What's new

Closed 11 Genius Tricks to Make Your Shoes Last Longer

Status
Not open for further replies.

mirG

Forum Guru
Joined
Jan 4, 2016
Posts
6,550
Reaction
1,269
Points
1,842
Know where to put your money
01-genious-way-shoes-woman.jpgISTOCK/FLIL
While some classic staples and utility shoes are worth the investment, many others aren't. In general, both men's and women's workout sneakers and leather boots, as well as men's dress shoes, are worth putting money into. With the proper care, they'll last a long time (though less so with sneakers) and you'll reap the benefit of a more expensive pair in both comfort and appearance. Women can save on basic black and **** pumps, flats and sandals, and trendy shoes in odd colors and designs. The rigors of daily use will wear them down no matter how much they cost. Have two or three investment pairs that can go anywhere, but that you don't wear everywhere. Instead, keep them aside for special nights out (not when you're pounding the pavement from nine to five). These simple fashion upgrades can You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..

Waterproof your shoes immediately
02-genious-way-shoes-protect.jpgISTOCK/IVAN BLIZNETSOV
An unexpected sun ****** doesn't have to ruin your leather shoes. Before taking a new pair out for a spin, hit them with a spray-on waterproofing compound. For men's shoes, test the product on the part of the shoe's tongue that is hidden by its laces, and for women's heels and flats, test the back end of the shoe on the side that is closest to your big toe. Once you're confident in the product, apply it according to the directions on the bottle. Repeat once a month.

Don't try to outsmart the weather
03-genious-way-shoes-man-woman-boots.jpgISTOCK/PEKIC
If it's supposed to rain or snow, wear the appropriate footwear—even waterproofed shoes can only handle so much. If you do get caught in an unexpected downpour, remove excess moisture and keep the shape of your shoes by stuffing them with newspaper as soon as you take them off. Avoid putting the shoes near a radiator or heat source, which dries them out too quickly and increases the chance of the leather *****ing.

Stop your boots from wilting
04-genious-way-shoes-legs-boots-1.jpgISTOCK/KKGAS
Keep your boots' shape by storing them with boot trees or stuffed newspaper, or by laying them down flat. Doing this will keep them from sagging and creasing at the ankles. Store other types of shoes on a shoe rack with enough space in between each shoe so they aren't touching, which could lead to unwanted color transfer. Low on closet space? Here are You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..

Keep a rotation
05-genious-way-shoes-flats-red-pumps.jpgISTOCK/BELCHONOCK
Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Just You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. and gym bags, they need time to air out and recover their shape.

Don't let them get dull
06-genious-way-shoes-man-polish.jpgISTOCK/MIKKO LEMOLA
Keep leather shoes in top shape by polishing and conditioning them as soon as they start to look dull and worn. "Cream polish, in a neutral color, is best for shining shoes since wax can dry out leather," says Joe Rocco, owner of Jim's Shoe Repair in New York City, You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.. To conceal scratches, use a cream a shade lighter than the shoe. If the DIY process makes you uneasy, take the shoe to a cobbler. The job will likely cost $5 or less.

Say goodbye to salt stains
07-genious-way-shoes-boots-stain.jpgISTOCK/ANIRUTKHATTIRAT
If your leather boots become plagued by cloudy white salt stains, remove them with a solution that's one part vinegar, three parts water. Dip a small cotton towel into the mixture and wipe over the surface of the shoe until the stains disappear. Let the shoe dry naturally (meaning, don't use a hair dryer on them or sit them in front of a radiator).

Use baby powder on oil stains
08-genious-way-shoes-baby-powder.jpgISTOCK/PETER HERMUS
Drop something greasy on a pair of shoes? Unless the shoe is made of suede, a sprinkle of baby powder will absorb the stain, You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..

Make them slip proof
09-genious-way-shoes-boot-soles.jpgISTOCK/ANTONIO CARLOS BEZERRA
While this trick won't increase your shoe's lifespan, it could prevent you from a world of embarrassment. Add traction by scraping the sole of your shoe across a rugged piece of sidewalk or sandpaper. A little texture goes a long way.

Employ your nail polish collection for a quick fix
10-genious-way-shoes-nail-polish.jpgISTOCK/PETER HERMUS
To remove stains from the strip of rubber on the bottom of your sneakers, find some nail polish remover and a nail brush. First, try and take out the stain using a nail brush dipped in soap and water. If the stain needs more, dip the brush in nail polish remover and take a second pass. For small scrapes on patent leather shoes, conceal the mark with a dab of nail polish in a matching color.

Bring the shoe to a professional
11-genious-way-shoes-cobbler-repair.jpgISTOCK/GEBER86
Your local cobbler can likely fix or advise on many of your shoe-repair woes. Most can fix a slippery sole, a broken heel or heel cap, stiff insoles, smelliness, dullness, strap length on sandals, and boot width on boots. Take your shoes and in ask if they can be made to look as good as new.
 

Attachments

Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Back
Top