Have you ever wondered how it would feel to wear a pair of suede shoes?
Or perhaps, have you been afraid of buying suede shoes thinking they’ll be too difficult to care for?

I’ve been in both situations, until I bought my first pair of suedes.

So, if you’re currently confused about buying suede shoes – let me tell you this: suede feels AMAZING (plus it is so pretty!) And taking care of suede isn’t too hard either – the general suede care routine in this guide will tell you exactly what to do

When To Wear Suede Shoes

The right season for wearing suede shoes has always been a topic of much discussion. There are some who say that suede shoes are only meant only for the fall, while others swear by it in the summer

Suede and rains are whole another debate.

The best months for wearing suede shoes will indeed be in the fall, when it just starts to get cold and there is no possibility of rain or snow.

But you can wear suede shoes in other seasons too. If you like the look of suede, you can wear them year-round actually. There used to be a time when rain and suede was bad news, but today’s suede shoes can handle a few showers. Some brands even make their suede completely waterproof.

The trick to using suede throughout the year is to care for it based on the season you’re wearing them in.

Suede is a kind of leather, after all, so the same general rules apply. A little bit of pre-treatment and good post-wear care go a long way in making sure that your shoes stay well

So don’t let the fear of ruining suede stop you from buying them. Use these tips instead, and keep up that dapper streak B-)

General Suede Care

Before getting into the season-specific tips to wearing suede shoes, we must know some general suede care methods.

Following these regularly will ensure the longevity of your wonderful suedes

#1: Use a Suede Spray

Just like there are polishes for grain leather, there are sprays for suede.

And a good suede spray plays an important role in the overall health of your suede shoes.

These sprays are meant to rejuvenate and refine the suede in your shoes. Since suede has a velvet-like texture, a spray just makes more sense than a cream or wax.

There are some sprays that are said to slightly alter the colour and finishing of the shoes, so do your research before buying one. Going for neutral sprays would be the best bet as they can be used for all your suede shoes and the chances of colour change would be minimal

When applying a suede spray, be careful not to hold it too close to the shoe. This could cause stains and make certain regions of the shoe look different than the others. The recommended distance to spray from is usually 20 – 30 cm. When in doubt, refer the instructions on the spray bottle

How Often To Use A Suede Spray:
Once every two-three weeks should be good enough, depending on your use.

When you notice that the suede has started to look flat, take that as a sign to use the spray

#2: Use A Suede Brush

Did you know that brushing your suede is just as important as brushing your teeth?

Well, at least for me. Although I don’t brush my suede twice a day every day

Jokes aside, brushing your suede shoes will ensure it keeps looking good. The reason why newly bought suede shoes feel amazing is because of its nap. These are the small soft fibers that you can see on the top of the leather.

When the fibers are standing up and separate, suede feels very good to touch – and that forms a part of its allure.

However, to keep these fibers in good shape, it is necessary to regularly brush them

The horsehair brushes that are used for regular grain leather are not appropriate here; there are specialized suede brushes that are available. These brushes can easily lift the nap of the suede and help clean any dust that has settled in. If you don’t have a separate suede brush, any clean soft-bristled toothbrush will also do.

When brushing suede, be careful to do it only in one direction – unlike the buffing on regular leather. This is an important distinction, going back and forth with the brush on suede is just going to ruin its nap

Some options for buying suede brushes

• Helios Suede cleaning brush
• Pro care suede brush
• Puma suede brush
• AP Suede and Nubuck Brush (recommended)

How Often To Brush Suede:
Once after every use, and before wearing them if required

#3: Store Suede Shoes Properly

While it is good to be taking steps to care for your suede shoes before and after wearing them, it is equally important to store them properly

Leather and moisture are no good friends, so make sure that you store your shoes in a clean and dry place. Also, avoid keeping them in direct sunlight as heat can affect suede in the long term

When not wearing suede shoes, the best way is to store them is in a shoe bag. This will prevent them from getting dusty and also allow the suede / leather to breathe.

Top Tips To Wear Suede Year-Round

As mentioned earlier, you shouldn’t be scared of buying suede shoes because of their upkeep. It’s a wonderful material, and if you use the tips below, your suede shoes should last you a long time through all seasons

Suede Shoes In Spring or Summer

Suede, just like grain leather, is breathable.

So it is okay and possible to wear your suede shoes in the spring or summer months without worrying about the heat. Here’s how:

#1: Wear No-Show Socks

If you sweat too much and are concerned about the sweat ruining your pair of suede shoes, then some good quality no-show socks will be right for you

Also called loafer socks, these cover up your feet and reach only till the back of the heel – staying below the ankles. In this manner, they give the illusion that you aren’t wearing any socks, only that you are

Wearing no show socks with suede shoes in the summer has three fold benefits

1. Your ankles are exposed and can breathe, which means some respite from the heat
2. The foot sweat is still absorbed by the socks, reducing nasty smells and bacteria that could ruin your shoes
3. You get to flaunt the trendy sockless look

If you’re not a fan of no show socks, you can still wear suede shoes in the summer. Thin crew length socks, made of a soft material like Egyptian cotton, should do the trick.
In fact, I’d recommend these if you’re wearing suede shoes in a formal / office setting

#2: Go for Brighter Colours

We’ve all learned this at some point in science class: dark colours absorb heat, bright colours reflect heat.

