13 January 2009
Protecting Your Investment
The life, comfort, and appearance of your shoes are dependent upon proper care. First, it’s important to always use a shoe horn. Using a shoe horn doesn’t just allow you to slide your foot into the shoe, it keeps you from crushing, stretching, and cracking the heel of your shoes. Also, it may seem like a simple thing, but untie and loosen the laces of your shoes before putting them on and before taking them off.
Second, give them a rest. Shoes shouldn’t be worn on successive days. If you have worn a pair for an entire day, give them another full day to "air out" at room temperature. By letting them air out, they can get rid of any moisture that may have built up during the day. Use a cedar shoe tree that closely resembles the shape of your shoe. While ideal, we cannot all afford or access custom shoe trees, so if you can get a set from the company who makes your shoes, pick them up, as attention should have been paid to the company’s lasts when creating the shoe trees. For example, if you have purchased a pair of Alden shoes, purchase a pair of Alden shoe trees to accompany the shoes. Wood (while maybe not ideal for travel) makes a better tree than plastic or other materials, because it will absorb the moisture that has built up from your feet, which have perspired throughout the day.
Alden Red Cedar Shoe Trees
$32
Medium fits 8W-10M
Large fits 10W-12M
Last, make sure to clean your shoes properly and often. This will nourish and protect the leather, keeping it from drying and cracking. Even if you are not polishing them after each wear, wipe them down with a clean cloth to remove any dust and dirt and attempt to clean and polish them thoroughly once a week. If you will not be wearing them for an extended period, place the shoes (with shoe trees inserted) in a cloth shoe bag, making sure to set them on the sole.
Categorized as Updates
