All shoe types needs care and maintenance, whether it is a leather brogue, canvas or suede loafer, they all deserve proper care to last and serve their respective purposes. So buying a nice pair is only the beginning, there's so much more...
Our shoes go through several untold punishments from our feet... You'd agree... Lol. The biggest mistake we make most times is neglecting the care for our shoes after they are brought home. After each use, you need to put some time and effort into the fabric and the sole - this prepares them for even better performance next time.
Here are some tips to keeping your shoes longer:
1. Care for suede shoes
If you have a suede shoe, you need to protect and brush them. Use protective suede pray and brush to resist water, salt and mud because these elements are capable of defacing your fine suede kicks. Also when buying a suede spray, be sure it is the colour that matches your suede shoe, unless you're ready to have the colour of your shoe changed.
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| Leather brogue by Saint George Collections |
2. For leather shoes
Trust me, when I say that, acquiring a quality leather shoes is an investment, hence the need to take proper care of them. Whether you have spent a fortune or not in acquiring those leather shoes, in order to wear them and enjoy your money, polish them! Polishing your leather shoe each time you want to put them on makes them look their best. But incase you don't always have the time to polish, remember to give them a good rub down before going out.
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| Patent leather shoes by @stg_collections |
To prepare the patent leather shoes to be cleaned with the Saphir Vernis Rife Patent Leather Cleaner, first take a damp (not wet) chamois and wipe away any dust or debris that has accumulated on the shoe.
4. Is your shoe wet?
Peradventure you find yourself caught up in a sudden downpour and your shoe becomes a victim, save it from further or permanent damage by drying it once you're home. Stuff some newspaper into your shoe to soak up the moisture and place them in a well ventilated area as you wait for them to dry. Or dry in the sun but do not place them near a heater or anything related to avoid damage and leather becoming cracked and brittle.
5. Add a rubber sole
Before you wear your newly acquired corporate or dress shoes, it is important that you ask a cobbler (shoe maker) to place a rubber sole on it. The rubber will not only protect the leather sole from damage, but they'll also give you extra traction. Worn rubber sole are easily and more affordably replaced.
The best way to clean your canvas sneakers is by hand wash with fabric detergent/shampoo and water - not washing machine... Lol
7. Clean the inside
This is especially important if odour is a problem. Swab them with alcohol or any antifungal agent. Be careful not to splash to avoid staining the leather.
8. Wear hose or socks
This will protect against perspiration which erodes insoles.
9. Get shoe racks
Keep your shoes in good shape after using them. It is better to have a shoe rack where you can arrange them properly, because heaping them all up at a corner in the room or stuffing them into a carton can cause lots of disfiguring and damages to them.
I hope this helps someone....
Contributing sites: menshealth.com, realsimple.com
Photo credit : Saint George Collections @stg_collections, gstatic.com
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