How to Preserve Your Shoes

The NPD Group, Inc., a provider of consumer and retail information notes that in 2007 the dollar volume sales for the total U.S. fashion and athletic footwear market totaled 44.4 billion dollars. In 2008, this number is not expected to increase much, due to the slowing economy. People are looking for ways to get longer life out of their shoes, especially if they cost in the $100 and above category. Leather shoes that are not regularly conditioned will age and crack, a very pricy alternative to taking care of them.

Things You'll Need

• Old newspapers
• Plastic gloves
• Soft cotton rags/cloths
• Soft shoe brush
• Leather shoe cleaner and conditioner
• Shoe polish or equivalent
• Leather waterproofing

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Instructions

Adding Years onto the Life of Your Shoes

1. Lay newspapers out on easy-to-reach table in an area that is well-ventilated. Remove dirt with the cleaner. There are many different types of cleaners, including saddle soap, foams, gels, sprays, liquids and creams. Most leather cleaners will come with an applicator top. Or, you can use a soft shoe brush to remove dirt from the shoe's surface and cracks.

2. Let the shoes dry for several minutes and the start shining them with a soft cotton cloth. You can use a shoe shine cloth or an old piece of material, as long as it is soft and made of cotton. Be careful, even leather shoes can scratch if you use an abrasive material or a shirt with fasteners.

3. Use the conditioner to help soften your shoes and keep the leather moist and protect from drying out and cracking. You can buy a combined cleaner and conditioner, but using a conditioner alone often works better particularly for shoes worn in drier and more dusty environments. Conditioners are made for varying shoe material, so be sure you buy the right kind. Also, synthetic conditioners do not sink as well into the shoes as natural ones.

4. Put small amounts of conditioner on the shoes at a time until it is completely covered. After a few minutes, wipe off any leftover conditioner, since the leather can only absorb so much at a time. The length of time that this conditioner will keep the shoes in good condition varies on use and climate. Check for dryness and cracks.

5. Apply shoe polish with gloves and in well-ventilated area. The odor can be toxic and cause physical reactions. Shoe polishes come in liquid, cream or paste; liquid polish dries quickly, but does not last as long as other materials. Polish paste lasts the longest, but is very messy and difficult to work with. Shoe polish cream is a good middle ground. Before polishing the entire shoe, apply a little to a small, less noticeable area to be sure the color is right. Rub the polish into the shoe with a soft cloth, and allow it to dry thoroughly. Then buff your shoes with a soft cloth or special shining brush.

6. Apply waterproofing spray, wax or cream to shoes. The waterproofing material will differ on how much they can be seen on the shoes when applied.

Tips & Warnings

• Condition shoes when buying them and before wearing.