The humble shoe, dating back to over 15,000 years ago when strips of leather where wrapped around the feet, not only afford our feet protection but nowadays are an absolute fashion statement!
Key to Heel My Sole have seen some tired, worn out, old shoes coming in for shoe repairs right through to the mega expensive pair of 10-inch stiletto’s that needs new heels!
Whether your shoes have cost you a reasonable amount or a month wages, Key to Heel My Sole share some valuable tips on how to keep yours shoes in good condition. After all, shoes cost money so it makes sense to keep them in the best condition you can to avoid unnecessary shoe repairs.
Clean regularly
Clean or wipe over your shoes often. Dirt, grime, mud and spillages can mark the shoes leading to unsightly permanent damage. Depending on the material of the shoe, generally a soft, damp cloth will do the trick. Suede is particularly tricky and will need a suede brush to remove the stains, rather than a wet cloth. Key to Heel my Sole have suede shampoo in stock to help.
Check the soles of your shoes too and remove any grass, sticks, pebbles, even chewing gum that may be stuck in the tread of the shoe.
Cupboards gather dust, so regularly flick any accumulating dust off the tops of your shoes as well.
Inner soles
You can keep your inner soles in tip top condition by placing inexpensive foam inserts inside the shoes. These help to reduce sweating and eliminate foot odour.
Powder to further reduce foot odour can be sprinkled inside the shoe onto the foam inserts and they can be discarded and replaced when needed.
Other shoe inserts available include ones with arch support to help with conditions of the feet.
Weatherproof spray
Shoe retailers and Key to Heel my Sole stock weatherproof spray. Weatherproof spray acts as a barrier to repel water on shoe materials that are prone to moisture or water damage.
Applied directly to the shoe surface and allowed to dry, your shoes can get wet without them becoming ruined.
Polish
Just like as we polish our cars to protect the paint surface and give lustre, shoe polish protects the shoe and adds shine. Polish is a conditioning treatment for the shoe, restoring nourishing oils to leather shoes and promoting suppleness.
Polish can also be used on non-leather shoes to cover scuff and scratch marks and restore a shiny surface.
Key to Heel my Sole order shoe polishes from multiple manufacturers, to give us the maximum range of colours. A franchise can’t do that!
Storage
Shoes need to be stored appropriately to allow good air circulation. Mould can build up on the shoes if stored in plastic bags or plastic containers. Cloth bags are a good option allowing the shoes to breathe whilstwhile offering protectingprotection.
Ideally shoes should be stored neatly laid out in pairs, rather than all on top of each other where damage and bleeding can occur if different shoe materials touch.
Boots should be stored standing up with shapers inserted inside them to keep their form.
Sunlight is extremely damaging and will eventually fade shoes and deteriorate materials like leather, so storing them inside your cupboard or walk in robe is the best option.
With these helpful tips from Key to Heel my Sole based on the Gold Coast, your shoes should remain in good condition for a number of years. If your shoes haven’t had the benefit of regular care, Key to Heel my Sole may be able to restore them to their former glory.
We can undertake all manner of shoe repairs including new heels, new soles, new colours, shortening of heels, changing of soles, adjustment of straps and shoe stretching.
Call Key to Heel my Sole today if you have a favourite pair of shoes that needs a little TLC and perhaps some shoe repairs.