Alexei Volkov
Leather shoes are hard-wearing, but they need proper care and storage. While plastic bags are a convenient storage option for shoes, they are not always the best choice. Leather shoes, in particular, need to breathe, so storing them in a plastic bag is not recommended for long periods. However, there are some alternatives to consider, such as cotton shoe bags, original shoe boxes, or ventilated plastic containers. Additionally, climate-controlled storage is ideal for leather shoes to prevent extreme temperature and humidity from damaging the material.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storing leather shoes in plastic bags | Not recommended as leather needs to breathe |
| Alternative storage options | Wooden shoe trees, muslin or acid-free paper, shoe bags, original shoe boxes, or ventilated plastic boxes |
| Importance of ventilation | Prevents mould and drying out of shoes |
| Climate-controlled storage | Ideal to protect leather from temperature and humidity extremes |
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What You'll Learn
Leather shoes need to breathe
Leather shoes are hard-wearing, but they need proper care and storage. One of the common mistakes to avoid when storing leather shoes is using plastic bags, as leather needs to breathe. Instead, leather shoes should be stored in a well-ventilated area, protected from dust and sunlight.
For short-term storage, a rack or cabinet with an open front is ideal, as it allows air to circulate while keeping dust off your shoes. If you have the space, storing shoes in their original boxes is another great way to keep them protected and organised. Cardboard boxes are typically not acid-free and will break down over time, so they are not the best storage solution. Instead, you can purchase acid-free storage boxes to ensure your shoes get the air circulation they need.
For long-term storage, you can wrap your shoes in acid-free paper or muslin and place them in a shoe box or a ventilated plastic container. Leaving the plastic container open will also help with ventilation. Climate-controlled storage is ideal for leather shoes as temperature and humidity extremes can turn leather brittle, weaken fabrics, and cause glues to loosen.
To maintain the shape of your shoes, you can use wooden shoe trees, but make sure they are the right size so they don't overstretch. You can also use boot forms or rolled-up acid-free paper for boots.
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Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage
Leather shoes need to breathe, so avoid storing them in plastic bags for long periods. While plastic bins are tempting for shoe storage because they are readily available and can protect shoes from dust and sunlight, they do not allow for air circulation. This can cause mildew, smells, and stains to develop over time.
If you are storing leather shoes for the long term, it is best to wrap them in acid-free paper or place them in a shoe bag made of breathable fabric, such as cotton or flannel. These materials will protect your shoes from dust and scuffs while still allowing them to breathe. You can also use wooden shoe trees to help maintain the shape of your shoes, but be sure to check periodically that they are not causing bulging or cracking as the leather shrinks over time.
Climate-controlled storage is ideal for leather shoes, as temperature and humidity extremes can turn leather brittle, weaken the fabric, and cause glues to loosen. Shoes stored in attics or basements may become unusable within a season or two due to these harsh conditions. Instead, store your leather shoes in a dark, climate-controlled area of your home, such as a closet with shelving or a cabinet that has an open front to allow for air circulation while keeping dust out.
If you do choose to store your leather shoes in their original boxes, consider attaching a snapshot of the shoe to the outside of the box so you can easily find the pair you are looking for. You can then organize the boxes by season, style, or any other system that works for you. For added protection, wrap metal hardware in a small piece of tissue to avoid scratching and chemical reactions.
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Use climate-controlled storage
Leather shoes should not be stored in plastic bags because they need to breathe. If you're looking to store your leather shoes for a longer period, it's best to opt for a climate-controlled storage unit.
Climate-controlled storage units offer a stable environment with controlled ventilation, humidity, and temperature, which are crucial factors in maintaining the integrity of leather shoes. These units are designed to monitor and regulate these factors, ensuring your shoes remain in optimal condition regardless of external weather conditions or temperature fluctuations.
- Ventilation and Humidity Control: Leather shoes require a specific environment with approximately 60 to 70% ventilation and humidity. Climate-controlled storage units provide this ideal range, preventing issues like mould and mildew growth, which can ruin your shoes.
- Temperature Stability: Leather is sensitive to temperature extremes. Climate-controlled storage maintains a steady temperature, preventing leather from drying out, and protecting against cracking or warping due to heat or cold.
- Protection from Sunlight and Heat Sources: Leather should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can cause discolouration and damage to the leather. Climate-controlled storage units offer protection from these elements, ensuring your shoes remain in a cool, dark environment.
- Long-Term Preservation: If you have vintage or valuable leather shoes, climate-controlled storage can help preserve their condition over time. It slows down the natural ageing process of leather, preventing fading and cracking.
