How to protect your shoes from winter

David Gandy for Massimo Dutty

Keeping shoes and boots lookin’ great all winter long, as temperatures drop and the streets become filled with a snowy, icy mess that would make anyone shudder (maybe even cry), is no easy feat. Which is exactly why we caught up with the founders of Jack Erwin, Lane Gerson and Ariel Nelson, to discover their go-to tips for protecting your footwear in the months to come. We figured if there's one thing they know, it's shoes. 

Now, without further ado, here are the wintertime shoe care secrets they let us in on:

“To properly preserve your leather boots through the winter season, it is most important to prepare and protect the leather from cold, snow and salt. 

To prepare your boots, clean them, then apply a conditioner to nourish and moisturize the leather. For more casual boots, products such as mink oil and saddle soap can be used to both condition and waterproof the leather. 

Throughout the season, it is important to keep your boots well-moisturized by periodically reapplying conditioner, as the cold weather can quickly dry out the leather, resulting in cracks and irreparable damage. 

If your boots are exposed to rain or snow, immediately wipe off residue and dab all wet surfaces, including the inside and any metal hardware, with a soft, dry cloth. This will help prevent against stains that could result from rain or snow mixing with salt and other residue found on the street. Finally, use a Beeswax Polish to get a good shine.

Keep in mind that different types of leather and finishes require specialized care and that overuse of any cream or product can impact the longevity of the leather.”

There you have it: The secrets (and products) to keeping your leather footwear looking like new this winter and holding on to the title of 'Best Dressed Man In The Room'.

Source: askmen.com