How to make shoes softer. How to soften the leather on shoes and outerwear: the best products and recommendations. What to do if patent leather shoes rub

In everyday life, the question of how to soften the leather on shoes often becomes relevant, and various folk remedies and techniques can help answer this question.

Leather shoes are incredibly comfortable and practical to use. Wearing it allows your feet to breathe, ensuring uniform heat transfer, and guarantees excellent external performance. However, to achieve such parameters, it needs to be constantly looked after, otherwise it will lose its shine and attractiveness, which can affect the quality of the product. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to protect shoes from getting wet, especially in the autumn-winter period.

1 Leather shoes: care procedure and the most effective products

Any footwear is subjected to enormous loads of both thermal and mechanical properties every day. The result of such an impact is not only the loss of the visual appeal of the product, but also a significant deterioration in its qualities. Moreover, if we are talking about leather shoes, then the issue of preserving its original properties is especially acute. As a rule, high-quality leather products have a high cost, requiring special treatment. Unfortunately, wearing shoes inevitably affects its external characteristics. Of course, if you wear it indoors and don't go outside, it will last a little longer. However, in most cases, leather shoes are purchased specifically for outdoor wear, as they have excellent waterproofing properties. In such conditions, under constant exposure to moisture, temperature changes and other factors, the product becomes rougher and may even become deformed. The saddest outcome of contact with the external environment is complete failure, fraught with new material costs.

Leather shoe care

To avoid such problems, taking daily preventive measures aimed at maintaining the appearance of the leather covering and ensuring its safety will help. As a rule, the most common consequence of shoe contact with the external environment is hardening of the leather, as a result of which its surface becomes hard and becomes covered with cracks. Based on this, the primary task facing the owner of high-quality leather shoes is softening the outer coating, which is not so difficult to achieve at home.

Today, there is a huge number of different specialized products that allow you to take maximum care of your shoes, while spending a minimum amount of time and effort. However, there are cases when special means do not bring the desired effect or are too expensive, which is also not always advisable. In this situation, the best solution is to use traditional methods, of which there are quite a few. Moreover, each of them can become the key to a good result and protect leather shoes from damage. These methods look like this:

glycerol;
Castor oil;
paraffin;
baby cream

Most of the above products are almost always at hand, which makes shoe care not such a difficult task. Moreover, each of them has its own specific action and has its own specific effect on the coating, making it more pliable and gentle.

2 How to soften leather on shoes: effective methods and their characteristics

The use of glycerin gives owners of leather shoes many advantages, since this product itself is quite versatile. It is this that is the basis of most specialized impregnations and creams intended for the care of such shoes. In its structure and properties, glycerin is very similar to alcohol. At the same time, its inertness and non-aggressiveness makes it possible to use it to care for various things, including natural leather products.

The procedure for softening leather shoes

As a rule, glycerin is sold in liquid form, and it can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. In turn, you need to apply it to the coating using a small cotton swab, which covers the problem area. It remains in this position for 30-40 minutes, after which the leather shoe should be treated with a brush. The main advantage of glycerin is its high efficiency, which makes it possible not only to soften shoes, but to return them to their original shine.

Another fairly good way to soften leather shoes is to use castor oil, which can also be purchased at any pharmacy. To treat one boot or boot you will need several bottles of the product, so it is better to stock up on it in advance. A small amount of the substance is applied to a gauze swab or rag, after which the entire surface of the item is treated. In this case, the average duration of impregnation is 10-12 hours, after which the coating should become much more pliable and soft. If necessary, to consolidate the result obtained, the procedure should be repeated several times.

Ordinary paraffin is an excellent assistant in the care of leather shoes. Its use makes it possible to significantly increase the fat content of the surface, while creating an additional water-repellent layer. The method of applying this substance is one of the simplest and involves rubbing the coating with an ordinary candle. The treatment is carried out in such a way that all seams and problem areas are completely covered with the substance. In turn, paraffin residues are easily removed with a sponge or brush.

Baby cream has a high fat content, so it can also be useful in the fight against dull skin. Its application is quite simple - you just need to take a small amount of cream and thoroughly coat all problem areas with it, not forgetting the seams and joints. As a rule, one treatment is enough to return the shoes to their original appearance and soften them. In this case, the substance should be applied slowly with light massage movements, carefully distributing it over the entire surface of the skin.

