What makes our leather different?
Our leather is chrome-free, full-grain European leather, tanned in Germany at a heritage tannery. We spent years developing it together, questioning every input and rethinking how leather gets tanned. No chrome, no heavy metals, no compromise on softness or character.
Chrome-free is about how the leather is made, not how fragile it is. It breathes, softens and picks up character the more you wear it. The only thing it really asks is that you keep chemicals away from it, because treated shoes can't be composted or sent back to us.
What else is in your shoe?
The upper gets most of the attention, but it isn't the only material you're looking after. Fade 101 is lined with a knit made from biobased yarns; Fade 201 is lined in perforated full-grain leather. Underfoot there's a leather-lined footbed filled with natural latex, plus a wool felt insole in the box. The sole is natural rubber, and the laces are TENCEL™, made from wood pulp. All of it does best with the same gentle approach.
Why loosen the laces first?
Before you put your shoes on, loosen the laces. Pushing your foot into a tied shoe crushes the heel and slowly pulls it out of shape. It takes two seconds and makes a real difference over time.
How do you clean your SOLK shoes?
Little and often works better than a big clean once a season. If they're muddy, let the mud dry first: wet mud smears into leather, dry mud brushes straight off. Go over them with a soft brush, then wipe with a slightly damp cloth, one small area at a time. The natural rubber sole just needs a brush and a damp cloth too.
If the laces need a wash, take them out and hand wash them in lukewarm water with a little mild soap, then let them air dry. Keep them out of the tumble dryer.
And please, no washing machine and no soaking. Both are hard on leather and on the way the shoe is put together.
Should you condition the leather?
You can, but keep it simple and natural. Most of the time, a soft brush and a damp cloth are all your shoes need. If the leather starts to look dry, a little balm made only from natural ingredients, such as beeswax, carnauba wax or plant oils like jojoba or almond, will help keep it supple. Check the label before you buy. If anything on the ingredient list is synthetic, like silicones, solvents or petroleum-based waxes, or you can't tell what an ingredient is, leave it on the shelf. That way your shoes stay ready to come back to us when you're done with them.
Use a thin layer on a soft cloth, let it soak in, then buff. Try it on a hidden spot first, as most balms darken leather slightly. Less is more.
What if they get wet?
Let them dry on their own, at room temperature. It's tempting to speed things up on a radiator or with a hair dryer, but heat stiffens leather and can crack it. Loosen the laces, take out the felt insole if you use one, and stuff the shoes with plain paper to soak up the moisture and hold the shape. Swap the paper after a few hours.
If you notice water marks once they're dry, dampen the whole panel evenly with a clean cloth, seam to seam, so it dries back to one even tone. When it's dry again, a little balm puts back the oils the water took out.
How should you store them?
Somewhere cool and dry, away from direct heat. Leather needs to breathe, so skip sealed plastic and damp cupboards. If you can, give your shoes a day off between wears so they dry out fully.
What should you avoid?
Mostly anything synthetic or harsh. Waterproof sprays and synthetic coatings stop the shoe from breaking down at the end of its life, and we can't take treated shoes back. Chemical cleaners do the same, and they're rough on leather too. Add washing machines, soaking and fast heat to the list, and you've covered it.
Quick answers
Can I waterproof my SOLK shoes?
Please don't. Sprays and coatings stop the shoe from breaking down later, and we can't take treated shoes back.
Can I wear them in the rain?
Yes, a bit of rain is fine. Avoid puddles and downpours where you can, and let them dry naturally afterwards.
Is creasing a problem?
Not at all. Leather creases where your foot bends; it's a sign the shoe is shaping itself to you.
What do I do when they're worn out?
Send them back to us. Request a return and we'll send you a label.