Care Guide for the Derby Shoes

Your suede Derby Shoes are treated to be water-repellent but treat them to a few sprays of water-proofing before wearing them for the first time and you’ll be able to jump into even bigger puddles.

As for all of us, shoes like a breather, so we don't recommend wearing them too many days in a row. This gives them time to dry out, especially after a long walk on a hot day.

These are soles designed to last. That's why they're called Commando and they’re a perfect match with Goodyear welt. But when the time comes to resole them, your cobbler’ll know exactly what to do.

Use shoe trees to keep the shape of your shoes. We can recommend In Corio cedarwood shoe trees – made out of the best material for helping them dry out.

For the smooth leather:

1. Remove the laces.

2. Remove any surface dirt or dust with a soft bristle brush. Use a smaller brush (a toothbrush is good) to brush away any dust collected on the welt’s waxed thread.

3. Wipe your Derby Shoes softly with a damp (not soaked) flannel cloth.

4. Then apply a small amount of neutral-coloured cream polish with a soft cloth in small, circular movements.

5. Brush with a polishing brush.

6. Buff the leather with a cotton chamois cloth to enhance the look and remove any excess shine.

Be careful: don't use black polish – this will change the finish.

For suede:

1. Remove the laces.

2. Start by removing any surface dirt or dust with a soft bristle brush. Use a smaller brush (a toothbrush is good) to brush away any dust collected around the waxed thread on the welt.

3. Finish off with a crepe brush, or a brass brush, to restore the original finish and texture to the suede. Brush your shoes like you would a horse – in the direction of the fibres.

4. After cleaning reapply a water-repellent or water-proofing spray. This will keep the colour looking good and protect the original treatment over time. Hold the shoes 30cm (1 foot) away from the spray and give them a couple of blasts all over. Presto.

For the waxed leather

Once you've cleaned them and brushed the fibre or 'hairs' back into line, you can apply a special colourless wax or specific oil to replenish the waxed leather.

For fans of the right kit, Saphir is a good brand for all the trappings. Burgel do some nice brushes, including ones for the welt. For brass brushes for suede try Famaco. If you can't get rid of the final touches of dirt on your suede, use a special suede gum, like the Woly Suede Velour Gum, or, if you want to go further, a suede foam.

Whatever you do, you really don’t want to do the following, it’s like saying Beetlejuice's name 3 times:

• Don’t wash your Derby Shoes by putting them under running water (or in the washing machine).

• Don’t apply bleach, solvents or any similar nasty products.

• and however much they insist, don’t leave them out sunbathing or next to a heater.

So there you have it, you now know everything there is to know about looking after your Derby Shoes. If we've missed something or you have any questions hit us up in the comment section below or here help@asphalte-paris.com

The Asphalte Team