3 Conclusion on the topic

Leather shoes are a kind of standard of beauty and reliability. However, to ensure the necessary parameters, it requires constant care, since exposure to the external environment has an adverse effect on the quality of the coating. In such conditions, you can use any special spray or cream designed for the care of leather products, or use folk remedies. Any of these options can bring a positive result, not only extending the life of the shoes, but also maintaining their visual appeal.

Are hard backs pressing? Are the top edges of your new shoes or the straps of your sandals chafing terribly? Of course, you can wear a pair for a long time and painfully, waiting until it fits your leg. Or you can immediately soften your leather shoes and not torture your feet with hard heels and rough straps.

The most radical way to soften shoes

An old army method that helps make even military boots as soft as slippers. Ideal for softening hard backs.

Moisturize your skin from the inside with water or stretching foam.
Place a wool, flannel or felt cloth soaked in the same liquid on the backdrop.
Gently hit the hard strap or back with a hammer, trying to hit only the fabric.
Periodically check how soft the shoes have become. It's important not to overdo it.

Of course, you should not soften the leather on Alexander McQueen and Oscar de la Renta shoes in this way. Dress shoes are not designed for such harsh measures. This technique is not suitable for shoes made of patent leather and thin suede.

The cheapest ways to soften shoes at home

If you don’t have a hammer, and you don’t know how else to soften your shoes at home, rummage through your medicine cabinet and bathroom shelves. A paraffin candle and pharmaceutical products can be found in any home.

To soften shoes at home with paraffin, you will need 1 candle and 5 minutes. From the inside, rub paraffin on areas of the shoe that are pinching or rubbing.

Paraffin is included in many shoe care products, such as Twist Casual Care. It softens the skin and makes it smoother. No paraffin? Natural beeswax will also work.

Almond, flaxseed, coconut, castor or any baby oil are inexpensive, but at the same time they perfectly soften leather shoes. So, how to soften leather shoes at home with oils:

Apply 1/2 teaspoon of oil to a cotton pad.
Rub it into the heel, hard edge or strap. Apply the oil to the inside of the skin.
Leave the leather shoes to soak for 8-10 hours. After soaking, try on a pair. Hard, pressing? Repeat the procedure.
The final absorption of the oil will take a little more than a day. Before putting on your shoes, go over the inside with a soft cloth. Check that the oil is completely absorbed and that there are no greasy stains left on the socks.

Glycerin can also be used instead of vegetable fats. It is well suited for softening certain areas of leather shoes and restoring leather that has dried out after long-term storage.

Please note that paraffin, vegetable fats and glycerin are not applied to the entire surface of the skin, but pointwise to individual areas. The principle “the more the better” does not work here. If applied too much, these substances will clog the pores of the skin, turning the shoes into a greenhouse.

How to soften leather shoes: methods for the careful and patient

Don't want to experiment with expensive leather shoes? Quite understandable concerns. Not all shoes can survive beating the heel with a hammer or rubbing castor oil.

The safest option to soften leather shoes at home is to treat them with a special cream or softening foam before wearing them. The best are: Leather Cream Collonil, Shoe stretch Salamander Professional, Complex comfort Salton Professional, Shoe stretch Tarrago aerosol. These products contain vegetable fats and wax. They will gradually soften the rough skin and make the shoes soft. You will still have to break in a pair, but there is a way to do it without pain, blood and calluses.

Before putting on new shoes, sandals or boots, use a drugstore stick or pencil to prevent blisters. Such pencils (sticks) soften not shoes, but the skin of the feet. Acting as a lubricant, they reduce friction, preventing the formation of watery calluses and corns.

The question of how to soften leather shoes at home usually refers to a new pair. But sometimes it turns out that your favorite comfortable boots or shoes that have been standing for some time have somehow turned into stiff shackles, squeezing your feet like a vice. The reasons why soft leather suddenly becomes tan can be different. Most often this leads to:

skin contact with reagents that are sprinkled on the streets in winter;
washing boots from the inside, especially using soap;
moisture penetration through the top water-repellent layer in wet weather;
exposure to high temperatures - for example, drying on a radiator or near heating devices.

You can restore elasticity to your skin using a special shoe softener or using proven home methods.

How to soften new leather shoes?

If you are looking for ways to soften new leather shoes without ruining them, natural remedies will help you:

linseed oil;
Castor oil;
petrolatum.

Apply a small amount of the substance to the surface, rub thoroughly and leave for a few minutes. Then remove the residue with a napkin and polish well. If necessary, you can repeat the procedure. Castor oil should be used with caution as it may cause shoes to darken. Therefore, before applying it, test the reaction on the least noticeable area. If the paint does not change shade, you can safely treat the entire surface.

