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Caring for Your Shoes and Boots

You've just bought your dream shoes. They should last you a lifetime. And they will if you care for them properly.

It is so easy to just kick your shoes off at the end of the day and let them lie in the back of the wardrobe or in the hall where they get walked all over until you need them next. But this is a sure way for them to get damaged and have their life considerably shortened.

Use a water repellant before you wear

When you buy a new pair of shoes or boots apply a water and stain repellantbefore you wear them. Respray them when water stops beading up. Suede shoes can also be rubbed vigorously with a towel before being worn to prevent what is known as crocking, which is when little bits of the suede rub off onto your clothes.

When putting your shoes on always use a shoehorn. This will help the shoe to hold its shape and prevent softening of the heel. And remember to always clean off any dirt after every wear. This can be done by simply brushing with a soft brush or rag.

Shoe trees are a great invention. Allowing your shoes to rest on a shoetree for 12 hours between each wear will help the shoes retain their shape.

Leather needs special care

Leather shoes and boots last forever if cared for properly. Clean your shoes and boots regularly with a leather cleaner to get the grime off the top then use a leather conditioner to soften the leather. Any scratches on the leather can be covered up using a cream a shade lighter than the color of the shoes or boots.

Shine your leather shoes and boots with a paste, wax or cream polish and don't forget to waterproof them. Regularly polishing your leather shoes and boots will ensure scuff marks are removed and keep them looking like new for years.

Today's market also has a range of exotic skins being used to create shoes and boots with extra flare. These need extra care and it is important to follow the manufacturer's directions and use the special cleaners and conditioners provided.