Shoes play a vital role in determining your personality and status. But you don’t have to wear the most expensive, branded shoes to make a statement. In my previous post, I talked about how you can create a lasting impression wearing cheap shoes; in any attire, for any occasion. This time around, I will show you how to take care of your cheap shoes so that you add life to them, and make them looking good as new.

1. Polish Regularly:

“…I guess it all depends on which way you rub ‘em
But a girl can never have too many of ‘em.
It’s amazing what a little polish’ll do:
Men are like shoes…”

Shania Twain definitely wasn’t giving advice on taking care of cheap shoes in her song titled ‘Shoes’, but it is true what a difference a little polish can do to your shoes. Shine your shoes regularly; even more so, if they’re cheap shoes. Polish keeps leather supple, and makes them last longer. As for men being compared to shoes; well that’s a different subject matter altogether!

2. Storing Cheap Shoes:

I must admit; a few years ago, I was very biased towards my expensive shoes. After every wear, I would very gently remove them off my feet, cautiously carry them to the shoe rack, and neatly store them in boxes, with shoe supports, moth balls, and crinkled paper. As for the cheap ones, I just couldn’t care less. As a result, I’d be buying cheap shoes one day, and then chucking them into the bin a month later. After I realised it wasn’t doing any good to my savings, I got into the habit of storing my cheap shoes too in cardboard boxes, and keeping supports to retain their shape. This has extended the life of my cheap shoes beyond my expectations.

3. Cleaning Suede Shoes:

I try to steer clear from buying anything suede, unless they’re an outstanding bargain or are just too cute to resist. Suede shoes require special care, and if they get wet, they get stained nasty. Cleaning suede shoes, therefore, is a hassle; though not impossible. Contrary to common advice, try not to use vinegar or salt. Home remedies can always be tricky, as you may or may not always get the portions right- if it works for you, by all means, do so- but if you like to be on the safe side like I do, go for suede shampoos and brushes sold at shoe stores. Just make sure you test suede cleaners on a patch before you apply it to the whole area.

Finally, airing your shoes every now and then can help protect your shoes and remove shoe odour. Try not to wear the same shoe for days in a row either, as shoes too need time to breathe and restore.

I hope you’ve found this How to take care of cheap shoes article useful. Do you have any other tips or ideas on how to take care and add life to cheap shoes? If so, I’d love to hear them. Let me know your thoughts and views in the comments below.

Until next time,
Fashiona @ FashionablyCheap.com.au