Fashionable shoes can mean a lot to the trending fashionista; they allow her to express her sense of elegance and style without forfeiting comfort. Nevertheless, the daily grind can take a heavy toll on your shoes. Pavement, rain, and snow can all damage the shoes quickly and easily, and that’s where the role of preventative care comes in.
Even though women’s shoes remarkably differ from men’s, they still require the same care, attention, and upkeep. Granted, the cost of repair can be substantial, and you wouldn’t want to go shoe shopping all the time, as that can put a strain your budget.
So, how can you mend your shoes and make them last longer? Here are a few tips to make your most treasured and stylish soles last a lifetime, or at least a few seasons.
Preventing Wear and Tear
The weather can affect your shoes. You do not necessarily have to trudge through rain, snow, and sleet to realize that your shoes have already weathered and lost their luster. Even without the elements, humidity, dryness, and moisture can affect your shoes. Giving your shoes the needed care can mean their survival or demise. Some shoes can quickly be revived with protective sprays, while others require more attention.
The market is full of shoe care products; if you choose any, make sure they suit the kind you are wearing. If you are donning leather shoes, don’t underestimate the power of cleaners, spongers, and shiners to give them a fresh look.
It is also imperative to give your shoes the care they deserve by regularly cleaning them and removing dust, debris, and moisture. That is complemented by proper storage. Don’t attempt to store your leather shoes near heaters or air conditioners, as that can affect the elasticity of the leather and cause discoloration. When stored correctly, your shoes will last longer. The best option would be to store your shoes in a setting with a mild temperature free of dust, vents, and drafts with good air circulation.
Taking Care of Suedes
Suede is a type of leather with an interesting look and feel; it is renowned for its fuzzy-napped finish. Suedes are made from the underside of lamb, goat, calf, and deer skin. Suede shoes are extremely sensitive to water; unlike other run-of-the-mill sneakers and fabric shoes, suedes should never be placed in a washing machine. Because they are sensitive to water, they can be cleaned using a semi-damp cloth; it shouldn’t be damp enough to leave any visible marks on the shoes.
If your suedes have been stained, careful attention is needed. For example, if your suede shoes are smeared with oil and grease, apply cornstarch to the affected area and allow it to soak up the excess grease for a few hours. You can gently scrape the affected area with a brush and repeat as needed until the stains have completely disappeared. For dirt, mud, salt, and dust, a dry brush or toothbrush will do the trick. But if your suedes are stained by water, you can immediately dry them with a cloth and use a waterproof spray to avoid future water stains.
How Long Can Your Shoes Last?
If you take good care of your shoes and maintain them well, they can last five years or more. Nevertheless, that’s not always the case in many situations. A pair that is rotated among a fashionable collection might need to be replaced every 12 months or so, depending on how many times you wear them. Nevertheless, while you still have them, consider these helpful pointers to make your shoes last.
1. Don’t kick or tap your shoes. Too much pressure on the heel will damage it.
2. Only wear your shoes for the occasion it deserves. Some shoes are not suitable for sports and merit another activity or occasion.
3. Give your shoes rest. The allure of wearing your favourite and comfortable pair all the time can cause them to wear out quickly.
4. Protect the soles, there are several products that can deliver. A quick online search can yield a plethora of results that you can utilize.
These tips can do much to add to the longevity of your shoes; don’t be so quick to dismiss them. By regularly maintaining your shoes, you can extend their life and quality and keep them looking their best for a long while!
David Messiha | Contributing Writer
