10 Tips for Making Your Footwear Last Longer

Your shoes say a lot about you. Whether you’re strutting in your favorite ankle boots or keeping it casual in comfy sneakers, your footwear pulls your whole outfit together. But here’s the reality check: shoes can be pricey, and replacing them too often? That’s not exactly friendly on the wallet.

The good news? With a little bit of care and attention, your favorite kicks can stay in fabulous condition for longer. Keep reading to find some simple tips for making your footwear last longer that you can put into action today.

1. Store Your Shoes Properly

First off, where you stash your shoes matters more than you think. Dumping them by the door? That's a no-go. Tossing them into a heap in your closet? Even worse. Proper storage helps prevent damage and keeps them looking fresh.

Try storing them in a rack or cubby where each pair has breathing room. Just make sure to store them away from sunlight as that can fade or discolor the finish. Want to go the extra mile? Use dust bags or store them in their original boxes to protect them from dust and scratches. Avoid piling heavy items on top of your shoes as this can squish and deform them. Bonus tip for boots? Stuff them with foam pads or rolled-up socks to keep their shape intact.

2. Clean Your Shoes Regularly

This is where a little TLC goes a long way. Letting dirt, dust, and road salt sit on your shoes for days can break down the material and cause fading or discoloration.

For sneakers and fabric shoes, wipe them down with a damp cloth or gentle cleaning brush. For leather shoes, grab a soft cloth and apply a dab of leather cleaner to gently buff away grime. Make it a habit, too! A quick weekly cleanup keeps them fresh and can even eliminate the need for deep cleaning.

3. Use Shoe Trees (or Newspaper if You’re in a Pinch)

Shoe trees are the best method for maintaining the shape of your shoes. If you’ve never heard of them, shoe trees are plastic or wooden molds that you place inside of your shoes. They help prevent creases, banish odors, and wick away moisture.

If shoe trees aren’t in your budget or you don’t have any handy, you can crumple up newspaper and tuck it inside your shoes. This trick is a simple, affordable alternative that works wonders for absorbing sweat and keeping your shoes looking good as new.

4. Protect from Water and Weather

Rain, puddles, and dirt roads don’t mix well with most types of shoes. Water can ruin leather, warp fabric, and destroy suede. The solution? Protective sprays.

Waterproof sprays work as a barrier that guards your shoes against the elements. Shoes made of suede or nubuck require special protective sprays. That said, while spraying your suede boots can offer protection from moisture, it’s best to choose different shoes on rainy days. Wear weather-appropriate footwear to save your suede from heartbreak.

5. Repair Damage Promptly

Say there’s a little tear on your tennis shoes, or maybe the sole of your boot is coming loose. You might be shrug it off, but ignoring small issues can turn them into bigger (and more expensive) problems.

When you spot shoe damage, take action right away. Depending on the material, you can use glue for minor sole detachments or visit a local cobbler for stitching jobs and extensive repairs.

6. Use Shoe Protectors

If you’re someone prone to wearing out shoes too fast, shoe protectors are going to save you major heartache. These come in the form of heel caps, sole stickers, or rubber protectors that create an extra layer of protection between your shoes and the ground.

Sole protectors are perfect for extending the life of leather soles, which tend to scuff and wear down easily. Shoe protectors not only keep your faves looking new but add grip too (no more sliding across the floor in your leather loafers).

7. Condition Leather Shoes

If you want those leather boots or brogues to stay supple and crack-free, conditioning is key. This hydration prevents the leather from drying out or splitting. To condition them, clean your shoes first with a mild, leather-safe soap. Then, apply a leather conditioner with a soft cloth. Use circular motions to rub it in for an even finish. This helps your leather shoes age like fine wine.

8. Stretch Tight Shoes

Tight shoes don’t just give you blisters; they can also lead to unevenly stretched material and misshapen shoes. Avoid the pain by stretching snug shoes so they fit properly.

You can use a shoe stretcher to gently expand the material over time. If you don’t have one, freeze ziplock bags filled with water inside your shoes to stretch them.

9. Avoid Wearing the Same Shoes Every Day

Keep your fabulous footwear collection on shuffle. Wearing the same pair daily doesn’t give shoes a chance to recover from the constant use.

Switching it up keeps your shoes in better shape and lends a little flair to your outfit choices. Plus, it distributes wear evenly across your collection.

10. Invest in High-Quality Shoes

While these tips are great for keeping your shoes in top-notch condition, investing in quality footwear from the start makes a huge difference. While lower-cost options might save money upfront, well-crafted shoes offer durability to match their style.

Look for shoes made with resilient materials and solid construction. Sure, the higher price tag can feel like a splurge, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re reaping the long-lasting benefits.

Refresh Your Shoe Collection

Your shoes are more than just accessories; they’re an investment in your comfort and style. From cleaning and conditioning to using shoe trees and protectors, these tips for making your footwear last longer will keep your collection looking as fresh as day one.

Still staring at an unruly shoe pile? Give them the care they deserve. Start today and step into a world of sustainable style! Need help choosing your next quality pair? We’d love to help you find your sole mate. Scroll through Arrow 22’s collection of trendy women’s sneakers and more to add the perfect pair to your collection.