Men’s monk strap shoes, with their sleek silhouette and timeless appeal, can be your best asset for formal and semi-formal engagements of all sorts, from evening parties to professional engagements.
But, when you get your monk strap shoes from a quality provider like Idrese (Idrese.com) they deserve a bit more care than your run-of-the-mill footwear.
Idrese’s shoes and boots are all made by craftsmen with many years of experience. Their artisans use only the finest of premium materials and construction methods, including full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and genuine Goodyear welts.
If you make your go-to pair of semi-formal footwear a pair of their men’s monk strap shoes, these are a few observations you should follow to keep them in good condition for longer.
Cleaning
Full-grain leather is thicker, more durable, and has better structural integrity than corrected, bonded, or genuine leather. However, it is still important to keep it clean, especially from time to time, or if it comes in contact with a substance that can damage or discolor it.
It is equally important to use a cleaner that the manufacturer considers safe for use with the leather. What you want to do is remove dust and dirt from the surface – not damage your leather shoes.
However, some people just prefer to use a clean, damp – not wet – rag. Simply wiping off the surface of the shoes, and under the strap, will remove any salt, dust, or dirt that has adhered to the surface of the leather.
When cleaning your shoes, be careful not to use too much water as leather is absorbent and will absorb it, which can discolor it and will cause cracking.
If your shoes have mud or dirt accumulated along the stitching, where the upper meets the welt, use a gentle, natural brush – such as a horsehair brush – to dislodge it.
Conditioning
Leather, being a natural material, is absorbent and prone to damage incurred by drying out and repeated stresses. One of the best things you can do for leather to prevent this is to condition it with an approved leather conditioner.
Again, it’s important to consult with the maker of your shoes to determine a compatible leather conditioner. There are all sorts of commercial conditioners, in addition to mink oil, neatsfoot oil, and beeswax-based conditioners.
Using a different dry rag or sponge, apply a small amount of conditioner to the leather of the shoes’ uppers. Don’t overapply, as leather is absorbent and will drink up all that you give it. Be sure to apply the conditioner evenly over all surfaces of the upper, especially at stress points, such as along the welt and where the crease naturally forms at the ball of the foot.
Conditioning properly will help keep your full-grain leather shoes supple and will serve as a hedge against drying and cracking as well as against water damage.
Storage
After you’ve cleaned and conditioned your shoes, place them in a dry, dark place for storage. Ideally, you should store them with a pair of high-quality unfinished cedar shoe trees.
Cedar shoe trees will inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus, keeping your leather shoes fresher for longer. They will also help absorb excess moisture from the lining of your shoes, protecting them against moisture damage.
As an added bonus, shoe trees will preserve the natural contours of your shoes.
In Need of Your Own Pair of Men’s Monk Strap Shoes?
If you’re looking for a new pair of men’s monk strap shoes, whether you’re looking for a pair of single monks or double monk straps, visit Idrese online at Idrese.com.
They carry a wide range of high-end and bespoke handmade shoes made with premium quality materials. The best part of their model is since they sell direct to consumers and cut out distributors, retailers, and other middlemen, their customers save.
Check out their website and get in touch with them directly if you have any questions about their men’s dress shoes and boots.
