Men of style know that they must invest in quality shoes. With quality shoes, comes the need for proper maintenance and care. It is easy for them to neglect cleaning their shoes after the hustle and bustle. Follow these tips to care for leather shoes and keep them looking good for the long haul:
1. Invest in quality leather shoes
This is an important investment because it pays. When you invest in quality leather or suede then the longer your shoes have the potential to last.
2. Rotate your shoes daily
Allow your shoes to rest for at least a day, and it will extend their life. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes on consecutive days, give them time to breathe.
3. Use cedar shoe trees
Shoe trees help keep your shoes in good standing for the long haul and are relatively inexpensive. They help leather shoes to regain and retain their shape after wear. They also absorb moisture to protect the leather, fabric, stitching, and soles. Lastly, the aroma of the cedar deodorizes your shoes, helps to combat odor and keep your shoes fresh.
4. Use shoehorn
Sheo horns allow you to easily slide into your shoes without damaging the leather. Get a small, portable one and place it inside the shoes when you are not wearing them.
5. Avoid nasty weather conditions
Avoid wearing your good leather or suede shoes in bad weather. If your shoes happen to get wet, don’t put them near direct heat as this can damage the leather. Instead, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels so that they can absorb the moisture and let them dry naturally.
6. Maintain proper shoe maintenance
Get a leather shoe kit that has the following: Leather cleaner, Horsehair shine brush, Leather conditioner, Shine cloth, and Leather shoe polish and polish applicators. First use a quality brand leather cleaner or mild soap and water to remove dirt, grime, or any old layers of polish from the shoe. Condition your shoes to rehydrate the leather allowing for it to soften and replace the leather’s natural oils. Apply a shoe polish that closely matches the colour of your shoes.