Care Guide for Leather Sandals
A few simple habits keep leather sandals beautiful for years: dry them naturally in the shade, clean them with a soft, slightly damp cloth, nourish the leather every few weeks with a bit of colorless moisturizing cream or leather oil, keep them away from saltwater and chlorine, and store them clean and dry in a breathable case. Genuine leather is a living material — with simple, regular care it lasts for years and becomes more beautiful.
Every pair of EMMANUELA handcrafted for you® that I make in my workshop in Greece is made from genuine leather: a material that lives, breathes, and beautifies over time, as long as you care for it properly. Here’s how I take care of it myself.
The five care steps
1. Dry them in the shade, not in the sun
Let the sandals dry naturally on their own, in a shady and ventilated spot. Avoid heaters, hairdryers, and long hours in the hot sun: intense heat dehydrates the leather and causes it to crack.
2. Clean them simply and gently
For daily dust, a soft, slightly damp cloth is enough. Wipe gently and let them dry naturally. Avoid harsh cleaners, alcohol, and baby wipes — they dry out and damage the leather.
3. Nourish the leather every few weeks
Every few weeks, apply a bit of colorless moisturizing cream or special leather oil with gentle circular motions. Test first on a small, hidden spot (patch test). On natural and tan leathers, the shade deepens beautifully over time — this natural patina is a sign of genuine leather, not wear.
4. Keep them away from sea and pool
Keep the sandals away from the sea and pool: salt and chlorine dehydrate the leather. If they get wet, rinse them with some fresh water, stuff them with paper to keep their shape, let them dry naturally, and then apply some cream.
5. Store them properly for winter
Before storing them for winter, make sure they are clean and completely dry. Store them in a fabric bag or box, in a cool place without humidity. Avoid airtight plastic — leather needs to breathe.
What to avoid
- Heaters, hairdryers, and long hours in the hot sun
- Harsh cleaners, alcohol, and baby wipes
- Sea and pool (salt and chlorine)
- Airtight plastic in storage
If they ever need repair
Handmade sandals are made to be repaired: a worn sole can be replaced, a strap can be resewn, a buckle can be renewed. So, with these simple steps, your sandals will become more beautiful every summer — and if they ever need repair, write to me. Handmade sandals can be repaired, and that is their beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear them at the beach?
Better not. Salt and chlorine dehydrate the leather. If they get wet, rinse them with some fresh water, stuff them with paper, let them dry naturally in the shade, and then apply some colorless cream.
How do I dry wet leather sandals?
Always naturally, in a shady and ventilated spot. Stuff them with paper to keep their shape. Never use a heater, hairdryer, or hot sun, because intense heat dehydrates the leather and causes it to crack.
How often should I nourish the leather?
Every few weeks during the season, with a bit of colorless moisturizing cream or leather oil and gentle circular motions. Test first on a small, hidden spot. A little and regularly is better than a lot at once.
Is it normal for the leather color to change?
Yes. On natural and tan leathers, the shade deepens beautifully over time. This patina is a sign of genuine leather and part of its beauty, not a defect.