The Shoe Care
Guide
Taking proper care of your Meermin shoes ensures they age beautifully and last for many years. Different leathers require different treatments, but all benefit from regular cleaning, conditioning, and protection. With the right products—such as polishes, brushes, and shoe trees—you can keep your shoes in excellent condition while preserving their unique character.
CALF
Essential Steps to Care for Your Calf Leather Shoes:
- Leathers: Calf, Boxcalf, Antique calf, Alpine calf, Silkcalf, Softcalf and Vitello.
- Clean: Remove dust and surface dirt with a horsehair brush or soft cloth.
- Condition: Apply a small amount of leather conditioner or cream polish in circular motions; let it absorb (5–10 minutes).
- Re-color / Protect: Use a cream or pommade in matching or neutral color to rejuvenate hue and add nourishment.
- Shine: Finish with a thin layer of wax polish for a soft sheen. For high gloss, use the spit-shine method—multiple ultra-thin wax layers, lightly dampened, buffed to shine.
SUEDE
Essential Steps to Care for Your Suede Leather Shoes:
- Note: Unlike smooth calf, suede does not require waxes or polish. The focus is on cleaning, protecting, and maintaining the nap to preserve its rich texture.
- Leathers: Repello, Superbuck, Alicante, Reverse Calf, Janus Butts, Janus Calf and Castoro.
- Clean: Use a suede specific brush to lift dirt and restore nap.
- Stain Removal: For spots, use a slightly damp cloth or suede soap. Allow shoes to dry naturally.
- Protect & Refresh Nap: Apply a suede protector spray—such as Famaco Raviv Daim—to shield against water and stains while keeping the nap soft and vibrant.
SHELL CORDOVAN
Essential Steps to Care for Your Shell Cordovan Leather Shoes:
- Note: Shell Cordovan is a dense, non-porous leather. Unlike calf, it has very tight fibers and no visible grain structure. Because of this, it does not readily absorb creams or waxes. Instead, most products tend to sit on the surface, which is why excessive application leads to build-up.
- Leathers: Shell Cordovan.
- Clean: Wipe with a soft, barely damp cloth; avoid harsh cleaners.
- Condition/Protect: Apply a small dot of cordovan specific cream. Allow uppers to dry naturally.
- Shine: Buff gently with a soft cotton cloth. For a natural high gloss, use a deer bone or cloth to glaze the surface, building shine gradually with light, repeated motions. Avoid applying excess cream, as Shell Cordovan does not absorb wax and buildup may occur.
WAXED LEATHERS
Essential Steps to Care for Your Waxed Leather Shoes:
- Note: Shell Cordovan is a dense, non-porous leather. Unlike calf, it has very tight fibers and no visible grain structure. Because of this, it does not readily absorb creams or waxes. Instead, most products tend to sit on the surface, which is why excessive application leads to build-up.
- Leathers:Waxy Shell Cordovan, Waxy Commander, Waxy Calf, Chromexcel and Oiled Shoulder.
- Clean: Remove debris with soft brush or cloth.
- Protect: Apply a thin layer of Famaco Dubbin wax - Mink oil with a soft cloth to reinforce water resistance and preserve the natural look.
- Buff:Lightly buff with a horsehair brush to even out the dubbin wax and allow to develop a natural patina over time
Start with the basics and build your kit
Our Beechnut Shoe Trees are crafted from
high-quality solid European beechwood, designed
to maintain the shape, structure, and longevity
of your shoes. Finished with a smooth, natural
surface and fitted with robust hardware, they
combine function with timeless elegance.
Benefits:
· Moisture Absorption – Naturally wicks away interior moisture from wear, reducing odor and prolonging leather life.
· Extended Longevity – Reduces stress on the uppers and lining, helping shoes age more gracefully.
· Ease of Use – Clean design with spring mechanism ensures a precise fit across lasts and sizes.
· Polishing Aid – Provides a firm base inside the shoe, making cleaning and polishing easier and more effective.
Beechnut Shoe Trees
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