Treating Sperry Boat Shoes: Pre-Wear Care Tips

Sperry boat shoes are a popular choice for those seeking a casual shoe with a nautical twist. Before wearing your new Sperrys, it's important to break them in by wearing them often when the leather is most pliable. This will ensure they mould to the shape of your feet. To speed up this process, you can also treat your shoes with Sperry Leather Cleaner & Conditioner, or a leather lotion, to add moisture to the leather and prevent drying, cracking, and scuffing. It's also important to ensure you have the correct size, with room for your toes to wiggle, and to decide whether you'll be wearing socks with your boat shoes, as this will impact how they mould to your feet.

How to Treat Sperry Boat Shoes Before Wearing

Wear them often when they're new and made of leather

When you get a new pair of leather Sperry boat shoes, the best thing you can do is wear them—a lot. Leather Sperry boat shoes are designed to be worn and will quickly mould to the shape of your feet. The leather is most pliable when the shoes are new, so wearing them often during this time will ensure they form to your feet for a comfortable, broken-in fit.

Classic leather Sperry boat shoes are unlined, meaning there is no additional layer that needs to take shape. This is why they are easier to break in than textiles or synthetic leather. By wearing your new leather Sperry boat shoes frequently, you will ensure they mould to your feet for a custom, snug fit.

Wearing your new leather Sperry boat shoes often will also help them develop a patina over time, giving them a seasoned look that is unique to you. Saltwater and normal wear will give your leather boat shoes a one-of-a-kind character that improves with age.

However, it's important to make sure your new leather Sperry boat shoes are the right size. They should be roomy enough for your toes to wiggle, but snug enough that they won't fall off. Too-tight or too-loose shoes cannot be properly broken in, no matter how often you wear them.

Additionally, consider whether you will typically wear socks with your leather Sperry boat shoes. Socks will make the shoes feel tighter and may stretch the leather. If you break in your boat shoes while wearing socks, they may feel loose when you wear them without socks.

Ensure they're the right size with room for toes to wiggle

When it comes to ensuring the right fit for your Sperry boat shoes, it's crucial to strike a balance between a snug fit and adequate toe room. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve that perfect fit:

Firstly, understand that Sperry boat shoes are designed to be worn without socks, so make sure to try them on that way. This will give you a true sense of the fit. When you slide your foot in, you should feel a comfortable snugness, not tightness. The shoe should hug your foot without constricting it.

Secondly, pay close attention to the width of the shoe. Your toes should lie flat and have enough room to wiggle and spread out naturally. Make sure there is at least a finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This is crucial to prevent cramping and to allow for comfortable movement.

The ideal fit will provide a secure feeling, keeping your foot in place without pinching or discomfort. Walk around in the shoes and ensure that your heel doesn't lift out with each step; a slight lift is normal, but excessive movement indicates a size too large.

Additionally, consider the instep of the shoe. The vamp (the part of the shoe over the instep) should fit snugly, but not too tightly. You don't want it digging into your instep, so make sure there's a comfortable amount of room there.

Lastly, remember that leather shoes may stretch and mold to your feet over time, so choose a pair that feels just slightly snug rather than loose. However, if the shoes feel too tight, don't force them – leather can only stretch so much, and you don't want to end up with painful blisters or an uncomfortable walking experience.

Don't wear socks with them, or use no-show socks

If you want to wear your Sperry boat shoes without socks, there are a few things you can do to ensure your comfort and prevent odour. Firstly, it is important to break in your shoes. Leather Sperrys are easier to break in than textiles or synthetic leather, as they are unlined and will mould to the shape of your feet more quickly. Wearing your Sperrys often when they are new will help them to mould to your feet.

To prevent odour when wearing your Sperrys without socks, you should wash your feet more frequently and vigorously with anti-bacterial soap. This will destroy the dead-skin-eating bacteria that cause foot odour. You should also avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day, as this will give your shoes time to dry out. Using a cedar shoe tree, or stuffing your shoes with newspaper, will help to maintain the shape of your shoe and absorb moisture.

If you want to prevent your feet from sweating, you can use a foot powder, like Odor Eaters, which contains talcum to absorb sweat and baking soda to neutralise odour. You can also use a sneaker spray, like Odor Eaters Foot and Sneaker Spray, which will keep your feet dry and remove foul smells.

If you want to avoid going completely sockless, you can use no-show loafer socks, which are cut low enough that they won't appear over your shoes. These socks are also made of antimicrobial fibres to prevent smells.

Clean with Sperry leather cleaner to remove dirt and stains

Before wearing your Sperry boat shoes, it is important to treat them with a leather cleaner to remove any dirt and stains. This will ensure your shoes look their best and prolong their life.

Sperry offers its own leather cleaner and conditioner, which is designed to effectively clean and protect all types of smooth and oiled leather footwear. The product is specially formulated to remove dirt and stains while maintaining the moisture that leather needs to look its best. It is important to note that leather should not be treated in the same way as fabric, nubuck, or suede. Therefore, you should avoid washing your Sperry leather shoes with water as this will dry out the natural oils that add shine and luster to the leather.

To clean your Sperry leather boat shoes, follow these steps:

• Remove the laces: If your Sperry leather shoes have laces, remove them before cleaning. Sperry laces are often made of rawhide and need to be cleaned separately. To clean the laces, place them in a bowl of cold water and dish soap, swish thoroughly, then rinse with clean water. Allow the laces to air dry for about 24 hours.
• Apply Sperry leather cleaner: Shake the Sperry leather cleaner well before use. On smooth leathers, apply the product to a damp, soft rag, sponge, or soft-bristle brush. Smoothly and evenly apply it to the shoe, then use a clean, dry rag to wipe away excess moisture and dirt.
• Allow to dry: Let the shoes dry overnight or for at least 24 hours in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight. You can stuff the shoes with newspaper to help absorb excess moisture and maintain their shape while they dry.
• Buff: After the shoes are dry, you can buff them with a soft brush or cloth to enhance the shine.

By following these steps and using Sperry leather cleaner, you can effectively remove dirt and stains from your Sperry boat shoes while maintaining the health and longevity of the leather.

Protect the leather with Sperry leather lotion or conditioner

Leather boat shoes are susceptible to drying out, cracking, and scuffing over time. To prevent this, it is important to treat your Sperry boat shoes with a leather lotion or conditioner. Sperry offers its own leather cleaner and conditioner, which can be applied to the leather to add moisture and keep your shoes in good condition. This will help to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking, ensuring that your shoes remain supple and comfortable.

Leather lotions or conditioners should be applied regularly to Sperry boat shoes to maintain their condition. It is recommended to treat the leather every 2-4 weeks, or less frequently if the leather is not showing signs of wear. This will help to keep the leather hydrated and clean, and can also darken the colour of the leather slightly. It is important to follow the directions on the product you are using, as different products may have different instructions.

When applying a leather lotion or conditioner to your Sperry boat shoes, it is important to ensure that the shoes are clean and dry before treatment. This will help the product to absorb into the leather and protect it effectively. It is also recommended to stuff the shoes with newspaper or a cedar shoe tree before treatment to help absorb any excess moisture and maintain the shape of the shoe.

In addition to using a leather lotion or conditioner, there are other ways to protect your Sperry boat shoes. One option is to use a protective spray, which can help to prevent stains and discolouration. It is important to allow the spray to dry for 24 hours after application. Keeping your boat shoes out of direct sunlight and avoiding getting them wet can also help to prevent discolouration and changes in texture.

By following these care instructions, you can help to ensure that your Sperry boat shoes remain in good condition and continue to look their best for years to come.

Frequently asked questions