Start caring for your shoes with these simple tips

Taking care of your shoes is essential if you want them to last longer and always look fresh. While shoes can do far more than just cover feet, they express the personality and style of a person. Whether it's expensive sneakers, running shoes, or those casual favorite shoes, proper care keeps them in top-notch condition. In this blog, we are going to discuss some simple & practical tips on how to take care of your shoes with products such as a cleaner, crease defender, and a stain repellent.

Why do your shoes need proper care?

Shoes are a lot more than just something to wear for protecting your feet. They have become a status symbol that compliments your clothing, communicates your taste and style and even reflects your financial capability in some ways. However, being a day-to-day accessory that you use, they are sure to face wear and tear. Therefore, your shoes surely deserve optimum care and here is what you can do to maintain them.

1. Keep your shoes clean

The first thing to do is clean them regularly. Dirt, dust, and stains can damage the material of your shoes over time. Using an optimum cleaner for shoes not only removes surface dirt but also helps in maintaining the texture and color of the material.

Here is how you can use the shoe cleaner in 3 steps:.

1. Begin by brushing off the dry dirt and dust using a soft brush. 

2. Next, drip a shoe cleaning brush, or sponge or a microfibre towel and gently scrub the uppers, midsoles, and outsoles, one by one. 

3. Wipe away the cleaner with a clean cloth, preferably a microfibre towel and let the shoes air dry.

2. Protect against creases

Shoe creases are one of the common problems that occurs mostly with sneakers. With daily usage, their toe box area starts folding or creasing out because of long usage. Such conditions can be avoided with ease through a crease guard.

A crease defender is a soft insert material, produced to fit inside your shoes in the toe area, keeping the toe box firm and preventing creasing while walking or running. You just have to slide it into your shoes. Most crease defenders are soft and flexible so they do not cause discomfort. This makes your shoes last longer and keep them looking like new through protecting them from creases.

3. Make your shoes water-resistant

It is no wonder that water is one of the biggest enemies of your shoe, especially those made of materials like suede, leather, and canvas. Since it is one of the regular causes of damage and stains caused by rain and accidental spills, a water-repellent spray is a must have for shoe enthusiasts. A water-resistant shoe spray creates an invisible layer on the surface of your shoes that repels water, spills, and stains. It keeps your shoes dry and protected in most weather conditions.

Here is how to use it:

1. Clean your shoes thoroughly before applying the spray.

2. Hold the spray bottle about 6-8 inches away from the shoe and apply an even coat.

3. Let it dry completely before wearing the shoes.

4. For best results, reapply the spray every few weeks.

4. Store your shoes properly

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning and protecting your shoes. Leaving them in a messy pile can lead to damage, deformity, and unnecessary wear. 

• Use shoe trees or inserts:
  For formal shoes or sneakers, use shoe trees to maintain their shape. If you don’t have shoe trees, stuff them with newspaper or tissue paper.

• Keep them in a cool, dry place:
  Avoid storing your shoes in damp areas, as this can lead to mold or unpleasant odors. Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture if necessary.

• Organize with sneaker crates:
  Sneaker crates, or transparent storage boxes, are great for organizing your shoes while protecting them from dust and dirt.

5. Rotate your shoes

Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can cause faster wear and tear. Rotating between different pairs allows each pair to air out and recover from daily use. This is especially important for sports shoes or sneakers that might get sweaty.

6. Repair minor damage immediately

A small scuff, tear, or loose sole might not seem like a big deal, but ignoring it can make the problem worse over time. Take the time to fix minor issues as soon as they appear.

7. Freshen them up

Nobody likes smelly shoes! Over time, sweat and moisture can create a nasty odor, especially in sports shoes. Here’s how you can keep them fresh:

• Use a shoe deodorant spray to eliminate odors and leave a fresh scent.

• Place shoe inserts or sachets with baking soda, activated charcoal, or essential oils inside the shoes overnight to absorb bad smells.

• Allow your shoes to air out after wearing them, especially if they’ve been exposed to moisture.

It's not that hard to take proper care of your shoes. It’s a 5-10 minute routine & few products that can really help. Begin looking after your shoes today and be surprised at how longer they can last & better they look.