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Put Your Best Foot Forward

A good pair leather shoes may seem expensive at first, but if cared for properly, they'll look great and you'll get a lot of use out of them. Here are some easy tips to help your shoes look their best and last longer:

Use Cedar Shoe Trees
Cedar shoe trees help maintain a shoe's shape and smooth appearance, as well as absorb sweat and moisture.  While plastic shoetrees help maintain shape, they will do nothing to reduce odors or absorb moisture. You can find cedar shoe trees here or at any Men's Wearhouse store.

Alternate Shoes from Day to Day
This allows the leather to recover its shape and dry out between wearing. Damp leather wears out faster, and your shoes won't last as long overall.

Polish Regularly
Leather polish keeps shoes moist and prevents cracking. Creams are better and more conditioning for the leather.

Repair When Needed
Check the backs and bottoms of shoes monthly for wear and tear. Re-heel and re-sole shoes before they completely deteriorate or the situation can be irreparable.

Use Shoehorns
Shoving your feet into shoes breaks down the backs of the shoes over time.

Dry Carefully
NEVER dry wet leather shoes by a heater, radiator, or fireplace - this can lead to cracking. Instead, let damp shoes dry naturally (and slowly) in a clean, dry place.

 

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