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Footwear Care & Protection Guide

Saphir shoe care being applied to a leather shoe

Match the treatment to the material

Choose the right cleaner, conditioner, protector and accessory for leather, suede, nubuck, rubber Wellington boots and technical outdoor footwear.

Good footwear care starts with the upper material—not the product colour or the weather alone. Smooth leather, suede, nubuck and natural rubber need different treatments. This guide compares current options from A Farley’s footwear care and accessories range and explains a safe routine for premium shoes and boots.

Quick answerCheck the footwear maker’s care instructions first. Remove loose dirt, allow wet footwear to dry naturally, then use a treatment specifically labelled for that material. Always test a new product on a small, hidden area before treating the whole shoe or boot.

Choose care products by material

Start with the outer material, then decide whether the job is cleaning, conditioning, recolouring, protecting or drying.

Saphir leather conditioner for smooth leatherSmooth and waxed leatherClean and condition first; add a compatible cream or wax when colour and shine need refreshing. Saphir suede and nubuck multicleanerSuede and nubuckUse a specialist brush and cleaner that preserves the nap, followed by a suitable protector. Le Chameau natural rubber Wellington boot sprayNatural rubber welliesWash away mud with clean water, dry naturally and apply rubber care to the clean exterior. Saphir Supér Invulner water and stain protector sprayWaterproof protectionChoose a protector approved for the upper material and follow ventilation and drying instructions.

Popular footwear care products compared

The leading products are informed by A Farley sales from the last six months, with additional options included where they solve a different material or care task.

Product Best for Material Job Important note Shop
Saphir Supér Invulner protector spraySaphir Supér Invulner
Broad water and stain protection Smooth leather, suede, nubuck and fabric Protect Aerosol; UK-mainland delivery restriction applies Shop protector
Dubarry footwear care trial packDubarry Trial Pack
A compact three-stage Dubarry routine Mixed leather, suede and nubuck Clean, condition and protect Includes three 30ml treatments; leather cream is separate Shop trial pack
Saphir Renovateur smooth leather conditionerSaphir Renovateur
Premium smooth-leather shoes and boots Smooth leather Clean and condition Not a suede or nubuck treatment Shop Renovateur
Le Chameau rubber Wellington boot sprayLe Chameau Rubber Spray
Le Chameau natural-rubber wellies Natural rubber exterior Condition and restore finish Clean first; do not spray the lining or interior Shop rubber spray
Saphir suede and nubuck multicleaner with brushSaphir Suede Multicleaner
Dirt and marks on suede or nubuck Suede and nubuck Deep clean Allow to dry, then brush to restore the nap Shop cleaner
Meindl Sportwax leather footwear conditionerMeindl Sportwax
Walking and field boots with waxed leather Leather including nubuck Condition and proof May darken or smooth the leather’s appearance Shop Sportwax
RM Williams boot polish in five coloursRM Williams Boot Polish
Refreshing colour and shine on RM Williams boots Smooth leather Recolour and polish Choose the compatible colour; apply sparingly Shop boot polish
Seeland electric boot dryerSeeland Boot Dryer
Wet boots, shoes and gloves Normal boots and rubber boots Gentle drying Follow the appliance instructions and footwear guidance Shop boot dryer
Le Chameau wooden boot jackLe Chameau Boot Jack
Removing muddy wellies and country boots Accessory Remove boots cleanly Use on a firm, level surface Shop boot jack
Shop all footwear care

A simple footwear-care routine

Remove loose dirtBrush off dry debris or rinse mud away according to the maker’s instructions.
Dry naturallyRemove insoles where appropriate and keep footwear away from radiators, fires and direct heat.
Treat the materialClean, condition or recolour with a product intended for the exact outer material.
Protect and storeApply a compatible protector, let it dry fully and store footwear supported and ventilated.
GORE-TEX and waterproof membranes: the membrane sits beneath the upper, so care the outer material correctly as well. For GORE-TEX footwear, follow the footwear maker’s instructions and use products approved for the leather, suede, nubuck or textile upper. Avoid direct heat and do not assume one wax or spray suits every boot.

What each product type actually does

Cleaner

Removes dirt, residue and marks. It prepares footwear for later conditioning or protection but does not necessarily nourish the material.

Conditioner

Helps keep compatible leather supple. It is not interchangeable with suede cleaner or rubber care.

Cream or wax polish

Can refresh colour and add shine to suitable smooth leather. Wax tends to build more surface shine and protection.

Protector spray

Adds water and stain resistance to compatible materials. It does not make damaged or unsuitable footwear fully waterproof.

Rubber care

Conditions clean exterior rubber and can reduce the appearance of natural bloom. It is not a substitute for washing off mud.

Drying and storage

Boot dryers, trees, bags and jacks help footwear dry, hold its shape and avoid damage during removal or storage.

Footwear care FAQs

Can I use ordinary shoe polish on suede or nubuck?

No. Traditional cream or wax polish can flatten and discolour the nap. Use a specialist suede or nubuck brush, cleaner and protector instead.

Should wet boots be dried beside a radiator?

No. Strong direct heat can dry, stiffen or crack leather and may damage adhesives or components. Remove loose dirt and dry footwear naturally with airflow.

What is the white coating on natural-rubber wellies?

It may be harmless rubber bloom rather than mould or a product fault. Clean the exterior, then use the manufacturer’s recommended rubber-care product and buff gently.

Will wax change the colour of leather?

It can. Wax and conditioner may darken leather or change the finish, particularly on nubuck. Test on a hidden area and follow the footwear manufacturer’s guidance.

How often should footwear be treated?

There is no universal timetable. Treat it when the material looks dry, loses water beading or becomes marked, while following the product and footwear instructions. Heavy wet-weather use normally needs more frequent care.

Does a protector spray make shoes completely waterproof?

No. A protector improves resistance to moisture and staining, but it cannot replace waterproof construction or repair worn seams, cracked leather or a damaged membrane.

Shop leather polish Shop suede and nubuck care Shop all footwear care

Care formulations and footwear specifications can change. Read both the care-product label and the footwear maker’s current instructions before use.

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