Sandals Care

How to Care for Your Sandals

Every pair of Orange Inca sandals is made from three materials, and each one has its own care: the woven bands of naturally dyed sheep wool, the leather around and under your foot, and the rubber sole. They are made by a family of shoemakers in Cusco, built for summer, and made to come back out every summer after.

The Leather

The footbed, the lining of the bands, the toe loop and the back strap are leather. Look after them the way you would any good leather.

Wipe them with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and marks. If the leather gets wet, pat it dry and let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat and sun. Never use a hairdryer or leave them on a sunny windowsill.

When the leather looks dry or feels stiffer than usual, work in a little colourless leather conditioner with a soft cloth and buff off the excess. Keep the conditioner off the wool bands.

The footbed softens and darkens as you wear it, and slowly takes the shape of your foot. That is the leather doing its job, not a fault.

The Woven Wool Bands

The bands are a dense weave of sheep wool coloured with natural dyes. Like all our wool pieces, they are spot cleaned only.

Brush off dust with a soft brush. For a mark, blot it (never rub) with a cloth and cold water, adding a little pH-neutral wool soap for a stubborn one. Never wash or soak the sandals, and never put them in the washing machine: water can move natural dyes from one colour into the next.

Long hours in strong sun can soften natural colours over time, so store them out of direct sunlight.

The Rubber Sole

The sole is sturdy rubber, moulded with the pattern of the Inca wall of the Twelve-Angled Stone in Cusco. It needs very little: brush off sand and dirt, or wipe it with a damp cloth.

Water and Sand

These are summer sandals, not water shoes. A splash or a walk along the sand is fine: let them dry naturally, then brush off the sand once it is dry. Avoid swimming in them or leaving them to soak.

Storage

Keep them in the calico bag they came in, in a cool, dry place. Never store them in a plastic bag or a sealed container, which traps moisture and can cause mould.

Like all natural wool, the bands can attract clothes moths if they are stored for a long time somewhere dark and undisturbed. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my sandals?

No. Spot clean the wool, wipe the leather and brush the sole. That is all they need.

Can I wear them to the beach?

On the sand, yes. In the water, no. Let them dry and brush the sand off afterwards.

The footbed looks darker than when I bought them. Is that normal?

Yes. Leather darkens and softens where your foot rests on it. It is how the sandals wear in.

What size are they?

We make them in EU 38, 39 and 40. Peruvian sizes are the same as EU sizes.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions about caring for your sandals, get in touch. We are always happy to help you keep them going for many summers.