At Kingsmead Shoes you always get value for money. But to make your money stretch even further it’s important to maintain your shoes properly. With just a little care and attention, you can significantly increase the lifespan of your favourite shoes and keep them looking as good as the day you bought them from Kingsmead Shoes.

Rotate your shoes

If you wear the same pair of shoes day after day they are going to wear out sooner rather than later. Your shoes absorb moisture from your feet and if they aren’t given the time to dry out, they will crack and wrinkle over time. Allow your shoes to air out overnight, and where possible rotate between a few pairs of shoes during the week.

Regular maintenance

To keep your shoes in tip top shape it’s important to clean them on a regular basis. The nature of the shoe will determine the cleaning method required. But in general leather shoes can be treated with leather lotion and shoe polish. Suede or nubuck shoes will look their best when brushed. You can use a soft bristled brush such as a clean toothbrush for this purpose. Synthetic or patent leather shoes can be cleaned with a damp cloth using lukewarm water and a mild detergent. After you have finished cleaning your shoes, wipe them with a dry cloth and allow them to air dry naturally.

Shoe storage

The way you store your shoes can be just as important as the way you clean them. To help your shoes maintain their proper shape use a shoe tree or alternatively roll up some newspaper into a ball and push it into the front part of the shoe.

Weatherproof your shoes

Water and mud can damage your shoes and in certain instances can even leave unsightly stains. To avoid any mishaps, it’s worthwhile getting a protective spray. Simply spray your shoes on a regular basis to protect them from rain and dirt.

Freshen up your shoes

A quick fix to make sure your shoes not only look the part, but smell the part too, is to use baking soda or bicarbonate of soda. Simply sprinkle it inside your shoes and leave overnight. Just remember to tap out the excess before you put your shoes back on. However, if your shoes have a persistent smell that is hard to get rid of, it is a good indication that the insoles need to be replaced.

Drying your shoes

If your shoes get wet, it’s important to dry them as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage. However, resist the urge to use a heater or hairdryer as high heat can cause shoes to become stiff and brittle. Instead stuff your shoes with newspaper, place them in a well-ventilated area, and allow them time to dry out properly.