Footnotes: 10 Top Tips for Shoe Care

I was watching TV the other day when the Sex and the City 2 trailer came on, I’m sure by now you’ll have seen the part where Carrie is astonished by shoes that cost $20! Pennies compared to the $100’s of dollars she was used to. This got me thinking, shoes nowadays are an investment, as any fashionista will know you can fork out up to £100 on a pair from the high street. Go designer and you can easily end up parting up £1000 for some of the more spectacular pieces. From my experience lot of people don’t know how to care for them properly and when you’ve got that pair of gorgeous heels in your wardrobe you’ll want to keep bringing them out again and again.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a funky pair of Nicholas Kirkwoods or some killer heels from Topshop you need to look after them, you could be investing in a future collectable. But regardless you’ll want to ensure they look good and preserve their life so that you get to keep looking as good as a box fresh pair of Louboutin’s.

• You need to pay particular attention to the heels and soles, heel tips on slim or kitten heels need to be checked regularly. They’ll wear down quicker as the weight is distributed over a small surface area. Pointed toe shoes will also require careful attention as they are more likely to wear quicker and get scuffed on things.

• Leather soled shoes should ideally be worn in dry conditions, especially when they’re new. They’re a natural material, so are not waterproof and will absorb moisture. If they’re worn in wet conditions regularly then they will require repair sooner. I’d also definitely avoid wearing any soles that are painted, like Christian Louboutin’s, in wet conditions. The water seems to get absorbed by the sole then causes the paint to bubble and flake off. I’ve seen many a red sole ruined from the rain.

• Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes day in day out apart from the funky smell that may appear it will help to prolong their life.

• Polishing your shoes with a good cream or polish once a week is essential for preserving the leather and making sure those shoes sparkle!

• Jewelled or sequinned shoes are the most difficult to care for. These babies are a luxury item and should really be returned to designer for any work to be done to them.

• Pony skin should be protected with a suitable spray and cared for with a soft brush.

• Invest in some suede spray for suede shoes to protect them. For scuffs you can remove by gently using a suede block, make sure you don’t damage the shoe.

• Satin and Silk are extremely difficult to care for again they’re definitely luxe items, for red carpet occasions. Prevention is the best option, look for a suitable spray protector and apply before each wear. Also consider where you’re going to wear them and see if they’re suitable for the occasion and not going to get damaged.

• Patent shoes are easily cleaned you can use a damp cloth using lukewarm water and soap or a non alcoholic face wipe. Then buff them up using a soft clean cloth.

• For exotic skins such as eel, snake or fish it is essential you take great care when using any cleaning products. You can get protector sprays for special skins but again gently apply with a soft clean cloth.