Shoe Care Tips for Leather

Research shows that fashionistas are in agreement that – “You’re not dressed up, if Your Shoes are worn down”. Whereas physical health experts are in agreement that footwear is meant to protect your feet as well as the general well being of your physical body. Psychologists on the other hand are in agreement that what you wear on your feet is a reflection of your personality.

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When these three schools of thought are blended, we find that footwear protects your feet and at the same time, it is a reflection of your personality since your personal style says a lot about who you are.

However, we tend to forget that the beauty and lifespan of a shoe is dependent on how well we take care of it. For instance, shoe experts world wide are in agreement that leather is nature’s perfect shoe material:

Leather breathes which allows your feet to breathe as nature intended. Leather flexes and bends with every move you make. Leather is luxurious and durable. Leather is restorable and is an investment that requires personal care. Leather may cost a little more but will last a lot longer with proper care. (Atkinson Shoe Repair Inc.)

Below are some general tips on the best way to care for your leather shoes:

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1. It is possible to minimize the effects of exposure to water as well as other weather conditions such as excessive heat from sunlight.

- In case your leather shoe has been exposed to water, do not wear it while it is wet and do not expose it to sunlight in an attempt to dry it. Simply, allow  your shoe to dry at room temperature. Footwear should be kept away from direct heat because prolonged exposure to heat may dry and crack leather.

2. Don’t let dirt build up, clean shoes and boots regularly:

- Clean off dirt after every wear with a soft brush or rag

- Maintain the leather gleam: polish, polish, polish.

3. Keep your shoe shape by loosening laces or buckles before removing.

4. Use a shoehorn for slipping your shoes onto your feet, this prevents breakdown of the heel counter, the leather support between the lining and the upper of the shoe,  from losing its stability.

5. Don’t wear tight shoes. Wear an appropriate size for you.

6. Practice preventive maintenance. Repair your shoes before every-day wear turns into damage.

Keeping your shoes looking good is not hard to do. Shoe care is especially easy if you have just the right stuff.

- See more at: http://blog.batakenya.com/2011/08/09/shoe-care-tips-for-leather/#sthash.a3weGuIR.dpuf