Buy Well, Look After It Well: Your Complete Guide to Making Shoes Last

We've always believed that beautiful shoes deserve to be worn... not saved for special occasions - every day is a special occasion.

At Sissa Sorella, we love helping women build a wardrobe of shoes they'll reach for again and again. That's why we're so particular about the brands we stock. Kate personally chooses every collection for its style, craftsmanship and quality, because a well-made shoe should last for years, not just one season.

The secret? Looking after them.

It doesn't take hours or a cupboard full of products. Just a few simple habits and the right care can keep leather soft, colours looking fresh and your favourite shoes ready for whatever comes next.

Here's our guide to making your favourite shoes last even longer.

Give Them a Day Off

The single most important thing you can do for a pair of leather shoes is to not wear them two days in a row. Leather needs time to breathe and recover after a full day on your feet. Rotating your shoes gives the material time to relax, dry out naturally, and return to its shape - which makes a real difference to how long they last.

If you have a pair you reach for constantly, consider buying a second pair in a different colour. Your shoes will last longer, and your wardrobe will be better for it. This is also good advice, in our opinion, for jeans and swimmers that you love - buy two if you can!

Use Shoe Trees

Invest in a pair of wooden shoe trees and use them every time you take your shoes off. Shoe trees do two things: they absorb residual moisture from wear, and they gently push the leather back into shape, preventing the creasing that, over time, can cause leather to crack and split.

Cedar shoe trees are ideal. The natural cedar wood absorbs moisture and keeps odour at bay, while maintaining the shoe's structure. For boots, use boot-specific trees, or stuff the shaft with acid-free tissue paper to keep it upright and crease-free.

Clean Before You Condition

Before you do anything else to your leather shoes, remove surface dirt and dust. Use a soft horsehair brush or a slightly damp cloth - never a harsh scrubbing brush, which can scratch the leather. Pay attention to the welting and any seams around the toe and heel where dirt tends to settle.

For stubborn marks, a small amount of specialist leather cleaner applied with a soft cloth will do the job. Work it in gently, wipe away with a clean damp cloth, and allow it to dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight, both of which can dry leather out and cause cracking.

Condition Regularly

Leather is a natural material and, like skin, it needs moisture to stay supple. Over time, particularly in Canberra's dry winters, leather loses its natural oils and can start to feel stiff, look dull and eventually crack.

A quality leather conditioner applied every few months will replenish these oils and keep your shoes looking their best. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, work it into the leather in gentle circular motions, and allow it to absorb for a few hours before wearing. A water-based conditioner is the safest choice across most leather types.

One important note: conditioner is for smooth leather only. Suede and nubuck need their own specialist products - more on that below.

Waterproof Before You Wear

Before wearing a new pair of leather shoes for the first time, apply a quality waterproofing spray. This creates a barrier against rain, mud, and moisture, all of which can stain and damage leather permanently. We always offer to do this free of charge in store when you purchase from us.

Reapply regularly, particularly as Canberra's colder, wetter months arrive. Think of it as routine maintenance rather than a one-off step. We stock a curated range of shoe care products in store - our team is happy to point you to the right one for your specific shoes.

Special Care for Suede and Nubuck

Suede and nubuck are beautiful but need a slightly different approach. Never apply water directly to suede as it can cause permanent staining. Instead, use a dedicated suede brush to remove surface dirt, always brushing in one direction to maintain the nap. Treat stains with a specialist suede cleaner, and apply a suede protector spray before first wear.

The protector won't change the look or feel of the shoe but gives you a much better chance against the inevitable splash or mark. Worth doing every season.

Store Them Properly

How you store your shoes matters more than you might think. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and heat. Don't store leather shoes in plastic bags - these trap moisture and can lead to mildew. Use the original dust bags, or breathable cotton storage bags. For boots, store them upright using boot trees or rolled-up magazines inside the shaft to prevent folding and creasing.

Know When to See a Cobbler

Even the most carefully maintained shoes will eventually need professional attention - and this is where a good cobbler is amazing. Don't wait until a sole is completely worn through or a heel tip has ground down to the metal. Both are more expensive to repair at that stage, and in some cases the damage can't be fully reversed.

A skilled cobbler can resole, reheel, and restore a quality leather shoe to near-new condition. For a shoe you genuinely love, it's almost always worth it - and far better for the environment than buying new.

Our Recommended Canberra Cobbler: Jhay the Cobbler

When our customers ask us where to take their shoes for repairs in Canberra, we send them to Jhay the Cobbler.

Jhay began his career in the 1980s, training under respected cobblers in Sydney before working at Chifley Shoeworx where he handled repairs for accounts including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo and RM Williams. He relocated to Canberra in 2003 and has been the city's go-to cobbler ever since.

Jhay specialises in high-quality resoles and structural rebuilds using premium materials including Vibram and Topy, and also offers leather restoration, handbag and belt repairs, and precision key cutting. He works to professional trade standards and backs his repairs with a craftsmanship guarantee.

You'll find him at Shop T2, Cooleman Court Shopping Centre, Weston Creek. You can also visit jhaythecobbler.com.au to learn more.

Sissa Sorella is a drop off point for Jhay, drop them off at the shop and organise payment with Jhay directly. Ask our team for more information.

The Sissa Sorella Shoe Care Range

We stock a selection of shoe care products in our Deakin boutique - because we want you to love your shoes for as long as possible. Our team is happy to recommend the right products for your specific pairs - and we do the waterproofing in store so just pop in and ask us.

And if you're looking to add some beautiful new shoes to your collection, browse our full range online or come and see us in store in Deakin - open Monday to Friday 9:30-4pm and weekends 9:30-2pm.

Great shoes will love your feet longer if you love them back!