5 Ways to Make Your Expensive Shoes Last Longer
So you’ve gone and done it…
The perfect, shiny new pair of shoes that you always knew would complete your life is now sitting in your closet! Is there a better feeling in the world? Truthfully, no. But do you know what can amplify this exquisite feeling even more? Making those gorgeous new shoes last as long as possible! Here are five tips that should keep your toes and heels perfectly clad for years to come.
Store Them Properly
This is perhaps the most important thing you must do to keep your shoes in tip-top form. When you’re not wearing them, you want to keep your beautiful new investments safe and protected. This means storing them out of direct sunlight and making sure that they’re not right next to a heat source, like a radiator.
Also, do not just toss them in your “pile o’ shoes” in the closet. Put them in a shoe box or keep them away from the melee of the rest of your wardrobe. This ensures that they do not bear the wrath of accidental scuffs or marks from carelessness.
For bonus shoe owner points, consider investing in a shoe tree.
Allow Them Some Time to Recuperate
It seems so unfair, doesn’t it? If you’re super excited about your new footwear, this one may be incredibly hard. You may even be tempted to sleep in your amazing new footwear. But you must exercise restraint! The trick is to not wear your shoes for two days in a row. This allows them the time they need to get their shape back, and gives them a moment to breathe.
Keep Them Spiffy by Polishing and Cleaning
Obviously, the methods used will depend upon the material, but keeping everything polished and clean will obviously help to extend the life of your footwear. Research the best ways to keep your shoes pristine, and hold yourself to a high standard when taking care of them.
Depending Upon Your Local Weather, Consider Waterproofing Them
This can be an excellent way to launch a preemptive strike against weather damage! Stop the water warping before it even starts. Depending upon the type of shoe, you will have different options for waterproofing.
Spray-on waterproofing compounds offer protection for a shorter duration of time. For instance, if you have a business trip in Seattle, you may want to take advantage of a waterproofing spray before you leave. It only takes about thirty minutes for the compound to set, so the whole process couldn’t be more convenient. The downside is that some people claim that these compounds affect the integrity of leather, so do your research before spraying into oblivion! Another options is to use weather protectants or weather preservatives, which have more of a permanent effect, sealing out moisture. If you’re big into shine, you may do well with a wax-based polish, but just be aware that you will need to apply it to your shoes every other time you wear them.
Find a Cobbler
Yes, it may sound strange, but cobblers really do exist in this day and age! And they can provide you with invaluable assistance when it comes to keeping your shoes in perfect condition.
