Shoe Care Guide: Leather, Suede, Patent & Synthetic Shoes

The Leavys Shoes care guide

A little care helps your favourite shoes look their best. The most useful first step is knowing what they are made from.

A smooth ankle boot may be leather or synthetic. A soft, suede-effect boot may be textile. And a glossy patent finish needs its own approach. Here is how to choose a sensible care routine, with examples from our current Jana, Caprice, Tamaris and Marco Tozzi range.

What are your shoes made from?

The upper is the outside of the shoe above the sole. Its material may differ from the lining, footbed, heel covering or decorative trim, so one cleaner may not suit every part.

Four current styles, four care considerations

These shoes illustrate why the material description matters. The shopping links give you the full product details and current size availability.

Caprice · Smooth leather

Black leather buckle ankle boots

A smooth nappa leather upper, silver-tone buckle detail and block heel make this a smart option with tailored trousers or dark denim.

Care focus: remove loose dirt gently, then use a suitable smooth-leather cleaner. Apply a compatible neutral or colour-matched leather cream as directed. Keep cream off the buckle, zip and other materials.

View Caprice leather boots

Jana · Leather-look synthetic

Chocolate brown wide-fit boots

These H-wide-fit Jana boots have a synthetic upper, an inside zip and a gold-tone buckle. Try them with cream knitwear and jeans.

Care focus: choose a synthetic-compatible cleaning mousse or gel. Follow its directions for using a soft cloth and removing residue. The leather-look finish is not a reason to apply ordinary leather wax or rich leather cream.

View Jana brown boots

Tamaris · Suede-effect textile

Black suede-effect ankle boots

A matte textile upper contrasts with a reptile-effect block heel. The neat shape works with trousers, denim or a dress and tights.

Care focus: gently remove dry surface dirt with a soft brush, then use a cleaner approved for this textile finish if needed. Avoid treating the boot as genuine suede leather or applying leather polish to the fabric.

View Tamaris textile boots

Marco Tozzi · Patent-effect synthetic

Cognac croc-effect loafers

A glossy textured upper and gold-tone trim bring interest to a classic loafer. Pair this warm brown shade with navy, camel or cream.

Care focus: start with a soft cloth to lift surface dust. For further cleaning, choose a product approved for patent-effect synthetics. Skip abrasive scrubbing and only use polish or protector if its label permits this finish.

View Marco Tozzi loafers

Product materials and online availability checked in September 2026. Sizes can sell out; follow each product link for the latest options.

How to care for genuine suede and nubuck

For shoes labelled suede or nubuck leather, use a suitable brush to lift surface dirt and a cleaner specifically made for that leather. Let the shoe dry as directed before gently restoring the nap with the brush. Avoid ordinary leather polishing cream.

Take particular care with pale suede: Jana advises against brass-bristled brushes on light velours because they can discolour it. See Jana's material-care guidance.

What about canvas and mixed-material trainers?

Check every visible material, including trims and coated panels. Choose a cleaner whose label covers the materials you will touch, use it sparingly as directed and keep dirty sole-cleaning tools separate from the upper.

A fabric upper does not automatically make a shoe machine washable. Use a washing machine only when the manufacturer explicitly permits it for that exact style. Otherwise, follow its hand-cleaning instructions.

A simple routine after a wet day

1. Remove surface moistureBlot gently with a clean cloth. Open zips or loosen laces to help air circulate, and lift out insoles only if they are designed to be removable.
2. Let shoes dry naturallyLeave them at room temperature with good airflow, away from radiators, hairdryers and tumble dryers. Allow enough time for the inside to dry too.
3. Clean, then put away dryUse the method for the upper material once appropriate. Store shoes somewhere dry and aired, with suitable shape support that does not stretch them. Give a damp pair time to dry before its next outing.

Common shoe-care questions

Care references: Tamaris material-care instructions, Tamaris synthetic-care guidance from pedag and ECCO's drying and storage guidance. The instructions supplied with your particular shoes and care product take priority.