You care about your shoes like the apple of your eye, and rightly so. But how can you make them last forever (or almost)? Here are our tips to help them last for several more kilometers.
Maintaining your fabric or synthetic shoes
When not in use, feel free to fill them with tissue paper, or if you don’t have any, newspaper. This will absorb the perspiration accumulated during the day and help maintain the fabric. This simple method, which is similar to using a shoe tree for leather shoes, also helps maintain the shape and prevents the fabric from tearing.
If the stain is present, use a natural stain remover such as gall soap. If the stain is tough, carpet shampoo will be your best friend!
3 pairs of shoes on a doormat
Machine washable: Be careful, check if your shoes are machine washable before putting them in (it’s indicated on the tongue of the shoe). Don’t wash them alone because they risk tearing if they bounce off the walls, especially during the wash and rinse cycles. It’s best to remove the laces so they don’t get sucked into the washing machine.
If your shoes are not machine washable, you can safely wash them in dish soap, using an old damp toothbrush.
To whiten the soles, use a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice and scrub with an old toothbrush. Some will suggest toothpaste, but this will do nothing more than add a minty scent to your shoes.
Maintaining your leather shoes
Don’t wear them every day, as even the best leathers can’t withstand heavy use. Leather needs rest, mainly due to moisture from the outdoors and your feet. Alternate with another pair to extend their lifespan.
Use wooden shoe trees: these preserve the shape of the leather and prevent possible tearing. They also help absorb any sweat that accumulates in the shoe.
When it comes to leather care, you don’t need the many creams and brushes that people try to sell you. Your shoes only require a good, colorless nourishing cream/milk (available in supermarkets or shoe stores) and a cream made from natural beeswax (found in organic stores or most shoe stores).
Rub with a cloth or old, thread-through tights to remove accumulated dirt, then apply the nourishing cream. Once the cream is absorbed, apply the beeswax with a clean cloth to protect the leather. Do this at least once a month and your shoes will last a lifetime!
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Good to know: you can benefit from the repair bonus
Despite your best efforts to maintain your pair of shoes, you need to repair them? To do so, you can benefit from a discount on your bill. Toe cap, heel, resoling, zipper, stitching… To find out all about the bonus, visit the HOP association website: bonusreparation.org .