As a softener for a light coating, you can use your own prepared composition. To do this, you will need colorless shoe polish based on beeswax and baby cream. They must be mixed in equal parts until smooth, and then rub the product and leave until completely absorbed.

If only the heel of your new boots rubs, you can soften it with glycerin. To begin, apply a hot, damp cloth or towel to the inner surface of the backdrop to open up the pores of the skin, and then treat it with glycerin.

How to soften old leather shoes

If your shoes begin to chafe after seasonal storage, use the recommendations on how to soften old leather shoes. First of all, you can try to stretch the product with alcohol or cologne. To do this, treat the inner surface, and then put the pair on a thick sock and walk like that for a while. Vinegar has similar properties, but when using it, keep in mind that a specific smell will persist for some time.

You can also soften your shoes using heat. Place a napkin inside the product and carefully pour a small amount of boiling water onto it. Don't be too zealous - there should be just enough water to just moisten the fabric. Then remove the napkin, put on your shoes and walk around until they cool down. If you are worried about the seams not coming unglued, use gentle methods: heat the product with a hairdryer or over steam.

Remember that hot skin becomes very pliable and easily takes on any shape that is given to it. Therefore, after heating, the product should cool only on the foot, otherwise there is a risk that the pair will lose its shape.

What to do with expensive shoes?

If you purchased branded products, you should not experiment with it. By skimping on a store-bought softener, you can ruin the appearance of the product forever. To prevent this from happening, use products specifically designed for these purposes, giving preference to trusted brands. At the Shoe Center shopping center you will find a wide range of shoe care products, and consultants will help you choose the most suitable option.

Thanks to all the known advantages, leather shoes are the most comfortable shoes in the world. But despite this, both new and previously worn pairs can begin to chafe. The thing is that leather itself is a rather rough material, especially when it comes to old shoes that have endured more than one season of snow and rain. Over time, it coarsens and becomes more and more rigid. You can always soften the steam by using spray and cream, as well as using traditional methods, which mostly give good results.

How to make leather shoes softer: 6 methods

1. Protective and nutritional products

When purchasing new shoes, be sure to pick up a protective aerosol spray from the store. It must be applied before the first time outside in order to saturate the skin, and in the future it will work as a dirt-repellent agent. Do not skimp on the cream that will nourish the skin. Doing these steps regularly will keep your skin soft.

2. Wear your shoes before going out.

Before you go on a long walk in a new pair, wear it at home so that the leather can take the desired shape. If the shoes are still rubbed, then additional moisture is needed, which can be achieved using the methods given in this article.

3. Castor oil

Using simple castor oil, which is sold in any pharmacy, is one of the most effective ways to soften the skin, tested by our grandmothers. Apply a small amount of oil to a cotton pad and then

4. Flaxseed oil

If you have linseed oil on your household, you can use it to soften the seams of your shoes. This will be needed for a couple that has been idle for a long time.

5. Wax, turpentine and castor oil

Effective impregnation can be obtained by mixing melted beeswax, turpentine (coniferous oil) and castor oil in equal proportions. The result is a product that has not only softening properties. It will also serve

a protective layer from dust and dirt, protects against moisture and restores the color of the shoes.

6. Shoe polish + baby cream

Surprisingly, baby cream is also used to soften shoe leather. It must be added to the shoe polish (40% of the volume), mixed well and applied in a thick layer.

How to make the back of a shoe softer?

A new pair may have a hard heel, which after wearing it 2-3 times should take the shape of your foot and stop rubbing. But how can you wear boots for 2 whole days if they rub calluses? There is a solution! Using a solution of vinegar or paraffin can soften rough skin. Apply the solution to a cotton pad and wipe the desired area. After drying, repeat the procedure. Or you can take a regular candle and rub the backdrop with it. The second method is less effective, so it is suitable for softer skin.

How to soften your shoes so they don't rub?

Leather shoes are easy to care for. All she needs is cleanliness and regular application of cream. If the boots are wet, under no circumstances should you dry them near heat sources (radiator, heater), as the pair may lose their shape. should be dried at room temperature so that the material does not deform from drying too quickly. You need to put it inside

a form holder or crumpled newspaper so that the pair takes a beautiful shape. After complete drying (from 1 to 2 days, depending on the degree of wetness), it is necessary to apply moisturizing shoe cream.

