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Before I even get started on how to care for your shoes, I have to admit that I’m a big believer in spending a little extra money on good quality shoes. Cheap shoes just look cheap – and are generally uncomfortable. Also, most tend to be made of synthetic materials that don’t wear well and tend to smell bad after a few wears.
Leather on the other hand molds to the shape of the foot, is comfortable and if cared for correctly will give you years of wear.
If you’ve spent R500 upwards on a pair of shoes, you’ll want to care for them as best as you can. I’m always amazed at how many women (and men) will happily part with their hard earned cash on a pair of shoes, wear them regularly and not give a second thought to caring for them.
These are my tips on how to prolong the life of your favourite shoes and keep them looking pristine for years to come:
1. Before you wear a new pair of shoes, take them to be re-soled. This will add years to their life and give them extra grip so when you wear them for the first time, you won’t slip on any smooth surfaces. Expect to pay approximately R120 for this.
2. Use a foot spray or powder (especially when wearing closed shoes) to prevent any unpleasant odors.
3. After each wear, wipe any gunk off the inside and outside of your shoes with a wet wipe or soft, damp cloth.
4. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day – allow them some time to breathe and dry out.
5. Apply a leather cream to (leather) shoes once a month. Leave on for a few minutes then buff off with a soft cloth. This will feed the leather, add some shine and increase durability.
6. Suede shoes can be sprayed with a speciality spray and brushed with an old toothbrush to remove any dirt or scuff marks. A good dry cleaner should be able to get rid of any marks on fabric shoes.
7. Store your shoes in clear plastic shoe-boxes (you can purchase a pack of 10 from Builders Warehouse) – this will ensure they keep their shape and don’t get dusty. If space is an issue, canvas organizers that you can hang behind a door are a good option.
8. If your shoes get wet, avoid drying them close to a heater. This can shrink the leather and cause them to crack. Rather allow them to dry naturally in a warm, well-ventilated room.
9. Touch up any small nicks on coloured leather shoes with nail polish in a similar colour. I know, sounds odd – but you’ll be amazed at how close a match you’ll be able to find. As a bonus, you can match your shoes to your nail colour.
Click here to read more even more tips on keeping your shoes in top shape.
Check out In my bag, a fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog from Candice-Lee for more articles like this one.
