What our shoes are made of, and how to keep them going for as long as the foot inside them will allow.
The materials we use
Soft leather and vegan suede
Used for soft soles, booties and Mary Janes. Both breathe well and mould to the foot within a few wears. Vegan suede is a polyester microfibre, so it is lighter and easier to clean than real suede, and it does not stain in the rain.
Knitted cotton
Used for sock shoes. Stretches wide enough to get over a heel without a fight, then holds around the ankle. Machine washable.
Breathable mesh
Used in sneakers and summer styles. Keeps feet cool through a full day out and dries quickly if it gets wet.
Rubber and silicone soles
Rubber for outdoor styles, silicone dots for indoor grip. Both are non-marking, so they will not leave lines on a wooden floor.
Sherpa and faux shearling linings
Used in slippers and winter styles. Warm from the first minute, no breaking in.
Care by material
| Material | How to clean | Drying |
|---|---|---|
| Knitted cotton | Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, in a mesh bag | Air dry, away from radiators |
| Mesh | Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap | Air dry, stuff with paper to hold the shape |
| Vegan suede | Damp cloth, no soaking | Air dry, brush the nap back when dry |
| Leather | Wipe clean, occasional leather balm | Air dry slowly, never on a heater |
| Sherpa lining | Machine wash cold if the whole shoe allows it | Air dry fully before wearing |
| Rubber soles | Warm soapy water and a brush | Air dry |
Three things that matter more than cleaning
- Dry them properly. A damp shoe worn the next morning is how linings go stiff and start to smell. Two pairs in rotation solve most of it.
- Never use a radiator or a hairdryer. Heat shrinks glue and hardens leather. Room temperature and patience.
- Check the fit every six to eight weeks. Feet grow in bursts. A shoe that fitted perfectly in March can be too short by May, and a child will not tell you.
Safety
Our footwear is intended for the age ranges shown on each product page. Check regularly that straps, buckles and decorative details are still firmly attached, and stop using a shoe if anything works loose. Always supervise a child who is learning to walk.
Not sure how to treat a particular pair? Email hello@babybisou.com with a photo and we will tell you.