Sandal Care 101: How to Make Your Footwear Last Longer

Clean After Every Few Wears

You do not need to deep-clean your sandals every single day, but letting dirt accumulate is where most damage begins. After a few outings, take a soft, dry cloth and wipe down the upper material and the sole. For leather or faux-leather surfaces, this is usually enough to remove surface dust and light marks.

For more stubborn marks, a slightly damp cloth with a tiny amount of mild soap works well. Work in gentle circular motions and avoid saturating the material. Once done, let the sandals air dry completely before wearing them again or storing them away.

Avoid Prolonged Sun and Water Exposure

Direct sunlight for extended periods is one of the fastest ways to fade colour and dry out the material of any sandal, especially those with leather or fabric uppers. If you have been out in bright weather, do not leave your sandals on a windowsill or in a hot car. Store them somewhere cool and shaded.

As for water, occasional splashes are fine, but walking through puddles or wearing your sandals in rain regularly will weaken the adhesives and soften materials that are not designed for wet conditions. Always let wet sandals dry naturally — never near a heater or direct heat source, which can cause warping and cracking.

Store Them Properly

How you store your sandals matters more than most people realise. Stacking them haphazardly in a pile puts pressure on the straps and can cause them to bend out of shape over time. Ideally, store each pair flat or in a dust bag. If you are putting them away for a longer period — end of season, for instance — stuff the toe area loosely with tissue paper to help them retain their shape.

Keep sandals away from sharp objects in your wardrobe that might scratch embellishments or scuff surfaces. If your sandals came with a box, that is the ideal storage solution.

Condition the Material Occasionally

Leather and leather-like materials benefit from occasional conditioning. A thin layer of neutral shoe conditioner applied with a soft cloth, then buffed gently, keeps the material supple and prevents cracking. You do not need to do this often — once every few months is usually sufficient for regular wear.

For fabric or suede-style uppers, a light brush with a suede brush can revive texture and remove minor marks. Avoid using conditioner on these materials as it can darken or stain them.

Handle Embellishments with Care

Metallic finishes, beaded details, and woven patterns are among the most eye-catching elements of handcrafted sandals — and also the parts that require the most gentle handling. Avoid rubbing embellished areas too hard when cleaning. If a small stone or bead comes loose, a dot of craft adhesive can often repair it cleanly at home.