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7 Shoe Care Tips to Keep your Designer Footwear in Top Shape

giuseppezanottiworld / Instagram

giuseppezanottiworld / Instagram

When it comes to designer heels, you want to keep them looking like new for as long as possible. With a little extra care, you can walk miles in your stylish heels and save them from wear and tear. Follow our shoe care tips below and keep your footwear in the best condition.

1. Save Your Soles
The best way to protect the soles of your shoes is by adding a thin rubber coating. Not only will this prolong the life of your heels, but it will also provide extra comfort, especially if the shoe has a thin sole. You can even find rubber soles in red to match the color of your Christian Louboutin heels.

2. Replace Heel Tips
Nobody likes the sound of metal clacking on the ground; it’s like nails on a chalkboard. As soon as the metal starts coming out through the rubber heel tips, get them replaced by a cobbler—it takes only a few minutes.

3. Water Barrier
Protect your suede shoes from water damage by using a water-repelling agent. It will create a waterproof shield against rain and mud. For maximum protection, reapply every six to eight weeks. Try not to wear your suede footwear when weather conditions are bad. And if you must, bring an extra pair of flats to switch into once you step outdoors.

4. Rotate
Alternation is key. The more you wear, the faster the shoes tear. Your favorite designer heels shouldn’t be worn more than once a week.

5. Storage Matters
Never store shoes in direct sunlight; this will cause the color to fade. For boots to maintain their form, especially over-the-knee styles, use boot shapers to keep them upright when they’re not being used. While traveling, pack your heels in the duster bags that come with the shoes.

6. Joy Ride
While driving, switch into the backup pair of flats. The pressure placed on stiletto stems while driving can weaken the base and eventually lead to damage.

7. Invest in the Right Products
To keep your favorite shoes in top form, invest in the right products; storage boxes to keep your shoes organized, patent-leather cleaners and conditioners to maintain shine, and a stain-removing pen to treat stains. Always use a brush to buff away dirt on materials like velvet and suede. Click through the gallery below for the must-have products to keep in your footwear arsenal.

—Nouriah Al Shatti

 

Homepage image: giuseppezanottiworld / Instagram

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