DOVER A SANDAL Care: How to Keep Leather Sandals Fresh
By Italian Designer Shoes & Boots – Aquatalia® | Published: 2026-11-05
Category: Tips & Care
A practical, step-by-step routine for cleaning and maintaining women's leather sandals, using the Dovera heel as a reference for materials and construction.
Quick answer
Wipe your leather sandals after each wear, clean stains promptly with a damp cloth and mild leather cleaner, and let them air-dry away from heat. For suede, use a suede brush and protector instead of water.
Why material matters before you start
The Dovera sandal comes in either water-resistant leather or suede, and the two need different care. Water-resistant leather can handle a lightly damp cloth, but suede should never be soaked—brush it dry and use a protector spray. Check your pair's upper before cleaning so you don't use the wrong method.
What to skip to avoid damage
Avoid soaking sandals, using harsh household cleaners, or drying them near radiators or in direct sun. These can weaken the leather, warp the shape, or cause the lining to crack. Also, don't store them in a sealed plastic bag—leather needs airflow.
Step-by-step sandal care
- Remove loose dirt: After each wear, brush off dust and grit with a soft brush or dry cloth. Pay attention to the criss-cross straps and peep-toe area where debris collects. Skipping this step can grind dirt into the leather during cleaning.
- Wipe leather uppers: For water-resistant leather, wipe with a barely damp cloth using mild soap if needed. For suede, use a suede brush to lift nap and spot-clean with a suede eraser. Never use water on suede—it can leave water stains and stiffen the nap.
- Clean the lining and outsole: Wipe the leather lining with a dry cloth to remove sweat and oils. Scrub the rubber outsole with a damp brush and mild soap to remove grime. A clean lining reduces odor and keeps the sandal comfortable.
- Dry properly: Stuff the sandals with tissue paper to hold their shape and let them air-dry at room temperature, away from heat or sunlight. Direct heat can crack leather and loosen adhesives.
- Condition and protect: Apply a leather conditioner sparingly to leather uppers every few wears. For suede, use a protector spray after cleaning and let it dry fully. Conditioner keeps leather supple; protector spray repels water and stains on suede.
- Store with care: Keep sandals in a dust bag or box with good airflow, and avoid stacking heavy items on top. Proper storage prevents scratches and shape loss between wears.
Product facts
- DOVERA SANDAL: Upper available in water-resistant leather or suede. Water-resistant leather tolerates a damp wipe, while suede requires dry brushing and a protector spray.
DOVERA SANDAL - DOVERA SANDAL: Leather lining and rubber outsole. The leather lining benefits from airing out after wear, and the rubber outsole can be scrubbed clean without fear of water damage.
