Do you own a pair of shoes you really really love and don’t want them to wear off any soon? If yes, you need to learn a few good tips to take care of them properly. You can keep their material, colour, and shine intact by including a few simple habits in your routine. A good pair of men’s walking shoes can not only upgrade your ensemble but also protect your feet from several types of foot injuries. Buying the shoes you have your eyes on is just the beginning. With time and constant use, they accumulate a lot of unwanted elements that impact their durability and look. Dust, mud, heat, water, and other unwanted things, if not cleaned off in time, can worsen the condition of your shoes. In order to care for your shoes and get a few extra miles out of them, you can follow a few guidelines. Since men’s walking shoes come in various materials, you also need to adhere to some specific cleaning instructions. Read on to learn all about how you can prolong the lifespan of your shoes.
1. Store Your Shoes Safely
Direct heat and sunlight can be detrimental to the quality of your shoes. It can dry up, shrink, and ultimately harden the midsole. This can impact the cushioning of your shoes. So, never leave them in a hot car or near a window or any area that is hot or receives a lot of sunlight.
2. Scrub Them After a Walk
It may not be the most exciting part of your routine, but cleaning your shoes after you come back from a walk can be useful. Go easy on the delicate surfaces so you don’t crush them and alter their shape.
3. Untie Your Shoes to Take Them Off
We have all been lazy when it comes to taking off our shoes. Rather than using your foot to remove them, make it a practice to untie your shoes. This small habit will keep the heel cup from losing support and getting crushed.
4. Let Your Shoes Rest
If you own more than one pair of men’s walking shoes, switching between them is a good idea. The foam of your shoes may take some time to decompress. Regularly wearing them just doesn’t allow that time for your shoes to undertake this process. So, while one pair of your shoes gains its original form back, you can wear another one.
5. Allow Your Shoes to Breathe
Many of the men’s walking shoes have removable insoles. Once you are home, you can remove them and let them dry in the open air. This also helps the moisture trapped inside your shoes escape easily. Another benefit of this activity is your footwear will remain free from unpleasant odours and hygienic conditions.
6. Use Reinforcements
Some men’s walking shoes have lightweight uppers, which can wear out much earlier than the soles. Always check your shoes for any early wear and tear, and accordingly reinforce the spots you think are weak.
7. Don’t Stack Your Shoes
If you have been stacking your shoes one over the other due to less space, it is time to reconsider this habit. Your favorite pair of men’s walking shoes need space so they don’t get burdened by the weight of other footwear. Some shoes have pliable uppers and get crushed and worn out easily.
How to Clean Different Types of Men’s Walking Shoes?
While the above tips will come in handy to care for all men’s walking shoes, no one cleaning guide fits all shoe materials. What works for cleaning leather shoes will not work for synthetic or some other material. Here are a few tips on how to keep different types of men’s walking shoes clean with utmost care:
● Cleaning Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are quite susceptible to stains and thus require regular cleaning. Along with a dry brush and mild cleaning solution, you may need to use a leather conditioner. This will remove further stains and restore the shine. Don’t scrub too hard, or you may damage the leather.
● Cleaning Suede Shoes
Suede shoes can be challenging to clean. Using just any material may discolour them and damage their velvety finish. Start with a suede brush to wipe off any dirt and mud. Remove any stains on the surface with the help of a suede rubber or magic eraser. Lastly, dip a microfiber cloth in white vinegar to scrub the material.
● Cleaning Knit or Mesh Shoes
Use a mild, soapy water solution and a clean toothbrush or shoe brush. Do not use bleach or harsh cleaning agents, as they can severely damage the fabric. Wipe the solution with a clean cloth and stuff your shoes with a clean newspaper, which can absorb excess moisture. After that, let your shoes air dry. It can be tempting to use a dryer, but avoid this in all cases. The excessive heat from the dryer can again damage your shoes.
Dos & Don’ts for Maintaining Men’s Walking Shoes
Now that you know how to care for shoes to maintain their durability and lustre properly, here are some do’s and don’ts:
- Keep your shoes and feet clean to avoid the buildup of any microorganisms.
- Always wear socks, especially if you perspire a lot.
- Keep your shoes away from moisture in a cool and dry place.
- Don’t machine wash your shoes ever to prevent fabric and the shoe design from getting damaged.
- Don’t fold the back of your shoes no matter how much in a hurry you are.
- Don’t drag your feet since it can damage the soles over time.
Conclusion
The moment you step outside of your home, your beloved kicks accumulate dirt, dust, grime, stains, odours, and a whole lot of other things. If you don’t care for your shoes properly and timely, chances are you will need to buy new kicks sooner than you think. Having two or three pairs of men’s walking shoes and switching amongst them works wonders. Basic maintenance tips such as storing them safely, preventing moisture, letting them dry in natural air, etc., can help maintain their durability. Also, cleaning and conditioning your shoes according to their specific fabric is of utmost importance. Try these tips, and you will thank yourself for being able to retain the freshly-out-of-the-box look of your shoes for longer periods.