When you total it all up, most of us spend a lot of money on shoes through the course of a lifetime. You need different pairs for different things and then you have to buy new pairs when the old ones wear out. You might also have your favorite pair of women’s supportive sneakers that you don’t ever want to get rid of.
Many of us just accept that shoes wear out and that we will have to buy new ones. While there isn’t a way to make a pair of shoes last forever, there is a lot you can do to make them last longer. By using the following tips, you can extend the life of your shoes to save money and get more miles from your favorite pairs.
Store Your Shoes the Right Way
It might be surprising to find out that a lot of damage and wear can occur when the shoes are not even on your feet. So many people just toss their shoes in the closet or under the bed when they are not wearing them. If you want to make your shoes last longer, you should think about storage.
Instead of tossing the shoes anywhere when they are not being worn, you should place them neatly in a row. A nice shoe rack can also do a lot to preserve your shoes as well. You should also consider stuffing them with newspaper when they are not being worn. This can help to preserve the shape, and the paper can absorb moisture to protect the materials. Photo courtesy Zach Reiner, Unsplash
Treat With Water Repellent
Shoes are going to get wet. Unfortunately, that moisture can do a lot to wear your shoes out. By treating your shoes with water repellant, you can protect them from the elements. This not only goes for expensive dress shoes, but it can also be a way to protect your sneakers.
Clean By Hand
Shoes can get dirty even when you do everything you can to keep them away from dirt and mud. When a pair of shoes does get dirty, you should clean them as soon as possible. With that said, you should avoid putting your shoes in the washing machine. The heat and action of the machine can damage materials and affect the shape of the shoe.
If you learn to clean shoes the right way, you can protect them from the harsh conditions of the washer. For most shoes, you just need a toothbrush and a gentle detergent to clean your shoes safely.
Use Sole Protectors
The soles of your shoes take on a lot of stress when you wear them. With sole protectors, you can protect the soles and get more from your shoes. This can be good for everything from expensive dress shoes to your favorite pair of men’s comfortable sneakers.
Repair Your Shoes
Many people see a little damage and think it is time to buy a new pair of shoes. Instead of giving up on a pair with a little damage, you should take some time to see if you can fix your shoes. With a little effort, you can restore an old pair of shoes. If you can’t fix them on your own, you should look for a shoe repair professional in your area. You would be surprised at the types of damage a shoe repair shop can fix and the work can usually be done for a fraction of the cost of buying a new pair.
As a final point, shop for quality. A well-made pair of shoes will last longer than ones that are cheaper. It might cost you a little more when you shop, but it will save money over the life of the pair. Article by DJ Crino
