Mastering Shoe Care: Tips for Textile, Leather & More
Caring for shoes is essential to keep them clean, fresh, and long-lasting. Different materials require specific maintenance, from gentle washing for textile shoes to regular cream treatment for leather ones.
Textile shoes can be machine washed, but they should be handled gently. Using a laundry bag can prevent damage. Suede shoes need brushing and impregnation to repel dirt and moisture.
To combat shoe odor, German shoe institute expert Claudia Schulz recommends the product 'Solemates'. Leather and natural fiber materials absorb sweat better than synthetics, but this can lead to odor. Regularly changing shoes and using cedar wood shoe trees can help prevent this. Moisture in shoes encourages bacteria and fungi growth, so airing shoes, using antibacterial sprays, lemon slices, or scent bags can reduce odor.
Feet sweat more than many people realise, with some people sweating up to a small shot glass full in a day. Walking barefoot in closed shoes can increase sweat and odor. Freezing shoes can kill bacteria and reduce odor, but it's more suitable for textile and plastic shoes than leather.
Proper shoe care is crucial to maintain freshness and longevity. From gentle washing for textiles to regular cream treatment for leather, understanding the needs of different materials can extend the life of your shoes and keep them odor-free.
