heat source. Just place them or hang them in a normal warm environment. Afterwards, a wipe over with a damp cloth to remove any dirt then apply a quality shoe/boot polish (we recommend Avel Saphir’s range of products). Use a dry cloth or small applicator brush designed for the purpose. Apply using circular movements. After covering the whole of the uppers of the boot set aside and leave to dry. The initial finishing should be carried out with a good polishing brush; this will restore the leather’s shine. The final finishing is best achieved using a soft polishing cloth in 100% natural cotton.

Suede and Nubuck boots require some extra care. Prior to leaving our workshop your suede boots all be treated with a water repellent suede finisher. This is something you should do yourself on a regular basis, at least twice a year, to protect the leather. If your suede boots become wet, leave them to dry naturally overnight – again, away from a heat source. Once dry, use a suede brush to lift the pile. For difficult-to-remove marks use a suede block.

To clean patent leather boots firstly wipe them over with a damp, but not wet, chamois to remove dust or dirt. Then use a special patent leather care product such as Saphir Vernis Rife. Apply it, then leave it on the boot. After five minutes or so a white film will form on the surface of the leather. When this has formed take a cotton chamois and buff to a high shine.