Taking Proper Care Of Your Shoes During The Winter

Shoes and boots endure much more punishment during the winter than at any other time. Not only are the snow and ice hurting them, but the salt that we throw on the street to prevent slipping can leave those white marks that just won’t go away.

If you want to look your best this holiday season but don’t know how to preserve the class and style of your shoes, here are some tips on how to do it properly.

Preemptive Strike

In most cases, preparation is key, so you’ll want to make sure your footwear has proper armor against all the factors that winter brings.

First off, clean them, and if they are made of leather, apply a coat of conditioner to nourish and moisturize the leather.

On the other hand, if they’re more casual, using mink oil and saddle soap will give your shoes a protective layer against water and snow.

Everything we mentioned so far can be exercised throughout the season, so make sure to occasionally reapply the conditioner to avoid cracks and irreparable damage.

Extreme Conditions

Rain and snow are masters of ruining shoes. If you don’t want to buy a new pair every two weeks during the winter, do the following:

• Clean, wipe, and dry your shoes immediately after they get wet
• Apply conditioner of your choice
• If you have leather shoes, apply the polish, wait 5-10 minutes, then wipe it off with a dry cloth

Remember these rules but don’t overdo it, because too much of any product can shorten the life of any stylish footwear.