I feel that there’s a shoe fetish lurking in depth of every woman’s heart. I have seen even the most fashion unconscious girls having an attachment to their favorite stilettoes, loafers or a pair of Converse.
Maybe I’m wrong in this assumption, but we all do own a pair or more which are our prized possessions (or many, many more, most likely!) and the need to keep them nice, clean and in mint condition is important. Because let’s admit it, apart from costing every pretty penny, our loveliest shoes get worn most often and worn-out way too fast.
There are some things that can help increase the life of your shoes significantly. Yes, I know, it will require some effort, but trust me, it’s worth it. Keep your shoes in perfect form so you can wear them forever and ever and ever!
Smart Storage
You have heard this before, but I shall repeat so it makes an impression (if you’re wondering, yes, I have begun storing shoes smartly, and hence the preaching). Here are some storage tips that’ll keep your shoes living long:
- If possible, store shoes in their original box. If not, keep the cloth bags they came and store in those. If not that either, keep them in a cotton poly-bag cinched with a rubber-band.
- Have a separate shoe rack/carousal/wall/shelf. You will be amazed at the numerous space-saving options out there today. Invest here if you must, and you will certainly get good returns with your shoes always looking brand new. In hindsight it’s also easier to find your matching pair of shoes when you are in a rush if they are organized better.
- Stuff shoes like boots with paper, all the way to the top, so their shape is maintained and they do not wrinkle at the ankle.
- Always clean your shoes before keeping them away. You may be tired after your outing, but keep the cleaning arsenal right next to your rack so you can spruce them up quickly before placing them back.
Cleanliness is Key
It goes without saying that clean shoes live the longest. But how to achieve perfect cleanliness? Here’s how:
- Ask the sales assistant every-time you purchase your shoes to know exactly how to clean them. Keep all the required polishes, stain removers, etc within close reach at all times.
- There are these water-resistance sprays that are available in the market, especially meant for leather and suede shoes. Stock up on those in the rainy season or even otherwise to prevent water stains (for these are permanent, beware!).
- Every once in a while, air your entire shoe closet by placing all pairs in the open (sunlight not necessary) for not more than an hour. This removes odors, sole-destroying bacteria, fungi and more.
Fix it! Always
The moment your shoe undergoes the slightest wear and tear, rush to your nearest cobbler. A stitch in time truly saves nine, so make haste! (There are no extra tips here for… well, there’re some things only a cobbler can do!)
Pre-fix Sometimes Too
Yes, this is of utmost importance, especially with those shoes that you wear often or on a daily basis. Fortify them in advance so they last longer:
- Get an additional sole fixed to your flats so the basic structure of the shoe undergoes little damage despite everyday wear. The moment this second sole wears out, get it replaced and your shoes are as good as new!
- Replace the plastic heel cap on your stilettos and pumps with a rubber one – these are far more durable. And replace those as and when they begin to need a change.
So these are some small habits you can add to your style diaries. You do so – and I speak from personal experience here – you will get every penny’s worth of shoe-wear. And borrowing from Audrey Hepburn (a little bit just), well-kept shoes are the prettiest! Keep them beauties pretty always.
