Shoe care - basic rules

Regardless of whether you buy sneakers, sneakers, boots or shoes, you can’t help but wonder : how to properly care for your shoes? After all, if not properly cared for, shoes quickly lose their original appearance - usually only 2 years are enough for this if we are talking about high-quality leather shoes and literally 1 year if the shoes are made from less reliable materials.

If you know the basic rules and recommendations for shoe care, then this period can be significantly extended, sometimes even several times. Thorough cleaning of dirt, impregnation with nourishing creams and water-repellent agents - all these methods make it possible to preserve the appearance of footwear for a long time.

Basic rules for shoe care

Initially, you need to choose the right pair of shoes. Quite often a person buys shoes based on the “break in” principle. This is a completely wrong decision. The product must be durable and fit exactly to your foot size - no more and no less. If a pair feels noticeably tight, it is not only inconvenient, but also virtually a guarantee that over time the seams of the shoes will crack.

An important factor in the choice is the seasonal suitability of the choice - there is no need to foolishly expect that the shoes will last for a long time if you use summer suede shoes in the rainy autumn season. Rainy times mean constant mud and moisture on the streets. This, in turn, will ensure that the shoes are consistently dirty, which a given pair of shoes cannot withstand.

It is necessary to clean and treat shoes with chemicals that are beneficial to them. Each material has its own cleaning rules. For example, nubuck and suede can only be cleaned of stains when they are dry. To remove dirt, you need to use special brushes. But ordinary smooth leather can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Specially designed creams, impregnations and sprays are designed to protect shoes from wear and tear, maintaining their original appearance for many years. 

Do not forget about such an important issue as off-season storage - you cannot store it on a balcony or an environment close to the street. Exclusively in the place where the characteristics of the material of the product will be taken into account.

Rules for caring for shoes made of genuine leather

Leather is a natural material that boasts incredible properties. But even such a durable, reliable and flexible material needs special care. If leather shoes have been cleaned, you need to wipe them with a cloth rag and plain water or soap solution. Drying lasts up to a day at room temperature.

Next, you need to treat the shoes with a special cream - the ideal solution would be a cream with a coloring effect for the leather. Even if there are various scratches on the surface of the product, a thin layer of cream can hide various defects. To give your shoes a shine, you need a special polishing cloth. A special sponge is also used as a processing tool.

Rules for caring for patent leather shoes

Patent leather is not the most practical product. Such surfaces require a lot of attention and careful care. First of all, you need to thoroughly clean the steam with a brush. If you need to clean patent leather shoes or restore the shine lost after a walk, then you need to use a soft cloth.

Considering the fact that such a solution is not the most resistant to external factors, then such shoes do not need to be used regularly, especially during the rainy season, frosty weather or heat. To care for varnish-type leather, it is advisable to use special creams. Such products can be treated with glycerin or castor oil. This allows you to protect your shoes from scratches and various external factors.

Rules for caring for shoes made of nubuck and suede

Absolutely all pile leather - nubuck, suede and velor - look great, but require special care. Such shoes can only be processed and cleaned when dry. To remove dirt and dust, use a special brush for nubuck and suede. If the contamination is serious and has left stubborn stains, then a rubberized hard brush with “fingers” will be the optimal solution.

For high pile suede surfaces, this is the only way to remove the stain. Before starting cleaning, it is recommended to maintain the product over steam, which will significantly soften the material and dissolve the contamination, which will make the processing process much simpler and easier. To rid the fleecy surface of dust, use a special napkin.

If the level of contamination is critical, you can use shoe cleaner or foam. Even ordinary powder is suitable, which needs to be diluted in warm water, after which treat the product with a protective layer. From time to time it is necessary to renew the color of shoes based on pile leather. It is optimal to use restoring spray made from nubuck and suede. And in rainy weather, you must not forget to treat the fleecy surface using water-repellent impregnation, or using special wax.

Rules for caring for textile shoes

These are the most unpretentious shoes in terms of care. Moccasins, sneakers and sneakers made of fabric are quite easy to clean. Moreover, the textile material can be washed, which sets these shoes apart from leather products that require careful handling. One of the main requirements is not to soak, especially in hot water. If the shoes are left in such conditions for a long time, the tandem of powder and hot water will cause the sole to peel off.

There is no need to try to bleach white fabric - it may turn yellow. Sometimes experts do not recommend washing, but simply clean the front part of fabric shoes using laundry soap or washing powder. You can also use a toothbrush to clean the surface of your sneakers. If you need to remove some stubborn stains, then it is better to use special chemicals.

And a few additional tips...

• Drying shoes takes from 24 to 48 hours. That's why it's good to have several pairs for everyday wear - you'll have something to wear while another pair is drying.
• Only put on your shoes using a spoon. Otherwise, the heel will quickly lose its shape and collapse, and the shoes will no longer secure the ankle, which often leads to injuries.
• Carry out repairs in a timely manner. If you need to change the heels, then go change them right away, don’t delay - this will prolong the life of the pair of shoes.
• Clean up dirt immediately. If you enter a room from outside, immediately get rid of dirt. It is much easier to remove dirt in the evening than in the morning.
• There are no universal remedies. Treat shoes only with materials that are individually suitable for your shoes.
• Shoes should be clean and dry, and always use shoe trees.

If you follow these rules, your shoes will last for a long time without losing their attractiveness. The online store “World of Shoes" has made sure that you can buy high-quality shoes that, with proper care, can last a long time. We will always help you choose the right solution, and also tell you in more detail about how to care for your chosen shoes. Only certified shoes from famous brands. We deliver to any point in Ukraine.