- Pest Prevention: Insects and pests are attracted to leather items, especially in humid environments. Climate-controlled storage helps deter pests by maintaining optimal humidity levels and providing a clean, controlled space.
When using climate-controlled storage for your leather shoes, it's still important to prepare them properly before storage. Clean and dry your shoes thoroughly, and consider treating them with a leather conditioner or cream to maintain their suppleness. Stuff the shoes with acid-free tissue paper to help maintain their shape and prevent odours. Additionally, wrap each shoe individually in acid-free paper or plastic wrap to provide an extra layer of protection from dust and moisture.
By utilising climate-controlled storage and following these preparation steps, you can be confident that your leather shoes will remain in excellent condition for the long term.
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Prevent leather shoes from cracking and fading
Leather shoes should not be stored in plastic bags as they need to breathe. Instead, wrap them in acid-free paper to protect them from dust and sunlight. You can also store them in a box, but make sure the box is not made of cardboard as it will break down over time and dent or crease the shoes inside.
To prevent leather shoes from cracking and fading, it is important to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Sunlight can cause the leather to fade and crack, so it is best to keep your shoes away from windows, especially south-facing ones, which let in harsh sunlight throughout the day. If you can't rearrange your furniture, try using tall plants or bookcases to cast shade on your shoes. You can also invest in blinds, curtains, or shades with a UV-protective coating to act as a barrier between the sun and your shoes.
Additionally, maintain a safe distance between your shoes and heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters. The radiating heat can dry out the leather and accelerate fading, so keep your shoes at least a metre away from these sources. If you have a sunny room with a radiator, consider adding a heat shield between the radiator and your shoes for added protection. Avoid placing your shoes directly in front of air vents or heating ducts, as the constant flow of warm air can also dry out the leather over time.
Another way to prevent cracking is to use a leather conditioner, also known as leather cream. Leather conditioners are designed to moisturize and protect leather shoes. Apply the conditioner evenly to the surface of your shoes about once a week or at least once a month to keep them soft and prevent cracking. Leather conditioner comes in various forms, including oil, cream, spray, and wipes, so choose the one that works best for you.
Finally, make sure to keep your leather shoes clean. Brush off any dirt and dust with a soft, dry brush or cloth, and use saddle soap and a nylon brush to remove any stubborn dirt or grime. You can also use lukewarm water and a mild soap, such as baby soap, to clean the surface of your shoes gently.
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Store leather shoes in original boxes
Leather shoes should not be stored in plastic bags as they need to breathe. Leather is prone to shrinking over time, and if stored in an enclosed plastic bag, the leather may dry out.
Storing leather shoes in their original boxes is a great way to keep them protected and organised. The boxes can be easily stacked without damaging the shoes, and it is simple to recognise what is in each box. However, cardboard boxes are typically not acid-free and will break down over time, which can dent or crease the shoes inside. Therefore, it is recommended to store the original boxes separately and use alternative storage methods to protect your leather shoes.
One option is to use clear plastic containers with lids and ventilation holes. These protect the shoes from dust and allow for air circulation, preventing mildew, smells, and stains. You can also wrap individual shoes in muslin or acid-free paper before placing them in the containers to maintain their shape and provide additional protection from dust and sunlight. If using paper, avoid coloured tissue or newspaper as the ink can transfer onto the leather. Alternatively, unbleached muslin fabric is an excellent option as it wicks away moisture and protects the shoes from scratches.
It is important to ensure that your leather shoes are stored in a cool, dry, and temperature-controlled environment, away from harsh sun rays. Sunlight can cause the shoes to fade or bleach, while humidity can lead to the growth of mould. To regulate humidity levels and prevent moisture buildup, you can place silica gel packs inside the storage containers or boxes. Additionally, periodically remove your leather shoes from storage and air them out to help extend their lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
No, leather shoes need to breathe, so it is not advisable to store them in plastic bags.
For shoes that are worn regularly, it is best to store them on a rack or cabinet with an open front to allow air circulation while keeping dust away. You can also store them in their original boxes, which are designed to fit the shoes and allow for air circulation.
Avoid using newspapers or colored tissue to stuff leather shoes as the ink can transfer onto the leather. Do not store leather shoes in a bent position as this can cause permanent creasing.
Vintage leather shoes should be stored in a dark, climate-controlled area to prevent damage to the delicate materials. They should be wrapped and stuffed with acid-free paper to maintain their shape.
