Care
Patent leather shoes do not need to be impregnated. The glossy patent layer ensures a completely waterproof upper (Note: moisture can still penetrate via the sole and stitching). The best way to clean a patent leather shoe is with a damp cloth. A regular shoe polish brush is not suitable for patent leather shoes; the firm bristles can scratch the outer coating. Collonil, our partner for shoe care products, offers a 'patent polish' that can be used to keep the top layer of patent shoes smooth and shiny.

To clean and maintain patent leather shoes, use only water or shoe care products specially developed for patent leather. Oils, greases and impregnators containing solvents are not suitable for patent finishes. These agents can cause splotches, diminish the glossy finish, or loosen the glossy top coat.

Colour migration
The glossy top layer of patent leather is capable of absorbing pigments. A light-coloured patent shoe sitting against a regular leather shoe will soon start absorbing the colour of the other shoe at the points of contact. The splotches that are caused by this can only be partially removed. Patent leather shoes should be stored with a bit of room around them, so that the leather

does not come into contact with any item capable of giving off colour (newspapers, magazines, clothing or fabric, wood, etc.). The best method is to store both shoes separately in their own white dust bags.

Vulnerable
A patent leather shoe is a vulnerable product. If the shiny outer layer is damaged, there are treatments and products that can be used to attempt to repair the damage to a certain extent, but they will likely never restore the shine to match that of a new shoe. Take your damaged patent leather shoe to your local cobbler to seek professional advice, instead of attempting to fix it yourself.