Dressing is incomplete without shoes because they add the finishing touch to our looks. We all have those shoes that are solely for special occasions so we wear them once in a while for them to last long. With constant use, comes the wear and tear of these shoes.
You can actually have your cake and eat it if you don’t want your shoes to be durable for quite a long time. The following are some suggestions to keep your shoes durable, and long-lasting all year round:
1. Clean your shoes at regular intervals
The safest way to clean your shoe is to do it by hand. The method and items used can depend on the material of the shoe, such as leather or suede. Be sure to research the best method for the type of shoe you are cleaning. Generally, for shoes made of fabric, a washcloth and some dish soap diluted with water will do the trick. If the insoles are removable, try taking them out during this time so that they can breathe and air out any odour that might be there.
2. Protect the soles of your shoes
One of the first things to wear out on a well-worn shoe is the sole. Thankfully, there are products out there designed to protect the soles of shoes. Making this is one of the easiest ways to make your shoes last longer. A quick, easy search online will deliver options that will be sure to leave you satisfied, and your shoes lasting longer. Along the same lines, depending on the shoe, you may try investing in some toe taps which help to prevent the tip of the sole on a pointy shoe from wearing out too quickly.
3. Spray with water protectant
Another simple trick that helps to maintain the quality of your shoes is by spraying them with a water protectant. It is highly recommended to spray your shoes with some type of water-repellent solution before wearing them. These can be found at any place that sells shoes, just be sure to check the label for instructions on how to properly apply to your shoe based on the material they are made out of.
4. Stuff your shoes with newspaper
Another easy hack that will surely benefit your shoes, especially in the long run, is by stuffing the insides with newspaper. This simple trick even has more than one benefit; not only does it help prevent any lingering odour, but it helps to dry them out if they happen to get wet, which helps to prevent dry rot, and it also helps to keep their shape. Another great thing about using newspapers for the inside of your shoes is that they are extremely easy to come by, and they are often very affordable. If you do happen to feel like springing a bit more for the care of your shoes, consider investing in a shoe horn. These are designed to help hold the shape of the shoe while wicking out any moisture.
5. Store your shoe in a safe place
Another important to consider is what your shoes are doing when they are not being worn on your feet. Having a proper place to store them is another easy way to keep your shoes lasting longer. This means keeping your shoes out of direct sunlight as this can cause them to fade, among other things. This also means not just throwing them in the closet, as this can cause them to become scratched or lose their shape. Neatly line them in a dark, dry place. You may also want to consider storing your shoes in cloth shoe bags to help protect against things like dust.