Rick Owens has been producing footwear since the early 2000s, and the construction philosophy behind each pair has always prioritized longevity over trends. The leather used across most models is thick, full-grain, or specially treated to develop a patina with age rather than degrade. Silhouettes like the Geobasket, Ramones, and DRKSHDW low-top are built with welt construction and substantial rubber bases that respond well to maintenance. Owning a pair is not like owning disposable footwear  the materials actually improve when cared for properly over time. Two years in, my pair looks more considered than it did when new, and that is entirely a product of consistent attention. Understanding what these shoes are made from is the first step toward keeping them in strong condition.

The first month sets the foundation for everything after

The decisions made during the first few weeks of ownership have a lasting effect on how well the shoes age over the following years. Before the first wear, I applied a leather protector spray to the upper to create a barrier against moisture and light surface abrasion. Breaking the rickowensshoes.com in gradually wearing them for short periods before full-day use allowed the leather to mold naturally without causing stress cracks in the upper. I also inserted cedar shoe trees on the first day, and they have stayed in the shoes every time I am not wearing them since. These early habits did not take much time or money, but they built a foundation that has made every subsequent care session more effective. Treating new Rick Owens footwear with intention from the beginning is the single most impactful decision an owner can make.

The exact weekly routine I follow after every few wears

My care routine takes approximately twelve minutes and happens every two to three wears rather than on a rigid calendar schedule. I begin by removing the cedar shoe trees and using a soft horsehair brush to sweep away any dust, dried mud, or surface debris from the leather and along the welt seam. A small amount of pH-neutral leather cleaner applied to a microfiber cloth is then used to wipe the entire upper in slow, circular strokes without saturating the material. After the surface has dried for several minutes, I apply a thin coat of leather conditioner and allow it to absorb before buffing lightly with a clean cloth. The rubber sole base gets a quick wipe with a slightly damp cloth to remove any scuff marks or pavement residue. That is the entire routine  no complex products, no lengthy process, just consistent attention to the materials.

Handling rain, salt, and wet weather without panic

Wet weather is the most common reason leather footwear ages badly, and Rick Owens shoes are no exception to this reality. At the start of each wet season, I reapply a thin coat of water-repellent spray to the leather upper and allow it to cure overnight before wearing the shoes outdoors again. When the shoes do get caught in unexpected rain, I blot the surface immediately with a dry cloth rather than leaving water to absorb and dry on its own. Salt from winter pavements is removed the same evening using a damp cloth, because salt residue left overnight begins to dry out and crack the leather from the surface inward. After any significant wet exposure, I stuff the shoes with newspaper for the first hour before replacing the cedar trees to pull moisture out more quickly. Following this pattern for two winters has left zero cracking, no salt staining, and no sole separation on my pair. Not sure what to wear on top? An essentials Hoodie is always the right answer with these boots.

Storage habits that protect the shoe when it is not being worn

How a shoe is stored between wears accounts for a significant portion of its long-term condition, yet most owners overlook this aspect entirely. Cedar shoe trees are non-negotiable they absorb the moisture left behind after a full day of wear and prevent the toe box from collapsing inward over time. I keep my Rick Owens shoes in their original dust bag inside the box when they are not in rotation, which protects the surface from environmental dust and light. The storage area is away from direct sunlight, which causes leather to fade and lose its natural oils regardless of how well the surface has been conditioned. I never stack anything on top of the box, because sustained pressure on the toe box permanently distorts the shape of the upper. These storage habits require no active effort once established they simply become part of how the shoes are treated every time they come off.

Products I have tested and the ones I actually kept using

Over two years, I have worked through several leather care products before settling on the combination that gives the best results on Rick Owens-treated leather. A pH-neutral cleaner without alcohol or harsh solvents is essential anything more aggressive strips the surface treatment and changes the texture of the leather permanently. The conditioner I use is a light, wax-free formula that absorbs without leaving a greasy film or altering the matte finish that most Rick Owens leathers carry. For the rubber sole and platform base, a simple damp cloth handles most cleaning, with occasional use of a mild soap solution for deeper grime on the platform edges. The water-repellent spray I rely on is applied no more than twice per year, always to a clean, dry surface, and always given time to cure before exposure to any moisture. Fewer, better products used consistently outperform a large collection of specialty items used occasionally.

The one habit most owners skip that makes the biggest difference

If there is a single habit that separates well-maintained Rick Owens shoes from neglected ones, it is the use of cedar shoe trees inserted immediately after every wear. Most owners either skip shoe trees entirely or use them inconsistently, and the difference in shape retention over two years is very visible. Leather that is left to dry on its own after a full day of wear contracts unevenly, causing creasing patterns that become permanent rather than natural. The cedar also draws out the moisture that accumulates inside the shoe from a day of wear, which is the primary cause of lining deterioration and odor over time. I keep a dedicated pair of shoe trees in my Rick Owens footwear at all times they go in within minutes of taking the shoes off and only come out when I am about to put the shoes back on. This single habit, maintained consistently, has done more for the long-term condition of my pair than any product or cleaning routine.

What two years of consistent care actually looks like

After 24 months of regular wear and the routine described above, my Rick Owens shoes show almost none of the degradation that typically accompanies this amount of use. The leather has developed a natural depth of tone that was not there when the shoes were new, which is the expected result of regular conditioning applied over time. The welt seam is intact, the sole shows normal wear at the heel and ball of the foot, and the upper has no cracking, salt staining, or visible water damage. The lining is clean and odor-free, which I attribute directly to the cedar trees and the habit of never storing the shoes while still damp. None of this required expensive professional care only consistent attention using basic tools and a modest selection of quality products. Two years in, these shoes still receive compliments, and I expect them to remain in strong condition for several years more with the same approach.