How to Protect Your Shoes from Winter Salt: Mazonni’s Guide
That magical time of year is here again — crisp snow underfoot, frosty mornings, and cozy evenings. It’s a dream... until you step outside and face slush, road salt, and dirty sidewalks. All that grime, combined with freezing temps and overheated indoor spaces, can do serious damage to even the highest quality shoes.
Why Winter Is Tough on Footwear
In the past, streets were treated with sand, which was relatively harmless for shoes. Today, cities rely on road salt — great for melting ice, terrible for your boots. Salt dries out leather, destroys suede, and leaves stains that are tough to remove. Especially for shoes made from natural materials, proper care is essential.
Step 1: Waterproof Your Shoes
The moment you bring home a new pair from Mazonni, give them three full coats of waterproof spray. Here’s how:
• Spray evenly and let dry completely.
• Repeat this process three times in a row.
• Reapply every few wears, at least 2–3 hours before going outside (best done the night before).
This builds a protective barrier that repels water and salt-based chemicals.
Step 2: Clean Them After Every Wear
Don’t let salt sit. As soon as you get home, wipe your shoes down. Use specialized shampoos designed for leather or suede — they neutralize road salt before it can damage the material.
Can’t clean them right away? Keep cleaning wipes or foam in your bag so you can do a quick touch-up on the go. Partial cleaning is better than letting salt soak in for hours.
Step 3: Suede Needs Extra Love
Suede is the most sensitive to winter damage. Here’s how to handle it:
• Let shoes dry fully before cleaning.
• Use a suede brush or eraser to remove surface stains.
• For deeper grime, hold shoes briefly over steam to loosen dirt, then brush again.
Step 4: Restore with Cream or Wax
After cleaning, nourish leather shoes with cream or wax made from natural oils. This doesn’t just protect — it also helps repair small cracks and salt damage.
• Apply 2x a week.
• Use a sponge or cloth to apply.
• Let it dry, then buff with a clean wipe.
Important: Don’t use cream on suede — stick to suede-specific sprays.
Step 5: Dry Your Shoes the Right Way
Wet shoes? Don’t toss them next to a heater. Here’s what to do:
• Use cedar shoe trees (best option) to help absorb moisture and maintain shape.
• Or, stuff them with newspaper and let them dry overnight.
• Let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours.
Pro tip: Rotate between at least two pairs to give each one time to rest and dry properly.
Step 6: Use the Right Products
Cheap cleaners on premium shoes? Bad idea. And expensive care on poor-quality shoes won’t work either. Choose high-quality products made from natural oils or waxes — avoid anything packed with synthetic chemicals. Your Mazonni shoes will thank you by lasting longer and looking better.
With a bit of daily care, your winter shoes can handle the season in style and stay in great shape for years to come.
