Being a style expert and having honed the art of closet optimization, it’s safe to say I’ve got a trick up my sleeve for preserving the quality of all of my wardrobe investments. And like most women, I am shoe obsessed and will stop at nothing to make sure my tootsies and their adornments get the utmost in care. That said, shoe health is just as important as foot health so there’s no need to tip-toe around it. Taking care of your investments is easy, and I’m here to give you my top tips to ensure the longevity of your beloved shoe collection!
Tip #1
First thing’s first, you’ve gotta have an all season leather protector. Apply to your new shoes before your first wear to seriously extend their life. This protects from just about everything, and can even be used on rain gear, hats or jackets and is safe to use on ‘Dry Clean Only’ products. The best investment!
Tip #2
Boots can be your worst enemy when it comes to keeping a tidy closet. Try a simple boot tree that will help preserve their shape, and prevent sagging and cracking. All while keeping your collection organized!
Tip #3
Another important common rule is to give ’em a rest! I know how it is getting a new pair of shoes, you might as well want to sleep in them! But giving them a day of rest will help them dry out from our foot’s natural perspiration. Thus, keeping a happy and good lookin’ shoe for even longer!
Tip #4
With soggy climates like ours it’s important to keep in mind when our leather shoes get wet, don’t help the drying process. Always let your shoes dry out at room temperature at their own pace. Setting them near heaters or fire places will actually cook your leather causing it to become stiff and brittle. Not a good look.
Tip #5
Cedar shoe trees are definitely at the top of my list in my shoe care arsenal. They can extend the life of our shoes up to three times! They provoke the shoe’s natural structural memory, and prevent leather from wrinkling and cracking. Want to know the best part? They absorb moisture, preventing a smelly shoe!
Tip #6
Every few months your leather could use some moisturizing. This will help replenish the natural oils and clear away dirt. Round my house we make a night of it. Gather your shoes, crack open a bottle of wine and do it to it! You’ll feel way more accomplished than zoning out to the television like we so often do on a rainy night!
Tip #7
Doctoring scuffs is as simple as matching the shoe to the proper color shoe polish (or using a neutral), and buffing it out with a soft cloth. You’ll be totally pleased with yourself when your shoes turn up looking new again. Skip the shoe shine stand, you got this!
Tip #8
For suede or nubuck footwear use a suede brush and bar. Designed to clean and renew their textures, use the dry cleaning bar first to remove stains and dirt, and follow with the brush to do away with water spots and revive the nap.
Tip #9
For patent leather, clean with lukewarm water and plain soap, or windex. Shine them dry with a soft, smooth cloth and they’re good to go. Now that’s an easy shoe to care for!
Tip #10
I may have saved the best for last. A healthy shoe deserves a healthy foot, right? Foot gloss is a luxurious little balm that helps prevent chafing and blisters for shoes that rub your feet the wrong way. Great for athletes, runners, dancers, and for breaking in those new shoes you’re eager to love.
For more wardrobe and shoe care tips and tricks, visit my Recommended Products page. And if you’re looking for a good cobbler, or other awesome wardrobe care experts, check this out!
Love,
Scarlet
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