Product Care

Minnetonka footwear grows more comfortable with wear, and as with most classics, a little patina only adds to their timelessness.  While their style will always endure, an essential component to their longevity is proper care. 

Thus, we’ve compiled a list of a few tricks of the trade to help you maintain your favorites, adding years to their life and insuring that they’re worn to perfection. 

Suede Leather Care

Suede is celebrated for being very soft and supple leather. Due to its textured nature and open pores, suede may become dirty and quickly absorb liquids. Below are tips to help you protect your new products, or tend to products that have encountered the natural elements that come with wear and tear.

PROTECTING YOUR FOOTWEAR

Prevent water spots and oil stains with Minnetonka Water & Stain Repellent or a ScotchguardTM product. Simply spray on and allow two hours to dry. We recommend two applications before wearing for the first time, then weekly or monthly treatments depending on how often your footwear is worn.

CLEANING YOUR FOOTWEAR

Use an Emery board and toothbrush or suede brush to loosen dirt. Wet the brush, moisten the soiled area and spray with Suede and Leather Cleaner or a gentle baby shampoo. Continue brushing the stain. Rinse the brush and then brush the area with clean water. Stuff the toe with tissue paper (to help maintain shape) and let air dry away from sunlight. After the footwear has dried, use Water and Stain Repellent to prolong the life of your product.

REMOVING SCUFF MARKS

Use a toothbrush or suede brush and brush back and forth over the scuffed area. Use a pencil eraser to remove the scuff, and brush the area clean of debris.

SHEEPSKIN CARE

A mild detergent (WooliteTM not recommended) or baby shampoo with cool water can be used to spot clean. For difficult spots, use a suede brush or toothbrush. Hand-blot as much moisture as possible and dry away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve the natural oils in the leather.

Submerging sheepskin may shrink your leather and matt the fur, but after a few wears, the sheepskin will stretch back to a comfortable fit.

SMOOTH LEATHER, DEERSKIN, OR MOOSEHIDE CARE

Choose a delicate leather cream to clean and preserve your leather’s soft, supple texture.

Leather Laces and Fringe Care

KEEPING YOUR LACES TIED

The natural oils an attributes of leather causes laces to easily untie. Tips to keep them laced:

  • Slip into your footwear and adjust the laces to a comfortable fit. Soak the bow (not the whole shoe) in water; this will shrink the leather slightly. Let the bow dry naturally and your laces will remain tied.
  • You can also apply a small drop of superglue underneath your bow’s knot for extra security.

Leather Laces and Fringe Care

FRINGE CARE

If you find the fringe of your favorite fringe boots has gone a bit wild, an iron or flat iron hair straightener may be the remedy! Lay the boot down on a flat surface and place a cotton towel underneath the area you will be straightening. Fold part of the towel on top of the fringe and start to iron (using a no stream setting) in a downward motion. Place the boots in an upright position and away from direct sunlight to dry.