Rating of the best shoe care products in autumn and winter in 2022

The coming cold weather with regular temperature changes and a dose of salt on the roads. The reagent mixed with soil and snow is a real test for our shoes. Even simple models require proper care during these periods, not to mention elegant boots. Properly selected care products will not only help protect your favorite shoes from damage, but will also help you avoid unexpected expenses.

Description and difference of compositions

This is a series of special substances designed to help maintain the aesthetics and quality of models. Simply put, we are talking about some cosmetics that can be easily found in an expensive store, or bought by ordering online, where courier delivery is available. The following substances are found among skincare cosmetics:

• creams;
• sprays;
• impregnation;
• tinting agents;
• eraser;

• application tools.

Their main advantages are:

• waxes and pastes containing it - make the skin shiny and protect it from moisture;
• fluorocarbon resins are often included in the structure of impregnations for leather or textile bases; such components prevent the penetration of water or oil, allowing the product to “breathe”;
• ingredients obtained artificially, they help bind the base with coloring substances, thereby forming a glossy coating, and are resistant to polishing;
• solvents;
• color components - add intensity to the main shade;
• animal fats and oils make the fibers of the material itself softer and more elastic, but have the disadvantage of a rather low impregnation property.

But primary treatment is not able to remove all contaminants, although they are visually removed. Therefore, boots must be periodically subjected to full treatment using more serious elements.

In this connection, shoe care products are divided into three groups:

1. For the cleaning. In this case, foam stain removers, special shampoos or simple soap are suitable.
2. Care products. The structure of the product itself is of great importance here. Because different models of boots require certain medications.
3. Protective - they are considered the most popular. Which is logical, since regardless of the season, shoes regularly experience the harmful effects of the environment.

How to use and store accessories

There is no clear answer about how often you need to use skincare products. It all depends on how you use a particular model. And since too regular use of cosmetics can damage your new clothes, the following options are the most acceptable:

1. In dry weather, if the boots are worn a couple of times in 7 days. It will be enough to process them in just one and a half to two months. And if 4, then every 3-4 decades.
2. For wet weather, under the same conditions - monthly, and when operating up to four - every 2 weeks.
3. Impregnation should be used in tandem with cream, and it is better to spray it before applying the latter.
4. Suede boots do not need to be cleaned with cream or polish; for such a pair, impregnation or spray is desirable. Usually these accessories are placed in a special shoe cabinet. You can also use various cases to store models and related items with convenient compartments.

Such containers can be placed anywhere:

• on mezzanines;
• under the sofa;
• on the bottom shelf of the rack.

If the container is opaque, you can make a sticker with a signature. And in order not to spend extra money and time searching for the required accessories, you can simply purchase a whole care set, which is already a convenient option for storing non-standard cosmetics.

For textile

There are a number of care products for shoes made of textiles. Among them there are many economical and affordable options. Caring for fabric footwear involves cleaning and drying . It is not necessary to dry-clean your sneakers, ballet flats, or moccasins if you follow a few tips:

• Dirty areas can be cleaned using a rough brush - even an old toothbrush will do.
• Be sure to remove the laces and insoles, because... they need to be washed separately.
• Wash your ballet flats or slippers with water and detergent. For this purpose, use soap, gel, powder and other suitable types of products.
• The approximate washing time is no more than 7 minutes. Textile footwear should not be soaked.
• Wash only in warm water. Squeeze out excess water by squeezing the fabric lightly.
• You need to dry it so that the moisture flows out and does not accumulate in the heel or toe.
• When sushi, use special inserts. They will prevent deformation of the fabric material.

Requirements for the product taking into account the specifics of the season

Care for smooth skin

These boots require regular care. But before applying a new layer, preliminary cleaning with foam is required. The unshakable classic for caring for them is cream. As a rule, it is based on the following components.

