The part of your shoes that is likely to get the least amount of attention is the sole, but taking good care of it is vital to the health of the entire shoe.

Many shoe soles are now made of rubber, which is durable but doesn't give you the classic look that a leather sole does.

Leather soles require conditioning and waterproofing, otherwise the rest of the shoe can crack and become damaged.

Conditioning Leather Soles

Conditioning your leather soles will prevent this cracking, drying, and other damage. You can use polish like you would on the top of your shoes to condition the leather or use a specific leather conditioner such as Red Moose Pure Mink Oil Paste.

Normal wear-and-tear can also cause leather soles to deteriorate. Don't wear the same pair two days in a row; by giving them a break, it allows the leather to breathe and recover after a day of work. You will also want to make sure the shoes are dry before you put them away, which leads us to our next topic.

Waterproofing Your Leather Soles

You will want to perform this process as soon as you get your shoes. Start by applying Red Moose Mink Oil Aerosol to the sole of your shoe. Besides water, this also protects against winter elements like snow and salt stains.

Next, use Red Moose Water and Stain Repellant Spray, which will increase your waterproofing protection without staining or discoloring your materials. You can also use this on boots and handbags, too!

How often you will have to repeat this procedure depends on how you care for the shoes on a daily basis, how often they get wet, and the climate where you live. Once you notice that water isn't being repelled by the shoe, it's time for another waterproofing session. But by following these simple steps, you will create a great barrier from the ground to your feet and extend the life of your shoes.