While footwear has advanced dramatically over the last century, one thing has remained constant: shoes will always require proper care to stay in good condition.
Today, there are numerous varieties of footwear available, ranging from leather to canvas and everything in between. It's perplexing to consider that every sort of shoe, from cleats to brogues, necessitates unique care. If you follow our professional advice on how to care for your shoes, you will be able to get the most wear out of each type of shoe.
Examine your shoes for any washing or cleaning instructions before attempting to clean them. Then sort them by material, such as leather or suede. Finally, remove any laces and tap them together to remove any loose dirt before washing shoes. To get rid of odours, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda in the shoe the night before a wash.
Regular shoe care increases the longevity of your shoes. Here's what you can do to get there:
It's critical to understand how to properly clean and care for your shoes, especially if you want to keep your shoes for as long as possible. Keep in mind that various shoes require different care.
Avoid the washing machine: Contrary to popular opinion, any type of canvas/knit or mesh shoe should not be washed. Even light cycles might weaken the adhesive that holds your shoe together and make your soles appear worn down.
No air: Shoes, like our skin, require adequate airflow to breathe. Shoes should never be stored in plastic.
Over wearing: Constantly wearing the same pair of shoes can irreparably ruin their structure, and no amount of washing can save them. Alter your shoe collection on a regular basis.
Dry feet only: Always dry your feet before putting on shoes- damp/moist feet can cause a variety of health problems and cause shoes to mildew.
Don't forget to wipe: To avoid stains, mud and liquids should be wiped off as quickly as possible, especially from leather shoes.
Forget the heater: Avoid drying wet shoes near a heat source. Air drying is preferable.
Check out our infographic below on “How to Care For Different Types of Shoes”.
Also, check out our other guides on “How To Clean Suede, Leather & Satin Shoes” and “How To Polish Shoes"