Leather & Textile Care Guide for Footwear and Bags

Good footwear and bags are designed to last for years, not seasons. Regular cleaning, protection, and conditioning help preserve leather, maintain structure, and prevent premature wear. With simple maintenance, well-made boots and bags can last for many years and often improve with age.

Boots like the M77 are designed for long-term use, assuming regular care. Learn more in our M77 Boots Guide.

If you’d like a simple, eco-friendly kit, you’ll find our recommended options in the GoGoNano Shoe Care Collection.

A simple routine for long-term wear

Use this as your baseline. Adjust for weather, frequency of wear, and material type (smooth leather, nubuck, suede, canvas, technical textile).

1) Keep it clean (after wear)

• Brush off dust and debris with a soft brush.
• Wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth (not wet).
• For a deeper clean, use a gentle cleaner made for footwear and textiles—such as GoGoNano Clean.

Note: Avoid soaking or submerging. Excess water weakens fibers, leather, and adhesives over time.

2) Protect from moisture and stains (regularly)

• Apply a breathable protector spray to create an invisible barrier against rain, slush, and everyday marks—such as GoGoNano EcoProtect.
• Reapply more often during wet seasons or heavy use.
• For nubuck or suede, brush gently first to lift the nap before protecting.

3) Condition or refresh (when needed)

Different materials need different “refresh” steps. Keep it light—over-treating can be as unhelpful as neglect.

• Leather: Every 2–3 months, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner or cream. Let it absorb, then buff softly.
• Textiles: Use a protector or fabric refresher to help maintain structure and reduce staining.
• Always test any new product on a small hidden area first.

Conditioning preserves flexibility in leather and helps both leather and textile components last longer.

4) Let it dry naturally (after moisture exposure)

• Air dry at room temperature.
• Avoid direct heat (radiators, fireplaces, hair dryers). Heat can crack leather and warp structure.
• Remove insoles if possible, and use paper stuffing or cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture and hold shape.

5) Store with care (between seasons)

• Use shoe trees or paper stuffing to retain shape—especially for boots.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Choose a breathable cotton or canvas bag for long-term storage. Avoid plastic, which traps moisture.

Caring for Different Materials

Smooth Leather

Clean with a damp cloth, condition lightly every few months, and protect from moisture. Smooth leather benefits from occasional conditioning to prevent drying and cracking.

Nubuck and Suede

Brush gently with a nubuck brush to restore texture. Use protector spray regularly. Avoid heavy conditioners which can darken the material.

Textiles and Fabric

Brush off dirt and clean with a gentle textile cleaner when needed. Apply protector spray to reduce moisture absorption and staining.

A note on craftsmanship

Care is part of ownership. When materials are chosen well and construction is honest, maintenance becomes simple—and the piece improves with time.

Explore the full GoGoNano Cleaner & Protector Collection to build a minimal care kit.

Leather Care FAQ

How often should I condition leather boots?

For regularly used boots, conditioning every 2–3 months is usually enough. Over-conditioning can soften leather too much, so apply lightly.

Can leather boots get wet?

Yes, but they should be dried slowly at room temperature and protected with a water-repellent spray. Avoid direct heat when drying.

How do I dry wet boots?

Remove insoles, stuff with paper, and let them air dry naturally. Never dry boots on a radiator or with direct heat.

How long do leather boots last with proper care?

Well-made leather boots can last many years with proper care, cleaning, and occasional conditioning.

Explore more

If you’d like to go deeper into boot construction and heritage, start here:

• Samelin Handmade Boots — military heritage and everyday durability.
• AIPI Handmade Boots — boutique craftsmanship and stitched sole construction.
• Explore more Daily Nomad practical guides.

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