Repairs & Shoe Care | Tracey Neuls

 
REPAIRS & SHOE CARE

A perfect surface is an indication of leather that has been over-processed or is synthetic. We like our shoe leathers natural, with character like the hands that craft them... Here are our care tips for looking after your shoes.

Shoe polish Mostly, the leathers we use are dyed all the way through, so scuffs and scrapes to your shoes can be disguised with a touch of similar shade polish. We recommend Woly for a broad colour spectrum.

Bees wax resin or Protective Spray Use to keep your shoes more water-resistant.

Dry footwear at room temperature Leather is a skin and by nature absorbent. If caught in heavy rain, dry at room temperature, never under a heater. Once dry, there are plenty of leather products on the market to help revive them.

Treat with care Luxurious textures are less resistant to abrasion, and a little extra care is needed when wearing them. Red wines, oils, coffee can all stain - and some leathers are more durable or delicate than others. We can help advise you on whether it is an everyday or more special shoe that you require, before purchase.

Take care in the sun Leather does patina with time, we all do! Being natural and organic means it can be sensitive to light and humidity. If regularly wearing your shoes in very hot temperatures, please treat them like your own skin and make sure exposure isn’t too long, as some lighter colours can literally tan.

Replace leather soles The beauty of leather soles is that when the time comes, they are a component that can be replaced - longevity assured. They appear sensitive at first but soon toughen to the road with wear. Avoid heavy rain and don’t submerge your soles in puddles. If you wish, add a thin rubber ‘sticker sole’ to the bottom, but as above, they are made to be replaced.

Insoles and shoe laces We now offer these at Tracey Neuls for when your shoes need a refresh. A simple switch can make all the difference.

Shoe trees or tissue paper For our softer styles like Magritte, try inserting a shoe tree or tissue paper to keep the shape when you are not wearing them.

REFLECTIVE SHOES

Our reflective shoes react to light and burn on and off with intensity. However, like any light sources, they have a lifetime - please be aware that these shoes have a shorter life than a hardy leather equivalent.

Try not to expose them to heavy downpours The material is water-resistant (which means that water isn’t going to get in easily) but it is not waterproof. The flex and give of 3M reflective fabric means that it can tear if subjected to stresses like quick-drying after exposure to heavy rain.

Store in dry places and away from sunlight Keep your shoes away from heat or dampness to maintain their longevity.

Cleaning tips For dust or slight dirt, we usually suggest cleaning with baby wipes as they are very gentle on the material. Likewise, any sensitive shoe cleaning foam or cream will suffice. Brands like Loake or Saphir offer good options.

CREPE SOLES

Crepe is a natural rubber tapped from the Pará tree. It is generally low maintenance, but for longevity avoid exposing them to very hot temperatures or petrol oil, which can lead to cracking.

To clean natural crepe soles, use an eco-friendly clear detergent with a little warm water. Avoid splashing on the leather. Use a cloth to work into any dirt, and a brush if necessary. Do not use abrasive cleaning solvents as they might permanently damage the sole.

PATENT LEATHER

Patent leather has a plastic coating. Over time, surface creases or cracks may appear, which is part of its material properties. Clean with a damp cloth or baby wipes, then use a dry cloth to gently remove streaks.

VEGETABLE DYED LEATHER

Veg tan is a leather dyeing process that is better for the environment and more natural. The leather retains its natural oils, allowing most marks to be rubbed out with pressure from your finger. The leather ages naturally, and colours may darken over time. Try to keep it dry and allow it to fully dry naturally if it does get wet.

Read more on veg-tanning here.

PRINT, TEXTILE, TEXTURE

We are known for our innovative use of print and texture, creating extraordinarily tactile designs. Some materials have obvious sensitivities, such as sequins, shimmering material, surface print, or glass beads. These delicate materials need extra care. Please consider this when selecting and wearing your shoes.

REPAIRS

If there is a problem or fault with your Tracey Neuls shoes, please email photos and details to shoes@traceyneuls.com. We will forward them to our production or factory manager for assessment. For more information, feel free to contact us.