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 well, and gains depth with wear. The right habits protect the finish and help your shoes feel good through long days.
New to IAMBIC? If you’d like guidance before ordering, start with the Fit Guide Quiz. We review results and offer a limited number of complimentary introductory consultations to people who qualify. The VIP program is offered after a consultation.
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 the leather still breathes.
- Horsehair brush and microfiber cloth: For dry brushing, cleaning, and final buffing.
We also recommend cedar shoe trees. They help shoes keep their shape and draw out moisture after a long day.
Care, step by step
Step 1: Clean
Brush away loose dust with the horsehair brush. Apply a small amount of foaming cleaner to the microfiber cloth. Work in light circles. Wipe away residue. Let the shoes dry at room temperature. Avoid heat sources and direct sun.
Step 2: Condition
When leather looks dry or dulled by weather, use a small amount of neutral cream conditioner. Massage it in with a soft cloth. Allow it to absorb before the next step.
Step 3: Protect
Spray the breathable repellent from about six inches away. Aim for even coverage. Let the shoes dry naturally. Reapply after heavy rain or as needed.
Step 4: Maintain
- Insert cedar shoe trees after wear to manage moisture and creasing.
- Wipe with a dry cloth at day’s end to remove surface dust.
- Rotate pairs when possible so leather can rest between wears.
City rain, winter salt, and travel days
After rain: Pat shoes dry with a towel. Add cedar trees. Let them dry at room temperature. Apply repellent again once dry.
Salt marks: Mix a small bowl of cool water with a splash of white vinegar. Dampen a cloth and gently wipe the marks. Let dry, then condition and protect.
On the road: Pack the brush, cloth, and repellent. Wipe dust at night. Spot clean as needed. Trees at home will reset shape after the trip.
Why this matters for IAMBIC clients
Our MODEL T is built from full-grain leather and shaped to your scan. Good care preserves the finish and supports comfort across distance. For a deeper look at how we build fit, read IAMBIC 101, explore IAMBIC Technology, and learn about our White Glove Service in NYC or by video call.
VIP: How to use your Luxury Shoe Care Kit
- First wear: Wipe dust from handling. Spray a light coat of repellent. Let dry.
- Weekly refresh: Dry brush, spot clean with foam, light buff.
- After rough weather: Clean, condition, then protect again.
If you need a quick walk-through, reply to your VIP email or request a short care consult. We offer 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 with foam when dirt is visible. Condition only when leather looks dry or starts to lose luster. For most people, that is every 4–8 weeks, more often in winter or rain-heavy months.
Will the repellent change the color or breathability?
The repellent is breathable and made for full-grain leather. It should not change color when applied in light, even coats. Test on a small hidden area if you are unsure. Let it dry before the next wear.
What should I do if my shoes get soaked?
Stuff lightly with paper towels, add cedar trees, and let them dry at room temperature. Do not use heat sources. Once dry, condition and reapply repellent. If the leather feels stiff, wear for a short period to let natural flex restore feel.
How do I remove scuffs and light scratches?
For surface scuffs, clean first, then apply a small amount of neutral conditioner and buff with the microfiber cloth. Deep scratches may not disappear. They usually soften in appearance with regular care and wear.
Can I use this kit on suede or nubuck?
No. This kit is designed for smooth, full-grain leather. For suede or nubuck, use a dedicated brush and protector made for those materials. If you are unsure which finish you have, contact the Concierge.
Does care affect fit or performance?
Yes. Clean, conditioned leather flexes as designed and holds geometry better over distance. That means fewer hotspots and steadier comfort through long days.
How should I store my shoes?
Insert cedar trees and store in a cool, dry place with airflow. Avoid sealed plastic bins. If you use dust bags, leave an opening for ventilation.
What is the best routine during heavy travel?
Pack the brush, cloth, and repellent. Wipe dust at night. Spot clean as needed. Once home, insert cedar trees and let the shoes rest a day before the next wear. Apply a light conditioner if the leather feels dry.
Which products are safe for MODEL T?
Use neutral cream conditioners and breathable repellents meant for full-grain leather. Avoid thick wax polishes that can block pores. If you need a brand recommendation, email the Concierge.
I’m new to IAMBIC. Where should I start?
If you want guidance before ordering, take the Fit Guide Quiz. We review results and offer a limited number of complimentary introductory consultations to people who qualify. After the consult, you may be invited to the VIP program.
Helpful links
We offer a limited number of complimentary introductory consultations to people who qualify through the Fit Guide Quiz. VIP program enrollment is by invitation after the 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.
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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.
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