1. Wax - often the price of the entire package depends on what ingredient was used, natural or industrial. Most often, expensive substances are based on a bee product. But there is the sap of the Brazilian carnauba tree and fruit waxes.
2. Oil - can also be of natural or synthetic origin. The highest quality compounds contain extracts from avocado, coconut, almond and so on.
3. Fat-containing creams.
4. Solvents – chemical or water based. And although they help maintain the integrity of the structure, it is not advisable to use them often. Solvent cream has the following disadvantages:

• unpleasant, chemical odor;
• does not have a high level of environmental friendliness;
• heterogeneous and even liquid consistency.

To maintain the original shade, you should resort to products with auxiliary substances that prevent things from cracking. To obtain a more natural shine, it is recommended that after treating the last cream, polish it with a soft brush with simple bristles.

Video tips for caring for smooth leather shoes:

For suede and nubuck options

These materials are characterized by fine pile, however, these are different structures. The first is the skin of small-horned cattle and therefore more delicate, and the second is made from the skin of large animals and has long fibers. But both options require a special approach, however, the same ingredients are perfect for them:

• water-repellent sprays, they can be universal, but it is not difficult to find a substance with a specific purpose;
• special or combined brushes, have natural, synthetic or metallized, but soft bristles;
• a special foam for removing dirt that works well with a piece of foam rubber;
• a spray with a tinting effect - identical to the shade of the item itself, it is capable of not only restoring the original color, but also copes with an excellent protective function.

Things made from these pieces of water are not afraid of water; they can be easily cleaned using a liquid solution or a special shampoo. But in order to protect boots or autumn boots from getting wet and dirty, they are treated with conditioners or impregnations created for this purpose.

As a rule, such information is indicated on the packaging.

For fleecy materials, you need special products and erasers or low-hardness brushes designed for this purpose. And to minimize the ingress of dust, use dirt- and water-proof impregnation.

Video instructions for caring for suede shoes:

About skincare cosmetics for lacquered options

These models are considered special due to the material from which they are made. This can be either a natural texture or its artificial substitute, coated with a special substance:

• made of polyurethane;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• nitrocellulose;
• linseed oil.

It is this coating that is the most demanding element that requires special care when caring. The best options in this case would be various color-restoring sprays, softening foams and varnishes for gloss and the formation of a protective film. While the use of creams is not advisable, due to the specific constituents, such textures may leave marks or streaks. Caring for such things is carried out only using:

• soft flannel or microfiber cloth;
• cotton pad.

In the autumn-winter period, it is advisable to use the following means:

• various foams for cleaning patent leather shoes;
• multifunctional substances, including those designed directly for special materials, such as colorless SALTON elements suitable for all skin types;
• cream gloss with applicator for gentle application;
• sprays and mousses that maintain the shine and elasticity of varnished items, prevent the formation of cracks on the surface and protect models from external factors.

Video tips for caring for patent leather shoes:

For artificial materials

Development affects everything, and the shoe industry has not been left out. So, by 2022, to ensure human comfort in chilly weather, a special membrane fabric was created - Goretex. The development immediately found its application because it can evaporate moisture. Therefore, to care for things made of Gore-Tex, it is enough to remove the dirt immediately after a walk and wipe it with a damp cloth. When caring for such products, it is not recommended:

• use a rough brush that can break through the base; it is preferable to use a simple sponge;
• do not use powder products; a special liquid soap or gel would be an excellent solution;
• membrane fabric does not tolerate wax or oil-containing products, as they prevent the base from breathing.

For processing Gore-Tex, a water-repellent agent in the form of a spray is welcome. Nutritious balms have performed well; they help solve 3 issues at once.

1. They fill the fabric with important components that extend its service life.
2. Protects against moisture penetration.
3. They do not allow harmful substances to penetrate into the porous structure of the material.

As a rule, all options for caring for membrane fabrics are marked with a note stating that the liquid was created specifically for things made of Gore-Tex. And if the outer part of the boots has leather inserts, then you should select impregnations and emulsions only with a water base.

