The Ultimate Leather Shoe Care Guide for the Modern Gentleman

Premium leather shoes aren’t just footwear – they’re a statement. Whether it’s a boardroom meeting, a date in Westlands, or a wedding weekend, the right pair instantly elevates your look.

But like all premium investments, leather shoes need proper care to maintain their shine, structure, and elegance. The good news? With a simple routine and the right products, your shoes can look sharp for years.

This is the official Infynite leather shoe care guide, curated for the modern gentleman in Kenya.

1. Start With Daily Care: Small Habits, Big Results

Wipe After Every Wear

Dust, sweat and dirt are the quiet enemies of leather. After each wear, use a soft cloth to gently wipe your shoes and remove surface dirt.

• Use a microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth.
• Wipe gently, focusing on the toe area, sides and heel.
• Allow the shoes to air out in a cool, dry place.

Where to find cloths in Kenya: Jumia, Carrefour, Naivas, or local shoe-care shops.

2. Weekly Routine: Clean, Condition, Shine

A weekly routine keeps your leather soft, nourished and looking premium.

Step 1: Condition the Leather

Leather is like skin – it needs moisture to stay soft and prevent cracking.

How to condition:

• Brush off any loose dust first.
• Apply a small amount of leather conditioner using a soft cloth.
• Work it into the leather in small circular motions.
• Let it absorb for 10–20 minutes, then lightly buff.

Recommended conditioners available in Kenya:

• Angelus Leather Conditioner
• Kiwi Leather Lotion
• Collonil Leather Conditioner

Step 2: Apply Cream Polish (Colour & Nourishment)

Cream polish restores colour, enriches the leather and keeps it looking fresh.

How to use cream polish:

• Choose a colour that matches your shoes or use neutral for unique browns.
• Apply a thin layer with an applicator brush or cloth.
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Buff with a horsehair brush for an even finish.

Cream polish options in Kenya:

• Kiwi Cream Polish (Black, Brown, Neutral)
• Angelus Cream Polish
• Saphir Beauté du Cuir Cream Polish (premium/luxury option)

Step 3: Finish With Wax Polish (Shine & Protection)

Wax polish adds that luxury shine and creates a protective barrier against dust and light moisture.

How to apply wax polish:

• Use a small amount of wax in circular motions.
• Allow it to dry for a few minutes.
• Buff using a horsehair brush or soft cloth until you achieve the desired shine.

Recommended wax polishes:

• Kiwi Parade Gloss / Kiwi Wax Polish
• Saphir Pâte De Luxe Wax Polish

3. Monthly Deep Care: Reset & Restore

Once a month (or after 6–10 wears), give your leather shoes a deeper treatment to remove buildup and restore their original glory.

Step 1: Deep Clean With Leather Cleaner

This removes old polish, oils and stubborn dirt.

Leather cleaners available in Kenya:

• Kiwi Saddle Soap
• Angelus Leather Cleaner
• Collonil Cleaning Foam

After cleaning, always follow with:

• A leather conditioner, to restore moisture.
• Cream polish, to revive colour.
• Wax polish, to protect and shine.

4. Storage Done Right: Where Most People Go Wrong

How you store your shoes can double their lifespan.

Use Shoe Trees

Shoe trees are one of the best investments you can make for premium leather shoes.

Benefits:

• Maintain the shape of the shoe.
• Reduce creasing on the leather.
• Absorb moisture and odour from the inside.

Available in Kenya: Cedar or wooden shoe trees on Jumia and selected shoe-care shops in Nairobi CBD and malls.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

• Avoid direct sunlight, damp areas and extreme heat.
• Use dust bags or shoe boxes that allow some airflow.
• Never store leather shoes in plastic bags – plastic traps moisture.

Rotate Your Shoes

Try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. Leather needs time to breathe and recover, especially after a long day.

5. Special Care for Suede, Nubuck & Patent Leather

Suede & Nubuck

Suede and nubuck need a completely different approach.

• Use a suede brush to gently lift dirt and restore texture.
• Use a suede eraser for small stains.
• Protect with a suede and nubuck spray.

Recommended products:

• Collonil Suede + Nubuck Spray
• Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Protector

Important: Never use cream or wax polish on suede or nubuck.

Patent Leather

• Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and smudges.
• Use a patent leather spray or cleaner for extra shine.
• Avoid abrasive brushes or harsh cleaners.

6. Build Your Own Leather Shoe Care Kit (Kenya Edition)

To keep your premium shoes in top form, we recommend putting together a simple care kit with products that are easy to find locally.

• Microfiber cloths
• Horsehair shoe brush
• Kiwi Cream Polish (Black, Brown, Neutral)
• Kiwi Parade Gloss / Wax Polish
• Kiwi Leather Lotion or Angelus Leather Conditioner
• Kiwi Saddle Soap or another leather cleaner
• Waterproofing spray (Kiwi or Collonil)
• Wooden shoe trees
• Suede brush and suede protector spray (if you own suede pairs)

Most of these products are available on popular Kenyan platforms like Jumia, major supermarkets, and dedicated shoe-care shops.

7. Why Leather Shoe Care Matters for Luxury Shoes

Proper care is not just about shine – it’s about protecting your investment and your image.

• Prevents cracking, drying and premature aging.
• Maintains rich colour and natural texture.
• Extends the lifespan of your shoes by 2–3 years.
• Keeps your shoes looking and smelling fresh.
• Ensures your outfit always looks complete and polished.

A sharp gentleman is often judged by his shoes. Well-cared-for leather instantly communicates attention to detail, discipline and confidence.

Need Help Choosing the Right Products?

If you’re not sure which products to start with or how to build a care kit around your Infynite pairs, our team is happy to guide you.

• Reach out to us via the WhatsApp button on our website.
• Ask for personalised recommendations based on the shoes you own.
• Get tips on daily, weekly and monthly care routines.

Your shoes are an investment in your style and confidence. With the right care, they’ll serve you beautifully for years.