5 Tips For Longer Lasting Shoes

If you’re a shoe fetish or a shoe addict, chances are you’ve probably accumulated more than enough shoes over time. I am not even going to begin asking each one of you how many pairs of shoes you own, but I will however ask, if you take care of your beloved collection of shoes.

So do you?

(image from fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com)

Caring for your shoes is very important. Consider shoes as investments. After all, you spend money to acquire a pair. So that pair should provide you with good returns.

In my opinion, in order for a pair of shoes to be considered worth it, its cost per use has to be low or reasonable. In other words, the lifespan of a pair of shoes has to be long enough in order to achieve that reasonable or low cost per use.

So how do you make your shoes last longer? Well, with proper care and maintenance of course!

For the benefit of those who are unaware, here are 5 simple tips to make your shoes last longer.

Always clean and condition your shoes regularly. The shoe care product should depend on the shoe material. For example, leather requires a leather conditioner or lotion while suede on the other hand requires a special kind of brush.

Remove dirt first before using any shoe care product. There are brands that offer leather cleaners. If you want something homemade, do not use soap or detergent! Simply use a moist cloth to remove dirt. Then you can apply the product. Do this regularly depending on how often the shoes are used.

Dr. Martens Wonder Shoe Balsam, US$15

Protect your shoes. Suede leather and even fabric-made shoes require shoe protectors that will shield it from stains and water. If you have a new pair of suede shoes, spray it with a shoe protector before using it.

UGG Sheepskin Water and Stain Repellent, US$8

Allen-Edmonds Heel and Sole Edge Dressing, US$5

Let Your Shoes Breath. Switch your shoes. Don’t use the same pair every day. If you’re a shoe fetish, you shouldn’t have any problems with this, given the number of pairs you have.

The feet sweat, so it is very important to let your shoes dry out completely before wearing it again, or before storing it in your closet or shoe box. Letting your shoes breath will help keep its shape as well.

Don’t use wet shoes, nor should you store wet shoes in the shoebox or shoe closet. Otherwise, your shoes will develop molds, the material will deteriorate, and the shoes will lose its shape. Allow it to air dry completely. Do not put it in the oven or it will crack.

Store your shoes properly and maintain its shape. Don’t dump your shoes together or pile it on top of each other or it will get deformed. Store them in their original shoe boxes if you have the space for it. If not, use a shoe organizer or a shoe rack.

Try shoe trees and boot shapers for your boots as well.

Woodlore Combination Shoe Trees for Women, US$30

Boot Shapers 300 (Pack of 3 Pairs), US$30

If you store your shoes in a shoe closet, put dehumidifiers and silica gels in it to absorb the moisture inside. Other wise, the leather on your shoes might start to peel off. And you don’t want that to happen, do you?

Take care of the heel collar and heel. Use a shoe horn. This will help keep the heel collar in shape. When you travel, wrap your shoes in soft material or stuff them with socks or any soft material to keep it from losing its shape. If the heel tap is worn out (tip of your shoes’ heel), have it replaced by the shoe repair shop.

Ecco Scott Leather Shoe Horn, US$37

If this is your first time to pay some TLC to your shoes, start by at least getting a shoe care kit.

Kiwi Select Shoe Care Valet, US$56

The shoe brand you’re buying from may offer its own shoe care set so purchase  one for your shoes’ sake.

You can try getting it for free if there is a promotion. Like for instance, the promotion Aerosoles is currently having; it is offering a FREE SHOE CARE KIT with every purchase, but only for a limited period (April 30 to May 17).

If you’re interested, you can shop for Aerosoles shoes at Shoebuy.com. This online store offers FREE Shipping and No Sales Tax.