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10 Tricks to Prolong the Life of Your Shoes

Being a shoe connoisseur doesn’t necessarily mean that you splurge on a warehouse of shoes like you’re planning to be a vendor at a yard sale. If you love your shoes, then that means you cherish them and would like to preserve them for as long as possible, no matter how often they hit the streets! Thankfully, there are a few ways to prolong your favorite shoes that don’t involve buying seven pairs of flip flops for every day of the week, especially with summer right around the corner. Knowing a few hacks to extend your shoes’ lifespan, whether casual, sporty or formal, can keep you looking hip and fresh while saving a ton of money.

Rotate Your Shoes

They say moderation is key — and your shoes clearly show it. While you may be eager to flaunt your favorite pair of wedge sandals all summer long to combat your sweaty feet and stay stylish, you surely don’t want to overdo it and have your time together suddenly become short-lived. This is why it’s best to rotate your shoes as much as you can. By doing so, you limit the amount of wear and tear on one particular pair of shoes, giving them a chance at a longer shelf life.

Invest in Quality Shoes

Due to the volatility of our present economic climate, everyone everywhere is trying to cut costs on everything! When it comes to essentials as sensitive as shoes, though, cutting costs can mean cutting out the concept of quality. Cheap shoes are usually made with cheap materials and don’t tend to last long. When selecting footwear, it’s best to invest in quality brands with great reviews and strong materials, like authentic leather, suede, cotton or canvas. Shoes made from synthetic materials tend to fall apart after a few years, or sometimes after only a few wears!

Use Stick-on Rubber Soles

Another great trick when it comes to prolonging the lifespan of your shoes is to be innovative. After all, when is innovation NOT a good idea? For instance, when it comes to comfortability and durability, leather shoes rank among your best options. They don’t need much innovation in this area. However, if worn heavily or constructed poorly, leather shoes will often age awfully and show noticeably. They are an amazing option, but you don’t want them to end up buried at the bottom of your shoe rack only slightly resembling the shoes that they once were because they were too amazing and you wore them too hard. The best remedy for this is to apply stick-on rubber sole protectors that can withstand any surface. Easy to remove and replace, and great at hiding wear and tear, this is a simple solution that makes a significant difference.

Clean Shoes After Use

Especially when there is evidence of dirt spots or food stains, a quick clean with a wipe, suede brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush will stop residue from settling in. When it comes to your favorite kicks, though, make sure to do your research and apply the proper cleaning method prescribed for the specific type of shoe. Doing this can keep your footwear looking fresh and bright, keep your footwear smelling fresh, limit excessive and stubborn dirt from your home that gets tracked in and, as a bonus, help you to form good habits!

Spray with a Shoe Protector

Some of our favorite styles of shoes are crafted in leather and suede — and probably some of yours are, too! And while they can be extremely appealing to the eye, they can also be extremely vulnerable to the elements. Thanks to the likelihood of damage when exposed to these elements, though, proactive and protective sprays and treatments exist! These are meant to prevent the deterioration of the shoe’s material and come highly recommended. Certain protective sprays (for instance, water-resistant spray) can come in handy at any time and for a multitude of reasons — so it never hurts to keep a can kicking around!

Stuff Your Shoes

One of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to maintaining that fresh-out-the-box look is to stuff your shoes. From the moment your new shoes leave the comfort of their box, they become susceptible to creases and dents, both of which automatically affect their visage. Some shoes come with paper stuffing that can be recycled, but newspaper sheets are also a popular alternative. Additionally, a wooden shoe tree can be utilized to help keep the shape of your shoes — especially boots, as they commonly crease!

Allow Your Shoes to Dry Out

The right washable shoes for women are beneficial beyond belief, and one of the biggest benefits is that you can throw them right into the washing machine and know that they’re going to come out looking brand new. With that in mind, it’s crucial to allow them the time to dry out completely — and not in a dryer!  As a rule of thumb, you want to ensure that you allow your shows to air out for at least a full day after washing them if you want to ensure that no water is trapped in the shoe straps, toes or heels. Similarly, allow your shoes appropriate time to dry out after any heavy sweating in them. Not only can sweat erode the sole and straps of the shoes, but will also often leave a pungent odor.

Use Shoe Polish

Shoe polishing is an age-old practice for keeping shoes looking spotless and sharp. Signs of creases and cracks appear easily once a shoe becomes dull, but that’s nothing some classic black polish won’t be able to take care of. You want to be careful not to bathe the shoes in polish, but instead apply just enough to bring them back to life.

Cobblers Are Shoe Life-Savers

No matter how much Krazy Glue you apply to your broken heel or the unsticking sole of your favorite tennis shoes, there are some things that require professional help — like that of a cobbler. You’d be surprised at how the skills of a shoemaker can transform your tattered old office shoes into comfortable work shoes for women with style that are nicer than they started. You’d also be surprised at how much saving your shoes’ life can save yours!

Storage Style Is Significant

If there is enough space in your closet, saving the box your shoes came in for storage purposes is a great way of keeping your space organized as much as it’s a great way of keeping your shoes protected. It’s important to note that wherever you choose to store your footwear should be open, airy and dry. Damp, moist and enclosed storage spaces are guaranteed to destroy your shoes.

Purchasing new pairs of shoes every other month is not the only way to keep your footwear feeling comfortable and looking crisp. Applying a few of the above tips can save you lots of money, as well as limit the excess use of resources needed to manufacture shoes. Not only this, but you can still have an exotic ensemble of shoes while keeping your old-faithfuls front, center and fashionable!

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