Video tutorial on caring for membrane shoes:

For leather shoes

To protect leather boots or shoes from scuffs and other deformations, you need to know the rules for caring for them. The minimum kit should include wax, cream, brushes of different hardness, and a soft cloth. The first is needed to increase moisture resistance, the second - nutrition, restoration of color, the third and fourth - cleansing from dust, applying cream and polishing. Additionally, you can purchase shoe deodorant, softening and stretching spray, paint in spray form or in a dispenser. It would be a good idea to study the composition of shoe cosmetics:

• wax protects against external factors, provides well-grooming and a glossy effect;
• oils can restore freshness to the appearance;
• silicones polish the surface;
• Solvents remove dust;
• Water-repellent products are made based on fluorocarbon resins.

Fat creams, or shoe polishes, are considered classics of care. Due to the oils and fats they contain, such products provide intensive care for leather boots, shoes, shoes - this is especially necessary in the winter season. In summer, you can give preference to products based on silicones or solvents. For example, silicone shoe polish is a good choice. You can nourish a leather pair several times. For polishing, use a horsehair brush, nylon stocking or suede cloth.

Tips on how to choose

1. When deciding on care products for warm shoes or boots, consider the type of material from which they are made, the purpose of the substance itself, and what you want to get in the end. For example, you should not choose special fat to add shine.
2. During the change of season, it is worth resorting to impregnations with a water-based base. Such preparations contain almost no wax. But in winter, on the contrary, products containing organic compounds and paraffins will perform well.
3. You should not go for a walk without first treating your boots with a water-repellent spray.
4. Before using any product on your boots, do a small test on a small, inconspicuous area. Such caution will ensure that the components will not harm or discolor the model.
5. Smooth skin will better perceive creams whose structure contains about 30% wax, coupled with solvent and silicone.
6. You should choose shoes with Gore-Tex based on the TEX mark. It means that the texture is good to use for membrane connections. An abbreviation can be in different formats, for example, part of a phrase. Such impregnations do not clog pores and they are not so aggressive.
7. Don’t forget about disinfection; for this, there are also a number of substances that eliminate unpleasant odors of fungi and bacteria.
8. Despite their versatility, colorless creams should not be used too often, as this may affect the quality and color saturation. It is better to select a compound of a suitable shade.
9. It is better not to treat more modern fabrics, as well as options made of fleecy leather, with creams, otherwise stains or cracks may appear on them.

For varnished

Taking care of leather shoes with a patent leather surface is a very difficult task. The glossy finish can crack and fade, causing the shoe's appearance to suffer greatly. To extend their service life, follow the recommendations:

• Clean it daily from dust and other contaminants using a soft, damp sponge or disk soaked in milk;
• periodically polish with castor oil, glycerin or petroleum jelly - this approach will help maintain the glossy varnish layer for as long as possible;
• to enhance the glossy shine, you can periodically treat genuine leather models with a little beaten egg white;
• use specialized products for the care of footwear of this type (water-based), because ordinary ones can disrupt the structure of their pores, as a result of which boots or shoes lose their shine;
• Do not use a brush to wipe the varnished pair.

Tricks for caring for patent leather

Products for caring for fleecy surfaces

Salamander Nubuk Velours

Specially created spray paint for models made of suede, nubuck and velor, restores the original shade of boots, guaranteeing intensive nutrition and care. The special formula of this product, after drying, forms a protective layer that does not allow external anomalies to affect the thin material of the boots.

Salamander Nubuk Velours

Advantages:

• Dries quickly;
• convenient to use;
• good price;
• paints over abrasions;
• lies flat;
• there is a water-repellent effect;
• lasts a long time;
• does not damage the ozone layer.

Flaws:

• Has a pungent odor;
• ends quickly;
• Can't handle a large scale of work.

