How to Care for Your Clogs

I heard French fashion blogger Leia Sfez describe how she asks herself the question will I pass this down to my daughter when she’s purchasing a new piece for her closet. I love how that questions makes shopping more slow and intentional.

I know the brand that I absolutely plan to save and pass down to my girls is my Lotta clogs. So I’m giving all my clogs plenty of tender loving care so that they last and stay lovely.

My first intro to clog care came when I found my very first pair of Lottas in the corner of a vintage store. I’d always wanted to wear a pair of these bespoke it girl shoes, so when I spotted a real pair secondhand, I brought them home to bring them back to life. 

Caring for the Wood

The great part about wood soles is that with a little light sanding they look as good as new! I use a light grain sandpaper and sand them by hand to remove inside discoloration and outside to make skid marks and scratches disappear.

Leather Care

With a little love, leather will wear beautifully and last. I use a leather cleaner and conditioner about once a year to keep the material supple. It’s simple to apply with a cloth. I use an old t-shirt rag, dip it in the conditioner and gently work it into the leather.

Protecting Nubuck

Some of my favorite Lotta from Stockholm clogs are made from a special Nubuck leather which has a soft texture and is more susceptible to water stains than regular leather.

When I first get my Nubuck clogs, I spray them with a coat of suede and Nubuck protector.

For upkeep, once or twice a year, or as needed, I use a leather eraser to clean up any spots and then give them a new coat of protector.

With a little extra love, I’m hoping my clog collection will be ready to pass to my daughters someday. Hopefully they think they’re as cool and comfy, as I do!