The beauty of long-lasting products
When buying at Balagan you invest in products made of good, reliable, natural materials which gain beauty with time. Year after year natural leather darkens, softens and gains nobility. By taking care of your favourite shoes and bags regularly, you ensure their durability and beauty for many seasons.
Most of our products are entirely made of natural leather or a combination of leather and fabric—most often linen or cotton. Detailed information about the product's composition can be found on the product page and the label. Leather is a valuable and durable material, but only when properly cared for. Learn more about our materials here
A FEW GENERAL TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR BALAGAN PRODUCTS LONGER AND ENSURE THAT THEY RETAIN THEIR APPEAL AND HIGH QUALITY
- If your leather product gets soaked, let it air dry at room temperature for no more than 24 hours. Do not use any dryers, heaters, etc.
- Beware of the salt used for maintenance of winter roads and pavements, as it is particularly damaging to your shoes. Clean the road salt off the shoes using a damp cloth or sponge, let it dry and use an impregnating agent.
- Remove dirt regularly. Clean your shoes and accessories using dedicated leather cleaning products (“cleaners”). Not only do they remove the dirt from the surface of the leather, but also the dirt that penetrated into it
- Equally important as cleaning is regular conditioning. Impregnation products help keep the leather soft and flexible while minimizing visible scratches. It's a good idea to apply clear or pigmented cream/paste/wax regularly during cleaning. Pigmented wax enhances the color, covers small scratches and discolorations, nourishes the leather, and adds shine.
- We recommend replacing the worn-down heel tips, as this can protect the heels from damage
- When you store your bag, fill it with fabrics or newspapers. It will help keep the bag in its original shape for longer.
- For patent leather, simply wipe it with a cloth and avoid using care products.
What to Know Before Buying Leather Shoes and Bags
The defining features of all Balagan footwear models are their softness and comfort. We craft them exclusively from high-quality, vegetable-tanned natural leathers—uppers from cowhide, linings, and insoles from delicate goatskin. These materials allow the shoes to quickly adapt to the shape of your feet, maintaining softness and flexibility during wear.
Due to the softness of the leathers used and the lack of stiffeners in the upper construction (which often cause discomfort), excess leather may fold or deform. Therefore, for certain models, we recommend carefully selecting a snug fit and always filling the shoes with shoe forms if they will not be worn for an extended period.
The soles consist of leather components and synthetic materials (varied for each model). Natural signs of wear over time include mechanical scratches, abrasions (e.g., around the toes and midfoot), discoloration (caused by light, water exposure, or improper care products), and gradual sole and heel wear. We recommend replacing heels and soles regularly to prevent damage to the shoes' structure.
Our bags and accessories are crafted from the same vegetable-tanned leathers. They are neither pressed nor corrected, preserving the natural and authentic appearance of the grain. These leathers are delicate and require proper care to ensure their longevity. Light-colored leather oxidizes over time, causing it to darken. Remember that this gradual deepening of color is not a flaw but a natural aging process.
Avoid exposing leather to water and regularly clean, nourish, and condition it using appropriate products. Balagan also offers items combining natural leather with other fabrics (e.g., cotton linings or linen bag bodies). These should be cleaned only through dry cleaning, with leather elements properly treated and protected after cleaning. Proper care ensures that your leather items will serve you faithfully for many years.
Choose the type of leather and see how to care for it
- Grain leather
- Suede, Nubuck and Waxed Leather
1. Clean the skin thoroughly
Gently brush away larger stains when dry, in one direction, to avoid smearing them. Then, wipe the shoes with a cloth or brush with a Leather Cleaner suitable for all types of leather or with water. Gently scrub the upper and sole of the shoe. Do not overly saturate the leather.
Leave the shoes to air dry naturally. Do not heat or further dry them. You can treat bags in the same way.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
2. Apply leather conditioner
Using a cloth or a soft small brush, apply Leather Lotion or Leather Wax evenly over the entire surface and leave it to dry. The lotion absorbs more quickly and can be used more frequently. The wax provides a stronger conditioning effect but may darken the leather slightly. Regularly conditioning the leather extends its lifespan, gives it a shine, and protects it from moisture. When the product has absorbed into the leather, polish it. For bags, it's better to use the lotion as the wax may leave oily residues on clothing. Make sure the leather has absorbed the balm well, and you can wipe the bag dry at the end. Skip the zippers, as their tapes are made of cotton and may leave marks on them.
Avoid applying this step to products labeled as "open leather." This type of leather absorbs conditioning agents very strongly and can change color to a darker shade from oily products. It will be harder to apply products evenly on it. Skip this step for such leather types.
3. Use the Leather Protector
Waterproofing is crucial! It's best to use Universal Protector before the first use of the product, and then every 2-3 weeks with regular use, as the final step in maintenance. Spray the product evenly on the surface, you can gently spread it with a clean cloth, and leave it to dry for 12 hours. Remember to keep the atomizer about 30 cm away from the surface of the shoes or bag.
1. Clean the skin thoroughly
Gently brush away larger stains when dry, in one direction, to avoid smearing them. Then, spray the shoes with a Leather Cleaner for all types of leather or a Suede Care product. Gently brush the upper and clean the sole of the shoe. Do not overly saturate the leather. Leave the shoes to air dry naturally. Do not heat or further dry them. You can treat bags in the same way.
2. Use the Leather Protector
Waterproofing is crucial! It's best to use Universal Protector before the first use of the product, and then every 2-3 weeks with regular use, as the final step in maintenance. Spray the product evenly on the surface, you can gently spread it with a clean cloth, and leave it to dry for 12 hours. Remember to keep the atomizer about 30 cm away from the surface of the shoes or bag.
