How to Care for Your Leather Shoes: Get the Most Mileage Out of Every Pair

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Because great shoes deserve great support — even after the sale.

You’ve invested in a beautiful pair of leather shoes. The design? Gorgeous. The fit? Perfect — at first. But after a few wears, something starts to feel off. Maybe they’ve stretched and now feel too loose. Or perhaps they stayed snug and are rubbing at your toes.

Sound familiar?

The truth is, no matter how well-crafted your shoes are, leather is a natural material — and it changes with wear. That’s why after-sales care matters more than most people realise. Here's how to make your leather shoes last longer, feel more comfortable, and stay in your wardrobe for years to come.

 

1. What to Do When Leather Shoes Are Too Loose

One of the best things about leather is that it moulds to your feet over time. But sometimes, your leather shoes stretch too much. What began as a snug fit turns into shoes that slip at the heel or feel unstable.

Most people try store-bought heel grips, but if you’ve been there, you know they rarely hold up. They fall off, shift inside your shoe, or don’t offer enough support — leaving you with a pair you can’t wear and don’t want to throw away.

At Oleah, we offer free post-purchase fitting adjustments within a year — because we understand that your shoes may feel different over time. Whether it's extra cushioning, heel padding, or lining tweaks, we’ll help restore a secure, comfortable fit that lasts.


2. How to Fix Leather Shoes That Feel Too Tight

Maybe you bought your shoes at the right size — but later, your feet changed. It could be postpartum, or maybe your feet swell more during the day than expected. Or perhaps one foot is wider than the other (yes, it’s totally normal!).

That’s why we offer toebox expansion — a gentle, effective way to stretch leather shoes without damaging their structure. It allows for more room at the forefoot while maintaining the shape and elegance of your shoe.

This way, your shoes grow with you — not against you.


3. Can You Refurbish Leather Shoes That Are Scuffed or Worn?

Absolutely — and you should.

A scuffed heel or worn-down sole doesn’t mean your shoes are done for. Whether you’ve knocked them walking across cobblestones, or just worn them to death because you love them that much, the good news is: leather shoes can be restored.

At Oleah, we offer shoe restoration services — from leather heel repairs, polishing, to new inner sockliners — so you can keep your favourite pair in rotation instead of tossing them out.

Just like your favourite jeans, the more worn-in your shoes become, the more they tell your story. We’re here to help you preserve that.


1st image: Leather restoration 2nd image: Change of leather sockliner

 

4. Why Leather Outsoles Matter — and How to Make Them Last

If you’ve worn shoes with leather outsoles, you already know the difference: flexibility, breathability, and that beautiful, refined finish. But leather soles are delicate — they wear down quickly, especially on rough pavements or in humid climates.

To protect them, we recommend adding a Vibram rubber overlay — a thin, durable layer that preserves the leather underneath while maintaining flexibility. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your leather shoes last longer and more suitable for daily wear.

Note: We recommend adding the Vibram rubber overlay only after you’ve worn in your shoes and the leather outsole has softened and adapted to your stride. Applying it too early — before the sole has had a chance to flex naturally — can lead to unnecessary stiffness and may actually reduce overall comfort and durability.

vibram rubber outsole overlay


The Oleah Difference: Support That Lasts Beyond the First Wear

When you buy a pair of Oleah shoes, you’re not just buying a product — you’re joining a community of women who believe in style, comfort, and sustainability. That means:

  • Free fitting adjustments within one year
  • Toebox expansions and custom tweaks for better fit
  • Refurbishing services to keep your shoes beautiful for longer
  • Protection advice to help you care for leather outsoles

Because the real value of a pair of shoes isn’t just how they look the day you buy them — it’s how they feel and hold up months later.

Want to give your Oleah shoes a new lease of life? Book an appointment to bring them in for a consultation.

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