We all know the feeling of wearing a new pair of shoes, especially if it’s made of a durable material like leather. But what if you’re making mistakes in taking care of your items? Many leather users still unconsciously shorten the lifespan of their footwear, but we’ll show you how to avoid them to ensure your favorite pairs look fabulous for years to come.
1. Wearing the same pair of shoes every day
It is human’s nature to be excited to wear their new lovely pair of shoes every day. A lot of people totally do that, but you have to understand that despite leather’s durability, heat and moisture can compromise its quality. To take care of it and make it look great over time, alternate its use between a few pairs so that it can rest adequately.
2. Not using shoe trees
If a clothes hanger is essential to a shirt, a shoe tree is essential to a shoe. Your shoes, whether formal or casual, have to be kept on a pair of natural wood shoe trees. Using shoe trees help your footwear to keep their shape, and allow any moisture caused by heat and perspiration to dry out.
3. Shining your shoes without cleaning them first
It is important to make your shoes shine to protect them from moisture, but you have to clean them first before shining. If you shine your shoes without cleaning them beforehand, it might clog the pores and make the leather crack.
4. Not using shoe care products properly
We get it, you take care of your shoes religiously but you might be ruining them because you’re not using the leather care products properly. You also have to realize that every product has a specific purpose and should be used correctly. For example, our Disinfectant Spray should not be sprayed directly on the item but it is meant to be sprayed on cloth and then wiped to the shoe. On the other hand, our Deodorizer can be used by spraying it inside the item.
5. Not getting non-slip protectors fitted on leather soles
Soles made entirely of leather have a high quality but they are also fragile. Items made of leather should only be for occasional use in fine weather because leather soles can quickly deteriorate if they’re exposed to water. It is best to use rubber pads to the part that gets the most wear to protect the leather from the harmful effects of the different surfaces you walk on. This can also help to not easily be slipped on smooth surfaces or when you’re walking under the rainy weather.
6. Not putting your shoes in the closet
There are many times that you might be taking off your shoes in a hurry while you’re thinking of resting immediately after a long, tiring day. It is also important to put them in the closet, stored properly in a box, to keep them away from the light and any sources of heat.
Taking proper care of your shoes is not just about preserving their beauty and luster but also about maximizing their longevity. By avoiding these six common mistakes, you can significantly extend the life of your favorite footwear. A little extra effort in maintenance can go a long way, saving you money in the long run, and keeping your feet happy. So, always treat your leather right and trust the leather experts when they need repair and restoration.