Designer shoes are a work of art, and like any glorious display, they require a significant investment. As such, it’s important to protect your treasures with the love and care they need to last a lifetime.
Prevention and maintenance are everything when caring for your favorite shoes. Here are some practical tips for how to care for your expensive designer shoes.
Wipe Down After Every Use
Even when you treat your shoes with the utmost respect, they’ll still bear the brunt of your existence. After you take your shoes out into the world, set aside a few minutes when you come home to wipe them down. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove any trace amounts of dirt and debris as well as sweat or body oils.
The natural oils from your body can create a buildup that degrades material over time — especially on leather. Giving your shoes a proper cleaning after you wear them will extend their lifespan by years.
Store Them Safely
Don’t haphazardly throw your favorite pair of designer shoes by the door when you’re done wearing them. Instead, put them up in a safe place away from the elements. The sun will fade natural materials over time and can cause degradation. As such, designer shoes do well on a high shelf in a closet — not scattered at the bottom of your closet with everything else.
Getting in the habit of putting your shoes on a high shelf also prevents any devastating pet-related incidents. Finally, if your shoes came with a dustbag, use it. Put them back in the bag when you store them away and carry them in the bag with you when you travel.
Avoid Rain and Moisture
Carrie Bradshaw might have been fine with running through puddles while wearing Manolo Blahniks, but she was never known for being the brains of the group. While you should obviously take pride and wear your designer shoes out into the world, be smart about it. If it’s going to rain, take your dustbag and alternative footwear.
If you plan on wearing a pair of designer shoes to a place where changing your footwear isn’t an option, get ahead of the weather with a protective spray.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Products and Surfaces
If you have leather shoes, taking some time to polish them back to life is a worthwhile endeavor. However, it’s important that you avoid abrasive cleaning products and surfaces. That terry cloth towel might work well on your skin, but it’s meant for your Christian Louboutins.
You should also be mindful of abrasive surfaces when you walk. Consider having a rubber sole added to your high-traffic designer footwear and a heel protector to maintain the integrity of the shoe.
Consult a Leather Care Expert
Finally, if you have leather shoes and you’ve invested in a designer brand, it’s worth investing in expert care. Working with a leather care expert will help you maintain your shoes for the long-term and keep them looking incredible.
Don’t try any DIY methods for adding sole protectors, stretching the shoes, and so on. Instead, look for a leather care service that has experience with designer shoes. In many cases, the designer’s website or boutique where you purchased your shoes will have recommendations.
Follow the Designer’s Care Guide
If you’re ever in doubt about what you should be doing with your shoes, go to the source. It’s integral that you always follow the designer’s care and maintenance recommendations. They’ll also tell you what constitutes normal wear and tear and what issues are indicative of a bigger problem.
Designer footwear is made with the highest quality and care. They’re built to last, as long as you treat them the way they deserve to be treated. Be smart with your designer shoes and protect your investment.
