You've found the shoes of your dreams (maybe even a tight, tall pair of leather boots!) and brought them home. You may know fashion, but may be clueless about the best way to care for your shoes. Here are some tips:
- Use shoe trees between wearings to help shoes retain their shape.
- Let shoes rest on the trees at least 12 hours between wearing.
- Clean off dirt after every wear with a soft brush or rag.
- Always use a shoehorn for putting on your shoes.
- Stop new suedes from "crocking" (rubbing off on clothes) by rubbing vigorously with a towel.
- Exotic skins need extra care -- use special cleaners and conditioners.
- Use water and stain repellant on suede and nubuck shoes before you wear them. When water stops beading up, respray.
- Clean the shoes with a leather cleaner to get the grime off the top.
- Condition the leather to soften. Use a cream a shade lighter than the shoe to cover scratches.
- Use paste, wax or cream polish to shine your shoes.
- Weatherproof your shoes.
