Oxford shoes are a timeless and versatile shoe style that every woman should have in her wardrobe. With proper care, a good pair of Oxford shoes lasts for years. Most Oxford shoes are made of leather, so keep the leather nourished and conditioned. Use a leather cleaner to gently wipe away dirt after each wear. After that, use a leather conditioner to prevent the leather from drying out. Condition every 2-3 months or whenever the leather looks dull or dry.
Be sure to use conditioners made for smooth leather, not suede or nubuck. When conditioning, apply the product in small circles using a clean, soft cloth. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes, then buff the excess away with a dry cloth. Never allow conditioners or polishes to sit on the surface of the leather too long or it could discolor.
Polishing
Frequently buffing your Oxfords with polish is the best way to protect the leather and maintain that brilliant shine. Use wax-based creams for smooth, glossy finishes. Apply polish with a soft cloth using small, circular motions. Let the polish dry completely – usually 5-10 minutes – then buff with a clean cloth or horsehair shoe brush. For scuffs and scratches, use a leather balm before polishing to help cover up and fill in any marks in the leather. Be cautious with liquid polishes, which soak into the leather and cause discoloration if over-applied.
Weatherproofing
Treating your Oxfords with a weatherproofing spray will help repel water, and salt stains, and resist moisture damage. Apply the spray to completely dry shoes using light, even coats. It helps your shoes withstand rain and snow, but be sure to wipe them down as soon as possible after exposure to remove salt, grime, and excess moisture. Avoid wearing leather shoes in heavy snow or salt whenever possible. As you notice any wear, take your shoes to a cobbler for repairs. It’s much easier to have a worn heel replaced than waiting until it’s completely damaged or fallen off. Rubber soles pick up scuff marks easily. For deep cleaning, use mild dish soap and water with a toothbrush.
Storage and transport
When not in use, store leather shoes on a shoe rack or in cloth shoe bags. Never pile shoes tightly in a closet. Tight storage leads to cracking and damage. Place shoe pads or folded paper inside before storing to help absorb moisture and maintain shape. When traveling, wrap shoes in a soft cloth or place them in shoe bags before packing them in a suitcase. Stuff the toes with tissue to prevent creasing. Never check fine leather shoes – always bring them onboard and stow them in the overhead compartment on flights. The baggage hold environment is too rough.
With some regular maintenance, a quality pair of oxford shoes for women can stay looking fabulous for many seasons. Taking the time to condition, polish and properly store your shoes means you’ll get the maximum wear out of your investment. Always handle fine leather gently and allow it plenty of rest between wears for the longest shoe life.
