How to Take Care of Your Women’s Shoes Collection and Make It Last Longer

Are you a shoe enthusiast? Do you have a growing collection of fabulous women’s shoes? Whether you’re into sneakers, heels, or flats, taking care of your shoe collection is essential. After all, a well-maintained pair of shoes not only looks great but also lasts longer. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and tricks to take care of your womens shoes in top shape. From waterproofing to proper storage, we’ve got you covered!

How to Take Care of Your Womens Shoes Collection

Waterproof Your Shoes

Fact: Waterproofing is crucial to protect your shoes from rain, spills, and unexpected puddles. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Clean the Surface: Before waterproofing, thoroughly clean your shoes to remove dust and light debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime.
2. Choose the Right Product: Invest in a good-quality waterproof spray or cream specifically designed for your shoe material (whether it’s leather, suede, or fabric). These products create a protective barrier that repels water.
3. Application:
   • For Leather Shoes: Apply the waterproofing spray evenly over the entire upper portion of the shoes. Make sure to cover seams and stitching.
   • For Suede Shoes: Use a suede-specific waterproofing spray. Spray it evenly on the suede surface.
   • For Fabric Shoes: Look for a fabric-safe waterproofing spray. Apply it evenly on the fabric parts of your shoes.
4. Drying Time: Allow your shoes to dry overnight after applying the waterproofing product. This ensures proper absorption and effectiveness.
5. Reapply as Needed: Regularly check your shoes’ water resistance. Reapply the waterproofing product after seven to eight wears or whenever you notice reduced effectiveness.

2. Reinforce the Soles

Fact: Shoe soles take a beating as we walk around, and reinforcing them can significantly extend their life. Here are some ways to protect your soles:

1. Protective Sole Guards or Heel Taps: Consider adding protective sole guards or heel taps to your shoes. These small additions prevent excessive wear and tear on the soles and heels. They act as a shield, absorbing impact and reducing direct contact with rough surfaces.
2. Shoe Repair Glue (AquaSeal): If you notice your sole starting to come apart or if it’s cracked, you can use shoe repair glue like AquaSeal to fix it. Here’s how:
   • Clean the Surface: Remove any loose or damaged parts of the sole or heel. Clean the surfaces with a brush and sandpaper.
   • Apply Glue: Use isopropyl alcohol to remove any residues from the contact points. Apply the glue to these points and press the parts together firmly.
   • Secure with Clamps or Rubber Bands: Clamp or wrap the parts with rubber bands to hold them in place while the glue cures (usually 24 to 48 hours, depending on thickness).
   • Trim Excess Glue: After curing, remove clamps or rubber bands and trim any excess glue or bubbles with a razor blade.
   • Color Match: If the glue is clear and doesn’t match the original color of the sole or heel, use a black marker to color it.
3. Alternative Methods:
   • Heavy-Duty Tape: Wrap heavy-duty tape tightly around the shoe, covering the seam where the sole attaches to the upper.
   • Nails or Tacks: Carefully hammer small tacks or nails around the edge of the sole where it attaches to prevent separation.

3. Spread Out Your Use

Fact: Rotating your shoes is like giving them a vacation! Wearing the same pair every day puts stress on the same areas, leading to faster deterioration. Here’s how you can spread out your shoe use:

1. Alternate Between Pairs: If you have multiple pairs of shoes, alternate between them. For example:
   • Buy two of the same shoe and wear each pair for every other run.
   • Allow at least 24 hours between runs in the same pair. The foam midsole needs time to return to its original state after each run.
   • Rotating shoes can significantly prolong their life by giving them time to reset between uses.
2. Consider Shoe Characteristics:
   • Support: Decide whether you’re rotating shoes based on support, run type, or terrain.
   • Number of Pairs: Choose whether you’ll rotate between 2 or 3 pairs of shoes (or more). If you choose 3+ shoes, consider getting two pairs of a similar type for the running you do most.

4. Wear Socks

Fact: Socks play a crucial role when it comes to wearing shoes. Here’s why:

1. Absorb Sweat: When your feet are enclosed in shoes, they tend to sweat. Socks help absorb this sweat, preventing it from accumulating inside your shoes. Without socks, feet sweat has nowhere to go, leading to an unpleasant smell.
2. Protection: Socks act as a barrier between your feet and the shoe’s interior. They protect the skin of your feet from rubbing directly against the soles of your shoes. Continuous friction between your feet and the inside of your shoes can cause blisters.
3. Temperature and Moisture Control: Modern socks provide an ideal environment by aiding in temperature and moisture control. They help regulate heat and keep your feet comfortable.
4. Detecting Issues: For those suffering from neuropathy or other foot conditions, wearing white socks can help detect open sores on their feet and ankles more easily.

5. Use a Wooden Shoe Tree

Fact: Wooden shoe trees are essential for maintaining your shoes. Here’s why:

1. Shape Maintenance: When you’re not wearing your shoes, wooden shoe trees help maintain their shape. They prevent the shoes from collapsing or developing creases, especially in areas like the toe box.
2. Moisture Absorption: Cedarwood shoe trees wick away moisture, preventing odors and keeping your shoes fresh. The cedarwood not only looks good but also serves a function by absorbing moisture, salts, and acids that can harm the leather, fabric, stitching, and soles of your shoes.
3. Preserving Original Shape: By inserting wooden shoe trees into your shoes after wearing them, you ensure that they dry out correctly while maintaining their original shape. This helps extend the life of your footwear

6. Shine Leather Shoes Weekly

Fact: Leather shoes deserve regular care to keep them looking their best. Here’s how to shine them:

1. Clean: Start by brushing off any dust or dirt from your shoes using a shoe brush. This step prepares the leather for conditioning and polishing.
2. Condition: Apply a high-quality leather conditioner using a soft cloth. Conditioning not only nourishes the leather but also keeps it supple and prevents it from drying out.
3. Polish: Once your shoes are clean and conditioned, they’re ready for shoe polish. Choose a polish that matches the color of your shoes. Apply it evenly using a soft cloth or an applicator brush.
4. Buff: After applying the polish, let it dry for a few minutes. Then, use a horsehair brush to buff the shoes vigorously. The buffing process removes excess polish, smooths out the surface, and begins to develop a shine.
5. Optional Spit Shine: For an extra shiny finish, try a spit shine. Stretch a cloth tightly over your fingers, dampen it slightly with water, and rub it over the shoe’s surface in circular motions until it shines.

7. Avoid the Washing Machine (Except for Canvas)

Fact: Cleaning your shoes is essential, but avoid tossing leather or suede shoes into the washing machine. Here’s how to clean different types of shoes:

1. Leather Shoes:
   • Remove dirt with a soft cloth by rubbing off as much grime as possible.
   • Mix a few drops of mild liquid dish soap into a cup of warm water.
   • Dip a soft bristled toothbrush into the soapy mixture and gently scrub the leather shoes.
   • For tough scuffs, use a melamine sponge or a soap specially designed for leather.
   • Allow your shoes to air dry at room temperature.
2. Suede Shoes:
   • Use a suede brush to remove dirt and maintain the nap of the suede.
   • Avoid water, as it can damage the suede. Instead, use specialized suede cleaning products.
   • If you get water stains on the suede, let them dry naturally, and then gently brush with a suede brush.
3. Canvas Shoes:
   • Canvas shoes can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
   • Remove laces before washing to prevent staining.
   • Air-dry canvas shoes after washing.

Taking care of your women’s shoe collection doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these practical steps, and your shoes will thank you by looking fabulous for years to come! Remember: proper care equals longevity.