Editor’s Note: This guide supports IAMBIC clients who receive a Complimentary Luxury Shoe Care Kit through our invite-only VIP program. If you received a VIP email, your kit is reserved. If you have questions, contact the Concierge.
Full-grain leather rewards steady care. It keeps its strength, breathes naturally, and gains depth with wear. The right habits preserve finish, maintain balance, and ensure lasting comfort through long days.
New to IAMBIC? Begin with the Fit Guide Quiz for personalized recommendations. We review results and invite qualifying participants to our VIP program for exclusive services.
What’s in the Complimentary Luxury Shoe Care Kit
- Gentle foaming cleaner: Lifts dirt without stripping natural oils.
- Breathable water and dirt repellent: Shields from moisture and stains while allowing leather to breathe.
- Horsehair brush and microfiber cloth: For dry brushing, cleaning, and final buffing.
Cedar shoe trees are also recommended. They help maintain shape and draw out moisture after a long day.
Care, step by step
Step 1: Clean
Brush away surface dust with the horsehair brush. Apply a small amount of foaming cleaner to the microfiber cloth and work in light circles. Wipe off residue and let shoes dry at room temperature away from heat or sunlight.
Step 2: Condition
When leather looks dry or dull, use a neutral cream conditioner. Massage in a small amount with a soft cloth and allow it to absorb before proceeding.
Step 3: Protect
Spray the breathable repellent from about six inches away for even coverage. Let shoes dry naturally and reapply after heavy wear or rain.
Step 4: Maintain
After each wear, insert cedar shoe trees to manage moisture and creasing, and wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust. Rotate pairs when possible to let leather rest and recover between wears.
City rain, winter salt, and travel days
After rain: Pat shoes dry with a towel, insert cedar trees, and let them dry naturally. Once dry, reapply repellent.
Salt marks: Mix cool water with a splash of white vinegar, dampen a cloth, and gently wipe the affected area. Let dry, then condition and protect.
On the road: Pack your brush, cloth, and repellent. Wipe shoes nightly and spot-clean as needed. Use cedar trees at home to restore shape post-travel.
Why this matters for IAMBIC clients
Your MODEL T is crafted from full-grain leather and shaped to your individual scan. Proper care preserves the finish and sustains precision-fit comfort across distance and time. Learn more in IAMBIC 101, explore IAMBIC Technology, or discover our White Glove Service.
VIP: How to use your Luxury Shoe Care Kit
- First wear: Wipe off dust, spray a light coat of repellent, and let dry.
- Weekly refresh: Dry brush, spot clean with foam, then lightly buff.
- After harsh weather: Clean, condition, then protect again.
Need a walkthrough? Reply to your VIP email or request a short care consult. We reserve complimentary consult slots each month for VIP invitees.
FAQs
How often should I clean and condition full-grain leather?
Dry brush and wipe after each wear. Clean when dirt is visible. Condition every 4–8 weeks or when the leather appears dry or dull, more often during rain or winter months.
Will the repellent affect color or breathability?
The formula is breathable and safe for full-grain leather. It should not alter color when applied in light, even coats. Always test on a small hidden area first.
What should I do if my shoes get soaked?
Stuff lightly with paper towels, insert cedar trees, and dry at room temperature. Once dry, condition and reapply repellent. If the leather feels stiff, wear briefly to restore natural flex.
How do I remove scuffs or scratches?
Clean first, then apply a small amount of neutral conditioner and buff. Deeper marks will soften with ongoing care and wear.
Can I use this kit on suede or nubuck?
No. It’s designed for smooth, full-grain leather. For suede or nubuck, use products made specifically for those finishes. If unsure, contact the Concierge.
Does care affect fit or performance?
Yes. Clean, conditioned leather maintains structure and flexibility, supporting stable comfort through long days.
How should I store my shoes?
Insert cedar trees and store in a cool, dry place with airflow. Avoid sealed containers. If using dust bags, leave a small opening for ventilation.
What’s the best routine during travel?
Pack the brush, cloth, and repellent. Wipe at night and spot-clean as needed. Once home, insert cedar trees and let the shoes rest before wearing again. Condition lightly if dry.
Which care products are safe for MODEL T?
Use neutral cream conditioners and breathable repellents made for full-grain leather. Avoid heavy waxes. For recommendations, email the Concierge.
I’m new to IAMBIC. Where should I start?
Take the Fit Guide Quiz to begin your precision-fit journey. We review results and invite qualifying participants to the VIP program after consultation.
Helpful links
We offer a limited number of complimentary introductory consultations to participants who qualify through the Fit Guide Quiz. VIP program enrollment is by invitation after consultation.
The most interesting thing about them being crafted just for me is how well they fit. And I hadnever even noticed that my shoes didn't fit right. My other shoes don't hurt me - they just slosharound. With these, the heels actually stay on the whole time and it fits snugly yet stillcomfortably. And I'd never experienced that before. They just stay comfortable all day.
As a runner, as an athlete, just knowing that I'm doing a good service to my body is incredible.It’s the reason that I love my IAMBIC shoes. It's that precision that makes me feel safe to walkdown the street, get on the subway, do my commute, bring my kids to school, and not feelconcerned that I'm doing it in a shoe that doesn't fit right or that doesn't feel good.
The thing that I was surprised by the most with the precision fit is that any pressure points thatI had been feeling with the shoes that I previously came in wearing were completely gone. I waswearing a shoe that wasn't too tight. It wasn't too loose. The sole fit just right. Total comfort.That's the best way to put it.
So I suffer from chronic foot pain and I believe that a lot of that has to do with wearing shoesthat actually don't fit. Whenever I wear my IAMBICs, I've noticed that I have felt less pain,which is really incredible. And they're just so comfortable. I'm not worried about the back of my heel popping out or my ankles not having enough support. Also, they're just so stylish andevery timeI wear them out in the street, I always get compliments, which never happens to me.
A shoe that may feel comfortable for a half hour walk is not a shoe that always feels comfortablefor a three and a half hour walk. So what I like about IAMBIC is, even though the snug fit isthere and it feels comfortable, it also feels substantial enough that I can walk a lot withoutgetting any discomfort. That's just something that's especially important to me and I think theshoe has really delivered that.
The first moment that I tried on my IAMBIC shoes, I noticed a difference. I have small feet. So whenever I try on shoes, I usually expect them to not fit. If they do fit, there's usually some sort of discomfort, whether that's in the toe box or too much space or at the heel. So knowing that this shoe was tailored to my foot was really meaningful. It's rare that you find a shoe like IAMBIC that truly is comfortable, but also hits the markers of style versatility.
I think we're all placed on this earth as unique individuals. None of us are really off the rack in terms of sizing. So for me to have that experience of having something made specifically for me that fit perfectly was something that was a little bit mind blowing. And once I got the shoes, I tried them on, they looked great, they felt great. And honestly, they fit like a glove.