Shoe Care Tips

The shoes are an investment in your comfort and appearance. All footwear, especially high quality footwear, if properly cared for, will serve as a complement to your wardrobe for many years to come. To best protect your shoes, the Walkezstore.com recommends the following:

Waterproofing and Stain proofing

Any quality Rain and Stain care product, is an excellent way to protect your shoes from water, snow, mud, and spills. Spray your shoes before wearing and on a regular basis thereafter. It is also advised to respray after cleaning. To guard against snow and salt stains, use cream products that must be applied with a soft cloth. These are recommended for leather footwear only.

Wear and Tear Prevention

If you plan to use your shoes frequently, you may want to consider a trip to the shoe repair shop. It's a smart idea for leather soled shoes to have shoe taps and possibly rubber soles put on new shoes as a way to postpone the gradual wear and tear that comes with normal use. When the shoes are new this small investment will mean many more years of enjoyment. If you do not do this it will be necessary to have the shoes resoled as they wear.

Maintenance

Finally, we highly recommend cleaning your shoes on a regular basis, depending on frequency of use. The cleaning method depends on the shoe's material. Leather can be cleaned and conditioned with a leather balm, cream, or lotion product applied with a clean soft cloth. Polish regularly to maintain luster. Suede looks best when brushed; although special suede brushes are available, a clean toothbrush works just as well. To rid suede of stains, try a using a piece of fine sandpaper gently on the stain as to not destroy the fabric. Dry cleaning preparations made for suede is also a good choice for stubborn stains. Fabric should be sprayed with a stain guard after cleaning.

In addition, shoes, particularly those made of soft fabrics like nappa leather and linens, benefit greatly from shoe trees, or shoe keepers. These are wooden instruments which come in a variety of sizes and are inserted in the shoe to help retain the shape of the shoe. The best shoe trees are made of cedar. Shoe trees can help prolong the life of a shoe by 4 or 5 years. Shoes that are not worn often, when not in use, can be stuffed with tissue paper and kept in the box for storage. This will keep the shoes protected and safe from damage. You can place a picture of the shoes on the outside of the box for quick reference.