By the way, it is best to apply the cream in the evening so that it is well absorbed in the morning. Morning cleaning will not give the same result. Before going out, you can simply add shine with a cream or spray, but for greater effect these products must be applied

You need to take care of your shoes daily to maintain their attractive appearance for as long as possible. Plus, with constant hydration, the skin will not become rough, and as a result, it will never rub calluses. By following simple care rules, you will protect not only your shoes, but also your feet!

Almost every person has more than once wondered how to soften leather shoes at home. Even if the size is chosen correctly, new shoes or boots can be too tight. Over time, they spread on their own. But until then, you have to endure hellish torment, suffer from calluses and dropsy.

It also happens that it is not the new shoes that begin to press and rub. This is explained very simply: during wear, natural leather can become rough, especially if it is improperly or carelessly cared for. You can avoid small troubles if you immediately after purchase use professional or improvised skin softening products. Then the new thing will delight you from the first day and will not cause any discomfort.

There are several ways to soften genuine leather shoes and make them comfortable. Among them:

services of a shoemaker from a workshop - they stretch shoes on special lasts, and simply break up particularly problematic areas with special tools;
professional products from a shoe store are a variety of creams and sprays that are recommended to be applied immediately after purchasing a new pair of shoes;
folk remedies - that is, those that are prepared with one’s own hands from the most accessible ingredients found in the kitchen or in a home medicine cabinet.

Each method has its pros and cons. Which one to choose depends on the availability of free time and finances. The services of a specialist are not always available; products from the store are quite expensive. Therefore, many people prefer to deal with the problem using improvised means.

Glycerin for skin softening

Glycerin is a universal and affordable means for softening leather products. The chemical composition of this substance is an alcohol compound, but it does not dry the skin, but on the contrary, makes it soft and elastic. By the way, glycerin is often the main component of professional products for the care of shoes made of genuine leather, so it can be safely used at home.

The simplest recipe is to lubricate rough areas of shoes or chafing heels with glycerin and leave to soak for a quarter of an hour. Then the excess is removed with a napkin, and the shoes themselves are polished with a brush or cloth. If, in addition to everything else, the skin begins to crack, then you can mix glycerin with a little beaten egg white.

Egg white will fill microcracks and make slightly worn shoes look flawless. But keep in mind that such a mixture may leave marks on shoes made of dark leather.

How to apply wax or paraffin

Wax can also often be found in shoe store products for treating leather shoes. At home it is used like this:

the cinder of a wax or paraffin candle is melted in a water bath;
allow the liquid to cool slightly - hot wax can damage the natural code;
carefully apply wax with a cloth to the roughened areas of the shoes - usually these are heels, socks or the area near the big toe;
Allow the product to soak in for five minutes, then polish the shoes or boots.

It is not recommended to use colored candles to soften shoes. First, they can stain your shoes. Secondly, quite aggressive chemicals are sometimes used as dyes, which can have a negative effect on natural leather.

Lard is the best softener

Lard is harmful to blood vessels, as it threatens the development of atherosclerosis. But for shoes made of genuine leather it is very useful. Only under one condition - the lard must be unsalted. Many people prefer this particular product for caring for leather shoes to all the expensive creams and lotions from the store.

It is very simple to use: cut off a small slice of soft lard and rub it into hard areas of the skin with your hands. You can rub your shoes completely - this will only be beneficial. It’s better to do this at night so that the lard can properly saturate and restore the skin. In the morning, all you have to do is polish your shoes and boots - and they will become soft, comfortable and beautiful, you will no longer experience any discomfort.

What else can you try?

If time permits, you can prepare a special shoe polish. Emollient ointment consists of the following components:

wax - 3 parts;
turpentine - 1 part;
castor oil - 1 part.

The wax is melted in a water bath, then mixed with turpentine and castor oil - it can be purchased at the pharmacy in a bottle or capsules. The resulting emulsion is poured into a jar with a lid and left until it cools completely. Then it is used to treat roughened natural leather.

By the way, such a product can be applied to seams - it will work as a water-repellent. But do not forget to thoroughly polish your shoes, boots or boots after absorption.

Castor oil can be replaced with flaxseed oil - it will not harm. But sunflower seeds are prohibited - at first the shoes will become soft, but within a day they will become hopelessly rough. If you don't have anything at all, just boil water and hold the shoes over hot steam, then put them on your socks and leave them on for several hours. Wearing shoes after this treatment will be much more pleasant.