Can You Fix Cracked Leather?


It’s one of the most frequent questions we receive as leather specialists. The answer largely depends on the extent of the damage – but in nearly every case, restoration can work wonders.

There’s nothing quite like the elegance and timeless appeal of leather, so seeing your favourite pair of shoes start to lose its lustre can be disheartening. Whether you’re dealing with cracked leather in need of repair or simply looking to prevent future damage, our advice will help you keep your leather looking fresh and luxurious for years to come.

Why Does Leather Crack?

Before diving into repair methods, it’s helpful to understand the science behind leather’s behaviour. Like all natural materials, leather can wear and deteriorate over time. Be it animal skin, exotic skin or vegan alternatives (like cactus) it can dry out and develop cracks if neglected.

When leather cracks, it’s due to microscopic changes in its structure. Leather is composed of tightly interwoven fibres, which are denser near the surface and looser within. Over time, these fibres can dry out, leading to chafing, stiffness, and eventually cracks.

In life, any skin remains nourished by natural oils, constantly replenished. Once transformed into leather, however, that natural replenishment no longer occurs. To maintain its flexibility, leather relies on replenishing oils and waxes.

If you think of your own skin, you’ll know that without adequate hydration or oils, rough and dry patches form. Leather behaves similarly. Prolonged neglect or lack of conditioning causes its fibres to rub together as the leather moves and flexes. Eventually, this leads to tightness, brittleness, and cracks at points of stress.

Repairing Cracked Leather

Cracks, by their very nature, are permanent because the leather’s structural fibres are damaged. However, there’s no need to despair. Many cracks can be concealed, and simple restoration techniques can significantly improve the appearance and condition of your leather.

If you spot cracks, inspect them to determine whether they are superficial surface cracks – which can be easily treated – or deeper fissures, which require more effort to restore. Deep cracks can often be improved with crack fillers, colour treatments, and nourishing techniques. Below, we’ll outline how to treat dry leather and repair cracks.

Repairing Cracks in Leather

The first step is to thoroughly clean the area then use a leather crack filler to fill the gap followed by sand to smooth the surface and finally applying a leather dye to match the original colour and sealed the repair with leather sealant for example conditioner.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • A premium leather conditioner or cream

  • A soft, dry cloth

  • A fine-bristled shoe brush

  • Mild soap

  • Leather filler

  • Light sand paper

For the best results, we recommend Saphir Leather Cream, a carefully crafted blend of oils, wax emulsions, and softening agents. This luxurious formula known for its shine and protective properties, as well as lanolin, a natural ingredient celebrated for its ability to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

  • remove dirt and debris from the cracked area using a leather cleaner and a soft cloth.

  • Check the severity of the crack; small cracks might only need conditioning whilst deeper cracks will require the filler.

  • Use a leather crack filler specifically designed for repairing leather to fill the crack, applying only a thin layer.

  • Once the filler is dry (usually overnight) lightly sand the surface to smooth it out and make it even with the surrounding leather. Applying gentle pressure.

  • when the filler has been blended to the surrounding leather to a satisfactory standard, using a leather dye, it is time to match the colour of the filler to the colour of the shoe. Apply directly to a cloth and massage into the repaired area.

  • finish by applying a layer of leather conditioner to protect the repaired area and prevent further cracking. It would be wise to cover the entire shoe to ensure full protection and maintain this application on a frequent basis.

If this all sounds too daunting, then reach out to a member of our team on Info@rossoliver.uk - under our warranty scheme we are happy to help with any repairs.