subject: How to make your leather shoes last [print this page] How to make your leather shoes last How to make your leather shoes last
When kids start to settle into their shoe size, it's time to get them kitted out with some good quality shoes that will last. Choosing high quality leather shoes is a good start, but even the most durable shoes can wear down over time if not treated correctly.
Because leather shoes aren't cheap, it's important to look after your investment by getting a longer life out of them, and even more important to make sure your kids are comfortable in their shoes during the long school day. From removing stains to keeping the shape of shoes when not in use, there are many simple household tasks that can be carried out to make leather shoes last longer.
Shoe care products can often be bought at the same time you buy your shoes, ensuring you're prepared for anything from day one. Water-proofing sprays and soaps can help protect shoes from water damage, but an even more effective method can be to get leather soled shoes re-soled with rubber, which provides an added layer of protection.
If your shoes do become damaged, it's always a good idea to treat them quickly. Dirt and marks can usually be removed with a fine brush, such as an old toothbrush, and there are a number of household remedies for removing stains, including vinegar to remove salt. Shoe polish is also a time-honoured method of keeping kids school shoes presentable at all times, and again it's easy to make this at home to avoid having to pay for expensive care products - mixing one part lemon juice with two parts olive oil can be just as effective.
One of the greatest dangers facing school shoes is that they can lose shape over time if not looked after correctly, which can be incredibly uncomfortable and unsafe for the wearers. If you don't have a shoe tree or shoe rack, you can use the shoe shop method of filling the shoes with crumpled tissue paper to keep them filled out when not in use. Making sure your children always untie their shoes before taking them off, rather than opting for the lazy way, is also vital for keeping the heel of the shoes in good condition.
Finally, one sure-fire method of making sure school shoes enjoy a longer life is to buy a second pair. Rotating shoes daily not only stretches out their lifespan, but is also more hygienic giving the shoes time to air out between wears.
