Caring for shoes out of season

[gladhands]

I have a few lighter tan shoes that I don't wear in the Fall/Winter. Should they be conditioned or polished in the "off season" or it it okay to just let them sit?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by gladhands

I have a few lighter tan shoes that I don't wear in the Fall/Winter. Should they be conditioned or polished in the "off season" or it it okay to just let them sit?

Some say to condition and polish your shoes roughly once a month even if you haven't worn them. I will condition and polish my dress boots maybe once during the summer months even though I am not wear them, then once again when I am ready to take them out.

 

[gladhands]

Thanks.

 

[ljrcustom]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

Some say to condition and polish your shoes roughly once a month even if you haven't worn them. I will condition and polish my dress boots maybe once during the summer months even though I am not wear them, then once again when I am ready to take them out.

What's the reason for condition or polishing during the season that the shoes aren't being worn.

-LR

 

[Marcellionheart]

I believe it's so that the leather does not dry out.

 

[MyOtherLife]

I condition about every 2 months, in use or not, year round.
I only polish when the shoes are in active use, about every 3-4 wearings or as needed.
Some leathers are thirstier than others.
Once you develop some sensitivity to this, you'll know which ones need more frequent lotioning.
I find my Campanile (and Canali made by them) need lotioning about once per month.
I don't know why, but their leathers are very thirsty compared to most of my other shoes.
Also, it takes very little lotion.
One need not slather it on but rather apply sparingly, let dry 15 min, then brush, then buff.
Keep all shoes away from radiators or other heat sources as this will prematurely dry them out.
Preferrably, keep shoe trees in the shoes to maintain their shape.
Newspaper makes a cheap alternative if funds are not available.
Keep them away from any window where direct sunlight comes in to prevent unnecessary fading.
Also keep them away from damp environments such as unfinished basements to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

 

[sho'nuff]

are they decent quality shoes? just tuck them away you dont have to do anything to them. just make sure they are dry though if you store them in an enclosed place

 

[gladhands]

Originally Posted by sho'nuff

are they decent quality shoes? just tuck them away you dont have to do anything to them. just make sure they are dry though if you store them in an enclosed place

They're all on the low end of SF approved AE-C&J. I think I have the opposite problem. The air in my home is extremely dry in the winter.