Tag: shoe care tips

How to Protect Your Shoes

Life is a journey and a journey of a thousand miles begins with shoes. I know that sounds a bit cheeky but when it comes to shoes I can’t help it. Let’s face it, new shoes make everyone happy. But keeping those new babies in shape can get tiresome. Being a shoe addict, I have my own shoe routine which I would like to share with all you lovely ladies. So let’s talk about the easy tips that can help protect your precious shoes and sandals.

A major problem when it comes to tending your shoes is finding the right product for your shoes. You need to save your shoes from the weather, travel, wear and tear from regular usage and so much more. So here’s a basic guide which will help you get started.

Shoe Stuffers: I recently came across a website which I can say is a shoe lover’s best friend. Protectmyshoes.com is an online store which sells a fashionable luxe line of shoe stuffers. A shoe stuffer helps maintain the shape of your shoes. A lot of time people use paper or shoe trees. But often they end up doing more harm than good. The tissue papers shred easily and the shoe trees stretch out your shoes. When travelling you often end up with deformed looking heels. Shoe stuffers by protectmyshoes.com are handmade, machine-washable and fit perfectly into any shoe design. They are a great addition to your shoe care kit and an essential when it comes to travelling. So say bye-bye to squished shoes, and hello stylish stilettos.

Fragrance Mist: Often when you end up wearing closed shoes you are afraid to take them off or pack them with the fear of stinky feet and shoes. Protect your shoes and keep them smelling great with a fragrance mist. Protectmyshoes.com has some great fragrance mists which will leave your shoes smelling great. All you need to do it spray some mist on the shoe stuffer as needed and place them in your shoes.

Shoe Protector Spray: This is a must have in any shoe care kit. Get an all weather protector spray. Spray your new shoes and leather shoes with a waterproof spray to keep them in pristine condition. Apart from this regularly clean and wipe your shoe to preserve them. If you have a leather shoe collection make sure you follow this routine religiously.

Protect and Brush Suede: Suede shoes are very delicate and attract a lot of dirt. This makes them look worn out after just a few uses. Invest in a good quality brush and clean your shoes regularly to get rid of any dirt or stains. Avoid going for a hard bristle brush for your delicate shoes. Once you clean your shoes don’t forget to protect them with a suede protector spray.

Leather Conditioning Cream: Leather is usually very durable but improper care or cleaning can damage it severely. Protect your leather shoes with a deep conditioning cream. A conditioning cream will help the leather maintain its shine and not get dry. Spray leather shoes with a water-repellent protective spray before using them in rain or high humidity.

What are the basic items in your shoe care kit? Let me know in the comments below.

How to Keep Your Shoes in Mint Condition

FotorCreated8

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.