Guide - Wear and Care
Break-In
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Barba Handmade shoes fall somewhere between sneakers and dress shoes on the comfort spectrum. Sneakers have synthetic cushion and rely on fabrics to absorb excess sweat. Unfortunately, that cushioned sole wears out and cannot be replaced, and the synthetic fabrics break down and develop an unpleasant smell. They're designed to have a limited life span.
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Dress shoes can be very stiff and unforgiving, often built on flat (not anatomically contoured) lasts with synthetic filler materials and hard leathers.
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These shoes rely on a proper fit and natural materials to provide comfort. They will feel stiff and substantial at first, but over time the leather and cork will mold like a handprint to your foot. The uppers and lining will develop flexibility where your foot demands it. While the leather sole and rubber heel cap will not provide as much cushion as a sneaker, you have the benefit of being able to replace them for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Socks
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We recommend wearing Barba loafers without socks. They were designed to be breathable and resistant to odor. They can be worn with socks, but note that even no-show socks are likely to show given the short cut of the shoe.
Care
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Wear Frequency: While you can certainly wear them every day, we recommend rotating them with other footwear or another pair of Barbas to allow them to fully dry out between wears.
Storage: Please store them with shoe trees to help them maintain shape and prevent leather creasing.
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Leather Care: Avoid excessive exposure to water. Clean with a dry soft towel or gentle brush. For conditioning, use a neutral leather conditioner like Saphir Renovateur once every 2-4 month or as needed. Less is More.