DIVIDIC antireagent

A new product from a domestic manufacturer that is gaining popularity is a protective impregnation, an anti-reagent, that will quickly and effectively protect shoes from salts and chemicals used in winter. This product is characterized by a high content of active substances. This feature allows it to create effective protection against anti-slip agents and protect the product from moisture. And thanks to innovative technology, Neutraq eliminates unpleasant odors from the constituent components, thereby preventing them from “spoiling the reputation” of the final product.

DIVIDIC antireagent

Advantages:

• Copes with the protection of varnish base, suede, nubuck, velor, even fashionable textiles;
• can be sprayed on clothes;
• waterproof;
• without smell;
• lasts a long time;
• economical consumption;
• moderate cost.

Flaws:

• It may leak.

SALTON Water protection

A new development from a popular company in Russia will allow you to be on top, despite the vicissitudes of the weather. This spray impregnation will provide reliable protection for your favorite item from unsightly marks and stains. The main advantage of this composition is its powerful water-repellent property due to the increased content of fluorocarbon resin. The spray is designed to work with models of boots made of plain leather, thin suede, nubuck, as well as innovative material - Gortex.

SALTON Water protection

Advantages:

• High-quality composition;
• protects from contamination;
• good moisture resistance;
• reasonable cost;
• universal;
• can also be used for regular fabric;
• economical consumption.

Flaws:

• Unpleasant smell.

Creams

All shoe polishes are divided into...

• Thick creams based on organic solvents

Advantage: Optimal effect in bad weather. Ingredients: solvents, wax and coloring agent, animal fat. Suitable for shoes made of thick genuine leather.

• Liquid creams, emulsion

Most effective in the warm season. The composition contains fewer solvents (they are replaced with water). An ideal choice for elegant, expensive shoes made of fine leather. The level of protection is lower compared to a thick thick cream, but the shine is very durable.

The best shoe polish - rating based on consumer reviews:

1. Salamander.
2. Kiwi.
3. Sapphire.

Popular products for products made from synthetic materials

Tarrago - Mink Oil

Fat impregnation with real mink oil has an intense moisturizing effect and also protects the skin from drying out. The composition promotes greater elasticity and water-repellent effect.

Tarrago - Mink Oil

Advantages:

• Reliable manufacturer;
• shoes do not get wet;
• polishes well;
• economical;
• does not smell;
• helps to carry out a new model;
• universal.

Flaws:

• The skin darkens;
• until it is completely absorbed, it can collect a lot of dust;
• no sponge included;
• When applied in several layers it becomes sticky.

SALTON EXPERT

A universal remedy for protection against salt, the harmful effects of substances used by public utilities, and the manifestations of unpleasant stains. The composition has a unique formula designed for different materials and the most unusual colors.

SALTON EXPERT

Advantages:

• Performed well with membrane texture;
• does not allow moisture to pass through;
• does not leave streaks;
• significantly extends the service life of models;
• good smell;
• copes well with reagents;
• lasts a long time;
• minimum consumption.

Flaws:

• Not always available for sale.

SALTON PROF

The cream has a very thick and viscous consistency, making it very economical to use. The composition of the cream has caring components and is equally suitable for use on natural leather and substitute leather. Here you can only find four colors: brown, black, white and dark blue. The cream softens the surface of shoes well, which avoids cracks and creases and prolongs their presentable and neat appearance.

Pros:

1. Has a water-repellent effect;
2. Protects against heavy reagents;
3. Returns shoes a beautiful color.

Minuses:

1. Small selection of colors.

Stretchers

These products appeared on our market not so long ago and immediately successfully replaced all “grandmother’s methods.” If the purchased (donated) shoes fell a little short on your feet, simply did not wear in or shrunk due to frequent getting wet/drying, then a stretcher will solve this problem - it softens the skin and ensures its easy stretching to the desired size (within reason, of course).

