Shoes are meant to be worn to death, so it’s natural to wait for your favorite pair to give out and just buy new kicks when the time comes.
However, did you know you can make your favorite shoes last much longer with some simple care tips?
Knowing how to keep your shoes in shape will extend their life and keep your feet better protected.
Here are 5 shoes you need to care for can learn to take better care of and enjoy for much longer.
- Running Shoes
Taking care of running shoes with a mesh or knit top is easy: put them on and take them off with care. This means loosening up the laces to slide your foot in or out without folding the back of them. Airing them out is another way to keep them in shape.
These are also known to get the dirtiest out of all shoes. You spend a lot of time running on beaches, nature trails, and sports courts, and the dirt will build up and be hard to remove after a while.
You may need to hire a shoe cleaning specialist to get the stains off. Once you do, your shoes will feel newer and the material will be preserved for longer.
- Skater Shoes
Keeping skater shoes is typically hassle-free. Use a good quality foamer intended for the material of the shoe or a good quality detergent mixed with water. You can also replace the detergent by creating a paste out of baking soda and water.
If you need a quick fix for the next and need to use what you have, you can use non-gel toothpaste on the stains. Let it sit for about 10 minutes then wipe off the paste with a wet cloth. Leave them out to dry overnight and they should be strain-free when you’re ready to leave in the morning.
- Work Boots and Hiking Shoes
Work boots and hiking shoes are meant to withstand almost anything the elements can throw at them, but this doesn’t mean they don’t need to receive care to last. Use a soft-bristled brush or washcloth to remove any dirt.
The soles of these shoes are very important. They make up the foundation your foot rests on for hours at work or during an exhausting hike. Therefore, you should keep them just as clean as the rest of the shoe. Get the bits of mud and dirt cracked on the sole off every night and periodically give them a thorough wash.
- Uggs
Sheepskin shoes are not as hardy as regular leather shoes, so being careful from the start will extend their life. You can take the preemptive measure of protecting them with a sealing spray. Treat the stains with a damp cloth. Make sure you never get the shoes soaking wet or you could permanently damage them.
The material is intended to whisk away moisture, but that doesn’t stop them from stinking if they are frequently worn. This can be remedied with a blend of cornstarch and baking soda. Put the mixture in the Ugg boots and shake before leaving overnight. In the morning, dump it out and the odor should be gone.
- Sandals
Sandals tend to be easier to care for since they can be wiped off after returning from the beach or an errand. They are open and typically made from a rubber-like plastic material called EVA that gives them flexibility. If wiping them off isn’t enough, you can put them in the wash or add baking soda to the water to stop odor.
You can put them outside to air-dry but avoid leaving them in direct sunlight. Over time, the material can dry rot or crumble from overheating. Keeping them in the shade or inside in a controlled environment will help them last as long as possible.
Bottom Line
Every type of shoe needs to receive specialized care to last. The material and how often you wear each pair will determine the type of care it needs. Don’t be afraid to pamper your shoes or take them to a specialist for a thorough cleaning – you will love how much longer they last!