CARE INSTRUCTIONS
THE BEST WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR SHOES
FRANKIE4 FOOTWEAR CARE
We pride ourselves on our sourcing of high quality, LWG certified leathers from around the globe to ensure that our footwear is stylish, functional, and lasts the distance. We have outlined below some simple steps to care for your shoes to assist in maintaining their upper/outer aesthetics and longevity.
The amount of shoe care required and your shoe longevity should be reflective of the amount of wear they receive. If you live in your FRANKIE4s, that's great, and we're sure your wardrobe and soles are benefitting, but if this is the case we do recommend buying a couple of pairs so you don’t wear out one pair too quickly. After all, a woman can never have too many pairs in her collection.
For all products, please ensure you read the product instructions prior to using on your shoes.
General care
How to protect your shoes
We would love our FRANKIE4’s to stay perfect forever but they’re designed to be worn and with wear leather begins to show signs of age - one of its many beautiful characteristics.
Unfortunately not all stains can be fixed and some, like spilt liquids, oil and even water stains from heavy rain can be extremely difficult to remove. If a stain soaks into the leather, chances are that you can’t save your shoes.
The best way to help prevent this is by using a high quality waterproof protector that is specifically designed for each leather. Ensure you spray prior to wear and maintain regularly throughout wear.
Please note these are general guidelines and FRANKIE4 will take no responsibility as a result from following these suggestions.
How to store your shoes
Store shoes in a dry, ventilated place to let the leather breathe. Never leave your shoes lying in the direct sun, in the heat (i.e. in your car), or exposed to the elements.
Leather care
Smooth leather
Prior to wearing your new shoes, we recommend spraying them with a high quality leather waterproofing spray. Continued use of waterproofing spray will maintain the best result.
For the treatment of scuffing and marks we recommend sourcing a high quality rejuvenating polish. To get the correct match for your pair of coloured FRANKIE4s it is suggested taking your shoes to a bootmaker to find a suitable colour match.
For all products used on your shoes, please ensure you follow the instructions.
Nubuck and Suede
Prior to wearing your new shoes, we recommend spraying them with a high quality waterproofing spray specifically designed for this type of leather. Continued use of waterproofing spray will maintain the best result.
To clean off any pesky marks, first use a nubuck/suede brush or block to get rid of any excess dirt, making sure you work gently into the leather in the same direction. To help revitalise, try using a nubuck/suede reviver or shampoo. Please ensure you read the product instructions prior to using on your shoes.
Patent leather
Patent leather doesn't require waterproofing, however over time patent leather can dry and crack.
To prevent this we suggest sourcing a high quality leather conditioner specifically designed for patent leathers.
Patent leather needs a specific type of polish, known as lack polish, which helps the conditioner to penetrate the patent layer and soak into the leather.
To remove marks we find the use of soft towel, reusable wipe or an eraser to be effective.
Metallic & Foil leather
Metallic leather is a delicate material, it is created through bonding a metallic foil with the underlying leather.
We recommend spraying your shoes with a high quality waterproofing spray. Continued use of waterproofing spray will maintain the best result.
We love metallic leathers but like all metallic finishes, with time and abrasion, some surface finishing may be lost. If the foiling is scratched or scuffed it will expose the leather underneath. While with most non-metallic smooth leathers these can be covered with a coloured polish, there is no process we know of to re-foil a metallic shoe.
Unfortunately, if the shiny stuff is scuffed off... it's off for good.
The best maintenance you can do is be that little bit more careful when wearing your metallic shoes so you don't scratch or scuff them.
Other materials
Linen and Jute wrap
Linen finishes and jute wrap details are timeless style features, and it's important to note the best care tips to keep them looking fresh. Prior to wearing your new shoes, we recommend spraying them with a high quality leather waterproofing spray. Continued use of waterproofing spray (approximately every three months) will maintain the best result.
To remove any marks, the best approach for these finishes is to spot clean the affected area with a damp cloth.
Calf hair
The term calf hair is used to describe a special type of leather with the hair left on. It’s a delicate material that should not be worn in bad weather.
It may also in some cases bald with abrasion. If balding occurs, unfortunately there is no way to reverse this.
Before wearing your calf hair shoes, we recommend applying a high quality protective spray specifically designed for calf hair.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for best results. Be careful not to get any form of liquid on your calf hair shoes.
We recommend not wearing them in wet weather, however if they do get wet, use a dry or damp cloth as soon as possible to wipe the liquid away - ensuring to wipe gently in the direction of the hair.
If you find this is ineffective, allow your shoes to dry in a shady spot, and once dry use a plastic bristle brush to comb out any imperfections in the direction of the hair.
Knit and Mesh uppers
Some of our styles feature a performance mesh upper. We suggest spot cleaning these uppers. This can be done with a damp cloth, soft towel or reusable wipes.
Do not put shoes in the washing machine (laces can be removed and washed in machine, but not shoes).
Sole unit of the shoes can be wiped with a damp cloth or wipe.
Sole care
General sole care
Some of our styles have soles made out of Polyurethane. The features of this compound enable us to create a dual density sole that is lightweight, offers stability and cushioning.
It's an ideal material to give foot comfort and that is why it is our material of choice. To have the benefits of a soft and stable material, the material does come with an expiry date.
The sole will show the effects of deterioration over time, whether they are worn often or stored in a cupboard.
Though Polyurethane wears well, it doesn't like being shut away in a box. It might sound obvious, but the fact is our shoes are designed to be worn. So wear them and enjoy.
Cleaning white coloured soles
Styles that have a white coloured polyurethane sole can be prone to marking due to the soft porous nature of the compound and the simple fact that, being white, marks will show.
We find a damp Chux Magic Eraser or a normal eraser does the trick to clean off scuffs on the sole.
Alcohol wipes are good for the more stubborn marks on soles.
Be mindful not to wipe the leather as it may mark it or remove its colour.
Footbed and gel cushion care
General footbed care
Your support footbeds are leather lined. With significant wear they will absorb moisture and may, for some, become smelly. We find soft towel or reusable wipes do the trick to clean and freshen them. If you have wiped them down with wipes, leave them out in a shaded area to dry.
A little trick for your enclosed FRANKIE4 styles, pop a sockette over the footbeds. This will create a barrier between you and the footbeds. You can then slip them off to wash, leaving your footbeds fresh!
Your FRANKIE4 Sole Hero™ Footbeds are made from Polyurethane. This is our product of choice due to its ability to bounce back and provide you with cushioning and support. If you are finding your footbeds have compressed and are flattening out, it is an indication that you may need to treat yourself to a fresh pair of FRANKIE4s.
Gel forefoot cushions
For styles which come with a specially designed Gel forefoot, before applying the gel cushions, test the position within the shoe to confirm your preferred fit. Should you plan to continue to use the gel cushion, remove the back film and apply.
Once the gel cushions have been stuck down, they do not peel off easily, this is to ensure they stay in place. If they have been stuck into the shoes, please note it may impact our Returns Policy.
Gel forefoot cushions are designed specifically for the styles they come with. It is not recommended to use these gel cushions with any other styles.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT SHOE CARE?
Our expert customer service team is here to help, from assisting with any inquiries to fitting and care tips.