Behind every man’s stride is a faithful companion that withstands every journey — our shoes. These trusty shoes not only embrace our feet but also bear the weight of our every step. As men, we know the unmatched value of a reliable pair of shoes which is why we try to get the highest possible quality. But what if I told you that the key to longevity and continued support from your solemate lies not only in the quality of the shoes but in the art of upkeep as well? Trust me, the extra mile in maintaining your shoes is a step worth taking! Because, your feet are married to them hence, by literal definition, they are your solemate (pun intended).
PRACTICE #1: USE SHOE TREES
Shoe trees are an excellent way to preserve the life of your shoes. When you wear your shoes, the leather is dampened by the moisture your feet produce throughout the day. This moisture causes creases on the shoe when it dries. However, shoe trees not only absorb this moisture from the leather but also ensure the shoe dries back whilst retaining its original shape.
PRACTICE #2: LET THE SHOES BREATHE
Your shoes work hard to support you every step of the way, so it’s only fair that they get a chance to kick back and relax too. By having more than one pair of shoes and letting them take turns on your feet, you give each pair a well-deserved break, preventing excessive wear and tear. Sometimes the best care is to let your shoes kick back and rest. Looking to get an extra pair of shoes? Click here to check out our high-quality catalogues.
PRACTICE #3: PROPER STORAGE
Proper storage is a must to preserve the longevity of your shoes. At all costs, shoes must not be kept on floors or on top of one another, as this can make them lose their shape with time. Plastic should also be avoided as a storage unit as it can harbour moisture, insects and mould. Rather keep them on racks or in breathable containers/bags if you must store them within something. Also, avoid direct exposure to sunlight. If your shoes are important, then you need to start treating them as such.
PRACTICE #4: POLISH
Regularly embark on a shoe-polishing adventure. It not only keeps your shoes looking dapper but also protects the leather. If you are adept at this, great! If not, you can give it to a professional to help with the task. To learn more about polishing, you can read our article on polishing leather shoes here. If you own a pair of suede shoes, we have a care guide for that here as well.
PRACTICE #5: GO FOR QUALITY
There is no better practice to maintaining your shoes than this. The only way to ensure your shoes will last long is to buy ones that are long-lasting. Or as they say in the shoe world, “A $180 pair of shoes will last you twice as long as a $90 pair of shoes, but a $360 pair of shoes can last you a lifetime”. So, Invest in Your shoes, and They’ll Invest in You.
At Karpos, we pride ourselves on crafting the highest quality shoes, blending enduring comfort with timeless style. To check out our catalogue, click here. Not sure what you want? Our Men’s Shoe Guide is happy to help.