For an item that gets worn most days shoes probably get the least amount of care. You wash your shirts and dry-clean your suits but when was the last time you cared for your shoes? Whether its function or fashion, even the most expensive pair of shoes in the world won’t look any good in the long run if it is neglected.

When you buy a new pair of shoes the first scuff is the most annoying, but if you let those scuffs build up without regular cleaning then your shoes will start to look trashed before their time. If you treat your shoes with a little bit of love and spend a small about of time caring for them by storing them properly and cleaning them when necessary, you’ll protect your purchase for years to come.

Here’s what you need to know.

• First of all, make sure you’re wearing the right shoe for the right occasion. Smashing the same pair of shoes for work and weddings and everything in-between will tear the shoe up in no time.

• Invest in quality. While the initial costs may be high, you may end up saving money throughout the lifespan of the shoe. Like most things that are super cheap they are usually made from less durable materials and will end up costing you more in the long run.

• Prepare your new shoes before their first wear. Waterproofing, conditioning, and polishing are all vital for a shoe’s long-term durability.

• For shoes that you wear regularly, once a week give them with a light wipe down using a shoe brush and cloth this will help to restore the shine.

• Leather shoes can be delicate, use creams that nourish the leather and slow the process of ageing.

• Shoe brushes made from natural materials with long, soft bristles will polish more effectively and give the best results.

• When using cream conditioners use it sparingly. A great polished finish is attained by allowing the cream to penetrate the pores of the leather without blocking them; an excess of grease will only prevent the leather breathing. Less is more!

• Clean your shoes when they are completely dry. If your shoes had moisture on them allow them to dry at room temperature. If you got caught in the rain and your shoes are very wet, stuff them with a small towel or paper towel to draw out the moisture.

• Avoid wearing your shoes on consecutive days. Try to alternate your footwear daily to allow the leather to dry from sweat and other moisture. 

• Even though we love the ‘no sock look’ always try and wear socks or hidden socks and try to always use a shoehorn to put shoes on to avoid the back of the shoes stretching and weakening.

If they are correctly taken care of, leather shoes will last a lifetime. As shoes are subject to so much wear and tear every day it is important to remove any dirt or debris regularly.  However, if the shoe starts cracking then unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to save it, but hey, look on the bright side you get a new pair of shoes!

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