Shoes are an important part of our daily lives. Not only can they support us and make certain tasks infinitely easier to manage, but they also tell a story about our style and who we are. It is quite likely that you have a substantial amount of money tied up in shoes in your closet right now. Taking care of them will help them last a very long time… in some cases that might be longer than fashionably recommended.
Caring for your shoes is easy when armed with the right materials and just a bit of knowledge. Today we offer you a few tips to get you started.
savour… happy feet
SHOE CARE AND TIPS
Things to consider:
- Cedar shoe trees will keep the odor down, help remove moisture, and maintain the shape of your shoes.
- To protect the heel of your shoes, use a shoehorn.
- Avoid instant shoe shine products.
- Let your shoes rest between wears. 2-3 days is best at a minimum.
- Wear socks. Moisture is the enemy of shoes and sweat can affect the lining.
- Avoid wearing shoes when wet.
- Dry shoes in an open area away from direct heat sources. Direct heat sources can cause shoe leather to become dry and brittle.
- Protect nubuck leather with repellent. Use silicone-based repellent only.
- When polishing, don’t forget the edges and heels.
- Store shoes in flannel bags for travel (DIY bags in a future post).
To shine your shoes:
- Wipe off any excess dirt with a damp cloth and allow shoes to air dry.
- Apply shoe polish that matches or is slightly lighter than the color of your shoes with a shoe polish brush. Work the polish into the leather in a circular motion. Get into tight spots with an old toothbrush.
- After you’ve achieved a dull coat, allow the polish to dry (10-15 minutes).
- Using a horsehair brush, lightly buff and polish the wax.
- Use a soft cloth to buff further (an old t-shirt is perfect for this).
- Apply edge dressing as necessary.
