Autumn has finally arrived, and it’s time to crack out your winter shoes. Say goodbye to strappy sandals and white trainers, and hello to heavy-duty winter boots. It’s important to take care of your shoes throughout the year.
Your winter shoes should fit well and support your feet. You may need to clean your shoes a little more often to compensate for the harsher weather in the winter months. A little maintenance can extend the lifespan of your favourite shoes and keep your feet toasty warm all winter long.
Here are a few tips on how to store your shoes correctly.
Clean, brush and dry before putting them away
There are plenty of ways to clean your shoes. Some people toss their shoes in the washing machine and let them air dry. However, this can actually melt the glue assembling your trainers and cause them to fall apart over time. You are better off using a damp cloth, soapy water and a toothbrush for stubborn stains. Wash your insoles and shoelaces in the washing machine.
For leather, you need to use a cloth to remove any dirt and polish to keep them looking brand-new. Water and distilled white vinegar work great on leather shoes with rock salt stains.
Always look into getting a protective spray for shoes made from a less durable material, like suede.
Avoid high humidity areas
Your shoes will get mouldy if you leave them in an area of high humidity. Move your shoes to a better location, or invest in a dehumidifier machine.
Organise the shoes by type
You don’t need all your shoes out all of the time. Separate your shoes into warm and cold weather pairs. Store the out of season shoes in a different location, like under your best or in the loft. Before you store them, make sure they are in good condition and thoroughly cleaned. Store them in a dry location in dust bags.
Make them visible
You need to organise the shoes you are wearing right now. They should be easy to grab and stored in a suitable location. You could put a shoe rack near the front door to keep them in one location. You can make the most out of all your winter shoes instead of reaching for the only pair you can find.
Store boots upright
Boots need to be stored upright so they can retain their standing shape. Shoving your shoes into a box can cause them to become distorted and damaged.
Take care of your shoes so you can wear them for years to come.
