Image via Wikipedia

According to author Ann Morris, in Shoes, Shoes, Shoes, American women buy and wear many pairs of shoes.  The average woman owns at least ten pairs of shoes and many women, according to W Magazine, own many multiples of that!  We love shoes, especially designer shoes that elongate legs and make a fashion statement regardless of what clothes we’re wearing!

Some basic tips to care for your shoes at home, according to Eddie’s Shoe Repair Inc. in midtown New York:

1.  If your shoes get wet, make sure to let them dry naturally. Don’t place leather on or near radiators.  Never store damp shoes because they can grow mold and discolor.

2.  Use leather cleaner regularly. Clean your shoes after each wearing.  If your shoes are harder leather, saddle soap is excellent to clean and protect the leather.  Use creams for finer leathers.  Treating a scuff or scratch with a color lighter than the base leather shade will camoflage it.

3.  Use shoe tree to help organize and allow your shoes to air.  Purchase the kind that hug each shoe, to help it retain shape.  Also purchase shoe storage boxes or hanging shelves if you have ample overhead closet space.  Avoid placing your shoes on the closet floor, where they may break or get dusty.

4.  Pack your shoes with chamois cloth, tissue paper or old flannel. If you stuff open-toed shoes, they won’t curl up as much.  Stuff the toe box area of all shoes to keep them in shape.

5.  If you aren’t going to wear a pair of shoes or boots for a long while, wrap them in non-acid tissue.  Make sure to cover large buckles or shoe ornaments with chamois to protect them from discoloration.

7.  If you occasionally wear your shoes during rain or snow, consider application of a water-repellent treatment.