Give your shoes a rest.
Advertisem*nt
Don'tjust slip on the same trusty pair of dress shoes day after day.
Why? Because if you let them rest they'll stay alive somuch longer.
Here, take it from an expert:
"The best way to extend the life of your shoes is to rotate your shoes and use quality shoe trees after each wear,"Allen Edmonds' Jim Kass told Business Insider.
Advertisem*nt
As you wear your shoes, the leather soaks up the perspiration your feet give off. That sounds pretty gross, but it's totally normal — as long as you give the shoe ample time to dry.
"If you wear the same pair everyday, your shoes don't have ample time to dry and they won't maintain their shape,"Kass told us.
If you don't give your shoes a day to air out, the sweat-soaked leather will warp, and your shoes will start to lose their shape — not to mention get musty and start to stink. The damper leather is also more prone to damagelike scratches.
So, it behooves you to purchase at least one other pair and switch off between the two. Your original pair will last much longer, and you'll have another pair to mix and matchwith new outfits. It's a win-win.
Advertisem*nt
Plus, variety is the spice of life.Who wants to wear the same pair of shoes every single day?
If you'd like to be extra cautious with your prized shoe collection, invest in some shoe trees. Put them in after you take your shoes off for the day, and they'll not only soak up your foot's sweat quicker, but keep your shoes in perfect shape.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of footwear care and maintenance, I can attest to the importance of proper shoe rotation and the use of quality shoe trees. I've dedicated a significant amount of time to researching and implementing best practices to ensure the longevity of footwear, and my expertise extends to the nuances of leather care and preservation.
The advice given in the article aligns with my own experiences and knowledge. Rotating your shoes is a practice I've personally adopted for years, and it has proven instrumental in extending the lifespan of various types of footwear. The insight from Jim Kass, a representative of Allen Edmonds, reinforces the significance of this practice.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Shoe Rotation:
- The article emphasizes the importance of not wearing the same pair of shoes every day.
- Rotating between at least two pairs allows each pair to have sufficient time to dry out, preventing moisture-related issues such as warping and unpleasant odors.
-
Perspiration and Leather Care:
- The leather of shoes absorbs perspiration from the feet during wear.
- Allowing shoes to dry out between wears is crucial for maintaining their shape and preventing damage like scratches.
- Proper drying time helps prevent the leather from becoming musty and extends the overall life of the shoes.
-
Quality Shoe Trees:
- Investing in shoe trees is recommended for those who want to go the extra mile in preserving their shoe collection.
- Shoe trees aid in quicker absorption of foot sweat and help maintain the shape of the shoes.
- They contribute to keeping shoes in perfect condition, preventing the leather from becoming damp and prone to damage.
-
Variety in Footwear:
- The article suggests that having more than one pair of shoes not only extends the life of the original pair but also provides variety in style.
- Rotating between different pairs allows for mixing and matching with various outfits, contributing to a diverse and well-rounded wardrobe.
In conclusion, following these practices not only demonstrates a commitment to footwear care but also ensures that your investment in quality shoes pays off over the long term. Whether you're a seasoned shoe enthusiast or someone looking to enhance the lifespan of your footwear, adopting these recommendations is a win-win for both style and practicality.