The best stretchers:

1. Salamander.
2. Salton.
3. Kiwi.

Sprays Anticolor

Take off your new shoes and your white socks turn black? And the boots were probably expensive? Don't despair and don't rush to throw them in the trash. Now we can solve this problem too. Unfortunately, expensive shoes also suffer from dyeing socks and tights. Your magic wand is Anticolor, which protects socks from staining and fixes the pigment layer of the inside of your shoes by creating a protective film.

This product can be used for completely different materials, and the spray form will greatly facilitate the task.

The best Anticolor sprays:

1. Salamander.
2. Collonil.
3. Saphir.

Brushes

One of the most necessary “tools” for shoe care is, of course, a shoe brush.

The best one is with natural bristles, and with a certain distance between the rows of this bristles (for easy removal of cream from the brush after cleaning shoes).

The body of the instrument must have a protective varnish coating or be made of plastic.

The best brushes - rating based on consumer reviews:

1. Salamander (double-sided brush).
2. Twist Casual Style Mini.
3. Salton (triple brush, ideal for suede/nubuck).

Restorative paint

Using this product, you can restore shoes that have suffered from the effects of bad weather, restore scratches, abrasions, broken toes/heels, and disguise almost any defects. In addition to its restoration and camouflage properties, the restorer will protect shoes from dirt and moisture, prevent the appearance of stains, and restore the color intensity and velvety of nubuck.

The main advantages of a high-quality restorer are the durability of the paint - it will not stain your clothes and will not wash off after drying. The reducing agent should be left on the shoes until it dries completely, after which the effect should be secured with a protective agent.

The restorer contains silicone and stabilizers, pigments, wax with natural oils, etc. The product lies on the surface of the shoe like a second skin and easily hides even cuts, seams and traces of gluing on the shoes.

The best restorer - rating of cream paint and spray paint:

1. Salamander.
2. Erdal.
3. Collonil.
4. Sitil.
5. Saphir.
6. Kiwi.
7. Silver.

Sponges

One of the main assistants in any weather, always present, both in a woman’s handbag and on a shelf at home (or in the office, in the dressing room). An irreplaceable item: a couple of swings - and the shoes shine again, like new. Of course, you can’t compare a sponge with impregnation or cream in terms of effectiveness, but sometimes you just can’t do without it.

Disadvantages of the sponge: a maximum of 30-50 shoe cleanings (then it simply dries out and loses its quality), the glycerin impregnation of the sponge dissolves in water (that is, the shoes do not protect against moisture), and the foam rubber breaks very quickly.

The most durable sponges are made of dense foam rubber, with a polystyrene body, with a dispenser and based on silicone oils. Well, it’s also worth remembering that the purpose of a sponge is to add shine, and not to protect shoes from moisture.

The best sponges - rating:

1. Salamander (contains dye, silicone impregnation).
2. Salton professional (double sponge, gel dispenser).
3. Smart (Contains dye, silicone oils. Dust-repellent effect).
4. Silver (Contains perfume and silicone oil, dye).
5. Vilo (contains silicone oil, dye).

Erasers

If you have suede shoes and the color is original (neither white nor black), then the ideal cleaning option is dry. That is, using a special eraser. This product will help maintain the structure of suede and remove dirt without damaging the surface.

The best erasers - rating based on consumer reviews:

1. Complex Care Salton Professional. For suede, velor, nubuck.
2. Solitaire. For removing stains from velor.
3. Saphir. For suede, velor.
4. Collonil Nubuk Box. For velor, nubuck.

Criterias of choice

In order not to spoil your favorite pair, it is important to choose the right water-repellent mixture. Not all copies are universal. Products containing fats should not be used on suede shoes.

There are many items on the market: sprays in cans, wax and cream textures. You can easily choose the most convenient format.

Aerosols are becoming increasingly popular. They are easy to use, often versatile and require less impregnation time. The only drawback of this format is wasteful consumption. You need to choose the most convenient option to use.

It is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers such as Salamander, KIWI, Salton, Collonil, Solemate Shield. The products of these brands are more expensive, but this is justified by their undeniable quality, which provides reliable protection.