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My father used to say, "A shoe without a sole is like a hat for your feet." We never really knew why he said this or what it meant. When we asked about it, he'd clam up or point at things in the distance. What I do know is that proper shoe care can add days, months and even years to the life of your shoes.
Here's how to make your shoes last:
1. When you buy shoes, buy sustainable, long-lasting shoes. Purchase two pairs of sustainable shoes. Switch out your shoes every twenty-four hours. This will increase the longevity of both pairs, and it will decrease their smells as well.
2. Don't kick off your shoes. Kicking off your Sunday shoes may be the traditional beginning for the relaxing weekend, but it quickly wears out the shoes. Unlace your shoes, then meticulously remove them. Now you can cut loose in a carefree and/or footloose manner.
3. Baking soda or tea tree oil can remove nasty foot odor from your shoes.
4. Don't be afraid to visit the cobbler. He won't hurt you. Shoes usually wear out at the soles. A cobbler can repair or replace the sole at a low cost. Cobblers can also fix broken heels.
5. Never toss your shoes into the washing machine. Always hand wash with vinegar and a rag.
6. When your leather shoes are wet, try not to wear them. Wet leather shoes will fall apart faster.
7. You can maintain the shape of stored shoes by packing them full of newspaper. This will also absorb moisture, and it's a great way to reuse old newspaper.
