There’s nothing like the smell of a new pair of leather sandals, but sometimes when you first slip your feet into them, you’re disappointed. Many leather sandals can be a bit uncomfortable to begin with, while some may become hard and less supple over time.
So, what can you do about it? Luckily, learning how to soften leather sandals is a simple solution. By safely softening your new favorite pair of summer footwear, you’ll not just love how your sandals look and smell, but also how they feel on your feet.
What do you need to know about softening leather sandals? Stay tuned - we’ll show you exactly how to soften up your leather and also point you in the direction of the softest, best leather sandals for men you’ve ever met!
Is Softening Leather Sandals Necessary?
First of all, is softening leather sandals actually something you need to do? Ultimately, it’s up to you. For some people, even the softest leather sandals are uncomfortable, while others never feel the need to learn how to soften leather sandals. To help you decide, here are the benefits of softening leather sandals.
Long-Term Benefits of Regular Softening
The biggest benefit of softening leather sandals is the immediate improvement in comfort. Soft, supple leather molds to the unique contours of your feet, reducing the likelihood of blisters and discomfort, especially if you plan to wear your sandals for long periods.
Leather, when properly cared for, has the potential for remarkable durability. Regularly cleaning leather sandals and softening them helps maintain the flexibility and integrity of the material, preventing cracks and creases that can lead to premature wear and tear.
Softening leather not only feels good but also preserves the aesthetic charm of your sandals. Well-maintained leather is less prone to scuffs and scratches, ensuring that your footwear maintains its polished appearance over time.
Is Softening Leather Sandals Safe for the Material?
Before you learn how to soften leather straps on sandals, it’s important to make sure it’s safe for your leather. As long as you’re using the right products, like high-quality leather conditioners and softeners specifically designed to nourish the leather without causing damage, softening leather sandals is safe.
Always opt for products recommended for your type of leather, and if you’re unsure or nervous, conduct a patch test in an inconspicuous area. This way, you can confirm that the product doesn’t damage your leather without applying it to the entire sandal.
How to Soften Leather Sandals: Step-by-Step Guide
Just like learning how to stretch leather sandals and breaking in leather sandals, learning how to soften leather sandals can take some time. Here’s our guide on how to soften leather straps on sandals - you’ll have the softest leather sandals before you know it!
Preparing Your Sandals for Softening With an Initial Cleaning
Before diving into the softening process, it's crucial to start with a clean canvas. Remove any dirt, dust, or grime by gently wiping your leather sandals with a damp cloth.
For stubborn stains, you can use a leather cleaner. If your sandals are getting a bit smelly, you might as well take this opportunity to learn how to deodorize leather sandals as well! Allow the sandals to air dry completely before proceeding to soften.
Manual Techniques for Softening Leather Flip-Flops
If you don’t want to learn how to soften leather thong sandals with professional products, you can try to do it manually. Start by gently flexing and massaging the leather to break in and soften the material. Pay attention to areas that tend to stiffen, such as the straps and the footbed.
You can also put on your sandals and wear them around the house for short intervals. This helps the leather adapt to the shape of your feet, gradually becoming more soft and pliable.
Using Leather Conditioning Products
If the manual methods don’t work, you can learn how to soften leather flip flops with leather conditioning products. Select a high-quality leather conditioner suitable for your specific type of leather.
Apply a small amount evenly, using a clean cloth or sponge. Follow the product's instructions regarding application and drying times, as each product is different. Concentrate the conditioner on areas that need extra attention, such as the toe straps or any sections displaying signs of dryness.
Using Heat and Moisture Safely
You can learn how to soften leather sandals with heat, but you have to be very careful in the process as excessive heat can easily damage your leather sandals. You can use heat in two main ways: the steam method or the hair dryer method.
Steam can be an effective way to introduce moisture to the leather. Hold your sandals over a steaming kettle for a few seconds, allowing the steam to penetrate the material. Follow up with gentle flexing and massaging.
If you’re wondering how to soften leather sandals with a hair dryer, it’s easy. Use a hair dryer on low heat to warm the leather slightly. While the leather is warm, flex and massage it to encourage softening. Remember - don’t hold the hair dryer too close and use the lowest setting!
Professional Leather Softening Tools and Services
As well as the leather conditioner we already mentioned, there are some other products designed specifically to make leather softer, like leather softening sprays. However, these are sometimes made of cheaper oils and aren’t usually as effective as a conditioner paste.
If you’re worried about damaging your sandals, or if you’ve already learned how to soften leather flip flops but your sandals are still uncomfortable, you can always visit a cobbler or shoe repair store and seek help from a pro!
More Tips to Ensure Longevity and Comfort of Your Leather Flip-Flops
So, now you know how to soften leather thong sandals, but how else should you care for your new favorite footwear? Leather is higher maintenance than some other materials, and leather vs rubber sandals is no exception. Here’s how to keep your leather sandals in their prime.
Clean your sandals frequently, or whenever they develop marks with a high-quality leather cleaner. Condition them with a leather conditioner periodically - this will help the leather last longer and prevent it from drying out.
If your leather sandals get wet, dry them out as quickly as possible, but avoid leaving them in the sun or using a direct heat source. Also, try not to wear your sandals every day - give them a chance to breathe and recover between wears. This will also help with odor control.
If you’re dealing with squeaky leather flip flops, this guide will help you identify the problem and come up with a solution to stop your sandals from making so much noise when you walk.
Discover the Softest Leather Sandals in the USA Right Here at Southern Polished!
Learning how to soften leather straps on sandals is important, but so is starting with the best quality leather in the first place. Even after you’ve softened it, cheap leather will just never feel as good on your feet, or develop a beautiful patina over the years.
At Southern Polished, our premium leather sandals for men are made from the highest quality, full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather. By starting with the best materials, it’s easy for us to use our experience in old Italian techniques to craft the most comfortable, beautiful sandals imaginable.
If you’re looking for premium leather sandals made in USA, explore our range. You’ll find a variety of styles and colors to choose from, as well as our gorgeous southern bags, which blend timeless style with practicality and premium craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts on How to Soften Leather Thong Sandals
So, now you know how to soften leather flip flops! Remember that the key is starting with premium, soft leather to begin with. You can then use leather conditioner, leather softening products, manual methods, or very gentle heat to carefully soften your sandals.
At Southern Polished, we use the finest full-grain leather available, vegetable-tanned to deliver rich, beautiful colors and protection that lasts for years and years. As you’ll soon see, our sandals only become softer and more comfortable with time.