Shoe Care 101: 7 Ways to Preserve Your Favorite Pairs

Want to help the planet and save money? Take care of your shoes! By maintaining them, you'll make them last longer and buy fewer pairs. This means fewer shoes in landfills (yep, that's where most end up) and less manufacturing, which saves our planet's resources.

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Ready to keep your shoes running longer? Check out these easy-to-follow tips:

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Clean Your Shoes Regularly

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Regular shoe cleaning is essential to keep your footwear in top condition and extend its life. For fabric shoes, brush off dirt and use warm water and dishwashing liquid solution to scrub them clean. Leather shoes need wiping, buffing, and polishing with a moisturizing shoe polish to prevent drying. Suede shoes are trickier. For those, use a pencil eraser for marks and baby powder for oil stains, or seek professional help from a cobbler if you're unsure.

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Store Shoes in a Dustbag

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Store your shoes in a dust bag when not in use. For long-term storage (over three months), stuff them with scrunched-up newspaper to maintain their form. Always clean your shoes before storing them to prevent mold growth. These simple steps will protect your footwear from dust, preserve its shape, and ensure it stays fresh and ready for your next wear.

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Rotate Your Footwear

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To make your shoes last longer, try not to wear them everyday. Wearing them constantly leads to faster wear and tear, so try to switch them up. Your feet perspire constantly, regardless of temperature, and this moisture accumulates inside your shoes. By giving each pair time to dry out properly, you'll extend their life.

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Protect Them From Moisture

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Keep your leather shoes dry and away from moisture. Don't wear them during rainy seasons, and if they get wet, dry them quickly. In fact, it's best to avoid leather footwear entirely during monsoons. Both real and vegan leather are sensitive to water, so taking these precautions will help extend the life of your shoes. To quickly dry your shoes, remove the insoles, loosen the laces, place the shoes in front of or under a fan, and let it run for a few hours until they're dry.

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Protect Them From Sunlight

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Protect your shoes from direct sunlight when you're not wearing them. Again, this is especially important for leather shoes, which can deteriorate faster if exposed to too much sunlight. Storing your shoes in a dark closet or storage bin will help them last longer and stay in better condition.

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Don't Forget About Your Laces

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Laces need attention as well. Every few weeks, remove your laces and soak them in warm, soapy water. After soaking, take them out and let them dry completely before replacing them. You can also invest in an extra pair of laces and alternate them or use them to add a fresh look to your footwear.

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Get Your Shoes Fixed by a Cobbler

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Visiting a cobbler can significantly extend the life of your shoes. These skilled professionals offer a range of services that go beyond simple repairs. They can breathe new life into your footwear by replacing worn-out soles, adjusting the fit using stretching machines to increase length and width, and providing routine cleaning and maintenance.

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Here are 5 Ways a Cobbler Can Fix Your Shoes.

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