Buying a pair of shoes is a very personal, if not an intimate affair. Most men are known to share an inexplicable relationship with their shoes that often surmounts their affection for other belongings. While we continue to pamper our shoedrobes with the season’s smartest pairs, let’s learn a thing or two about their upkeep. Trust us when we say that these easy hacks will ensure that your shoes remain in the pink of health.
Leather shoes – A small fortune was probably spent on your leather shoes and that’s a good enough reason why you should worry about their maintenance. Apart from the array of products available in the market you can also use traditional methods to clean them. Dab some olive or walnut oil onto a cotton cloth and rub it on your leather shoes. This waterproofs the shoes and prevents them from cracking. You can also use the inside of a banana peel to add shine to your favourite leather boots.
Suede shoes – Elvis Presley popularised suede shoes when he sang, “You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes”. Suede upkeep not only bothered the King back in the day, it continues to remain a problem till date. Use a cleaning brush to remove the dirt from your shoes. Remember to brush in the same direction with a light hand and ensure your shoes are dry before you begin cleaning. As for those nasty scuffs on your shoes, remove them by rubbing them with a pencil eraser.
Faux leather shoes – Faux leather shoes are an affordable, animal-friendly alternative to leather shoes. Here’s how you can maintain them. Remove any dust and grime using a soft cloth. Add a spoonful of mild detergent to warm water and dip the cloth in this mixture to clean the stains. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any residual moisture and finally air-dry them completely before storing or wearing them.
Canvas shoes – Canvas shoes have become synonymous with low-maintenance footwear. And true to this expectation, it is easy to preserve them. Use a toothbrush to maintain the pristine white soul of your kicks. You can use a mild detergent for the fabric but we advise you to be gentle here. Dry the shoes at room temperature and keep them away from direct sunlight. Dirty shoe laces can stick out like a sore thumb so clean them separately.
