How to Look After Your Shoes
It doesn’t matter how much they cost, even the cheapest pair will go the distance with proper attention.
1. The basics
Spray with silicone spray before you first wear them and leave for half-an-hour before venturing outdoors. Don’t wear the same pair every day – ‘rest’ them every two days to let the leather (and your feet) dry out and breathe.
2. Quality control
Spending a few minutes cleaning, conditioning and polishing shoes every week will significantly extend their life, helping them age gracefully and improving their looks. Lightly cross-hatch new shoes’ soles with a knife to give grip. Resole frequently.
3. Advanced class
Always air dry your shoes – never place them near a heat source such as a radiator or on top of the boiler as this makes leather brittle. Put them on with a shoe horn. Use a shoe tree to keep the shape when not being worn and to help break them in if they’re new.
From the September 2010 issue of FHM India.
Spotted a mistake, or your photo used without permission? Report a correction
in your inbox