Caring for your KIVI Performance shoes

Your KIVI’s have been made by hand and specifically for you. Like any handmade footwear, they will benefit from regular care and attention.

Getting to know your new shoes

Your KIVI’s have been made specifically for your feet, so give yourself time to get used to the fit and feel of your new shoes before putting them through a heavy training session.

We strongly recommend ‘wearing them in’ at home first, gradually increasing the amount of time you wear them by around an hour at a time. This allows the materials to settle and, importantly, gives your feet time to adapt.

You may notice new contact points and sensations that you haven't experienced in other footwear. This is part of getting used to a shoe made specifically around your individual foot. Let your feet find their way around the shoes and allow them to gradually bed in together.

Once they feel familiar and comfortable, they're ready for the platform.

Weightlifting can be demanding on footwear. Chalk, dust, moisture and repeated training sessions will naturally leave their mark over time. Looking after your shoes will help preserve the materials, appearance and performance, while allowing them to develop character with use.

After training, allow your KIVI’s to air and dry naturally before wearing them again. Never place them directly on a radiator or use high heat to dry them.

You can loosely fill the shoes with newspaper or tissue paper between sessions to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape. Replace the paper when it becomes damp.

A little regular maintenance is far better than waiting until your shoes are desperately in need.

Chalk White Leather

White leather requires a little more attention to keep it looking its best. Your KIVI box includes a V-FIX leather paint pen for touching up small areas where the leather may have picked up marks or scuffs during training.

For everyday cleaning

Remove loose dirt with a soft, clean cloth, you can slightly dampen the cloth if needed. Avoid household cleaning products, bleach or anything abrasive, as these can damage the leather or alter its finish.

Using your V-FIX pen

The V-FIX pen is intended for small areas of wear, scuffing or colour loss on the white leather.

  1. Clean the area first using a clean cloth, dampen the cloth if needed, and allow the leather to dry completely before using the pen.

  2. Shake the pen well before use.

  3. Test the colour first on a discreet area if you are unsure.

  4. Gently apply the paint to the desired area.

  5. Apply one or more thin coats rather than one heavy coat, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

  6. Allow the repaired area to dry for at least 24 hours before wearing the shoes, and avoid heavy use for the first few days.

  7. Once dry, a suitable white leather conditioner can be applied to help maintain the leather, I can advise if needed.

The colour can appear lighter or darker while wet and will change as it dries, so don't judge the final colour until the paint has fully dried.

The V-FIX pen is for small repairs and touch-ups rather than completely re-colouring the shoe.

Suede

Suede has a beautiful depth and texture, but it needs slightly different care to smooth leather.

Your KIVI’s have been suede-protected before leaving the workshop, but this does not completely protect them from moisture or from stains. We strongly recommend re-applying a suitable suede protector every 4 weeks if the shoes are being regularly worn.

Always test any protector on a discreet area first and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them.

Everyday care

After training, allow any moisture to dry naturally before brushing the shoes gently with a suitable suede brush.

Once dry, brush lightly to lift the nap and remove surface dust and chalk. Avoid aggressive brushing, which can damage or flatten the suede.

Using your Famaco Suede Eraser

The Famaco Suede Eraser included with your KIVI’s is designed to gently remove dry scuffs, marks and stains while helping to restore the natural texture of the suede.

1. Make sure the suede is completely dry
Never use the eraser on wet or muddy suede. Allow your shoes to dry naturally first, as rubbing wet dirt can push it further into the material and cause staining.

2. Remove loose dirt
Use a clean, dry suede or crepe brush to gently remove any surface dust or loose debris.

3. Gently rub the affected area
Hold the eraser firmly and rub it back and forth over the scuff or stain using light to moderate pressure. Take your time and avoid pressing too hard.

4. Allow the eraser to do the work
As you rub, the eraser will produce small crumbs or shavings. These lift away dirt, oils and marks trapped within the suede.

5. Brush away the residue
Once you've treated the area, use your suede brush to remove all of the eraser residue and gently restore the natural, velvety texture of the suede.

6. Repeat if necessary
For more stubborn marks, repeat the process gradually rather than applying excessive pressure. Patience is kinder to the suede than aggressive rubbing.

Remember: Always treat suede gently. The aim is to clean and restore the nap, not to scrub the surface.

A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY

Your KIVI’s are made to be used.

They'll see chalk, sweat, platforms, training sessions and competition. That's part of their life - and over time, the leather and suede will naturally develop their own character.

The aim isn't necessarily to keep them looking brand new forever. It's to look after the materials so they can continue to perform alongside you.

Keep them clean, let them dry properly between sessions, and give the materials a little attention when they need it.

And if you're ever unsure about how to treat your KIVI’s, please get in touch before trying something you're not confident about.

KIVI Performance
Handmade for the platform.