By the same logic, light-coloured suede shoes are a great idea for the summer. The warmer months are also a good time to be bold and experiment with colours, so this just works in our favour

When wearing suede in the summer, think of colours like light brown, tan or beige. I also like a good rust orange or sky blue colour on suede shoes

Because of the richness and softness of suede, bold colours end up looking a lot better on the material than grain leather

#3: Pick Some Suede Loafers or Moccasins For Full Summer Vibes

No shoes speak relaxed-yet-refined like a pair of loafers

Combine them with suede and you’ve got a shoe that attracts compliments like a magnet

Suede loafers work really well in the summer because they’re not as closed off as other laced shoes, thereby helping with the heat. Bonus points if you like no show socks, because now you can even wear shorts with the same pair of shoes and rock those beach/pool vibes

The type of the loafers does not matter – penny, tassel, or horse-bit all look good. Although I find penny loafers better than all the other types, especially in suede.

Note that loafers are semi-formal shoes and suede takes the formality of these shoes one notch lower.

So it may / may not work in your office, depending on the dress code.

If you want to wear suede lace-up shoes then that’s okay too. They may not keep you as cool as loafers, but I’m assuming most of your workplaces are air-conditioned so once you reach the office it should be fine

Suede Shoes in Rains

Rain and Suede is where it gets tricky, but it is still possible to wear your suedes in the monsoon.

Now, when I say that, I mean that your suede shoes should be able to deal with a few light rain showers / accidental spills – no harm done if you follow the tips below. But you should obviously avoid wearing them if you know heavy rains are on the forecast

#1: Pre-treat Suede Shoes With A Waterproofing Spray

This is the most important step in preparing your suede shoes for the rain, or even in general.

It is recommended to apply a waterproofing spray to your suede shoes, right after you’ve bought them. They will act as a general protectant against dust and rains. They form a layer between the leather and the elements so any accidental spills can roll off the surface of the leather

There are quite some waterproofing sprays available in the market. I’ve tried Vetro Power and it works well

#2: Always Keep A Suede Brush Handy

Using a waterproofing spray can protect your suede shoes, but if your shoes do end up getting wet – there are ways to treat them

When suede gets wet, the soft fibers on its surface fall flat and stick together instead of staying separate and up. So if you accidentally get your shoes wet, then brushing the suede to get the nap up (remember: one direction only) is the first step as a part of the post-treatment

Since you never know when you could need it, it is better to keep a suede brush handy – in your bag or maybe an extra one in the office

This way you can do a quick and light brush on those shoes as soon as you get indoors. Your shoes are happy, you’re happy, I’m happy.

#3: Use Steam To Remove Water Stains

Water stains are far too common on suede shoes, but there are also a few ways to remove them:

1. Use a clean paper towel / tissue paper to blot fresh stains. Do not rub, gently tap the stained area
2. Brush your shoes lightly over the stain to get the nap back up
3. Use steam for dried stains

Yes, steam can help with removing water stains. This could be from a kettle, teapot or a steam iron.

Treat stained suede shoes to steam from a distance of about 20-30 cm. Do this only for a few seconds until the suede feels damp. The idea here is to add some moisture back to those dried stains.

Once you’ve done that, gently blot the stain with a clean tissue and then brush the stained area with a suede brush to revive its nap

#4: Allow Drenched Suede Shoes To Naturally Dry

If you find yourself stuck in the middle of very heavy rain, or your suede shoes get completely drenched for some other reason, do not panic. That’s not the end of the road for your suede shoes and we can still bring them back to life

Before doing anything else, you need to allow your shoes to naturally dry. This means stuffing some newspaper in the shoe and keeping them out overnight in a cool dry place

Shoe trees are an excellent alternative to stuffed papers – these are foot shaped inserts that go into your shoe.

They will help with absorbing the moisture while also keeping the shape of your shoes intact. I’d recommend everyone to own at least one pair of shoe trees. There’s an article here that explains all the advantages of shoes trees

Anyway, once the shoes have completely dried you can then follow the same steps discussed in previous point – steam and blot (if necessary) then brush with a suede brush

Suede Shoes in Fall / Winter

Fall is the perfect suede season because you don’t have to worry about the weather having a personal vendatta against your shoes. No extra tips there, use your suede shoes as is in the fall

Winters are a different story. You need to be just as careful wearing suede shoes in the colder months as you would during rains.

The idea remains the same: pre-treatment with a waterproofing spray is necessary, and following general suede care will help maintain the life of your shoes.

But some specific tips for the fall / winter months are as below

#1: Get Some Boots

While it would be better to stay away from them during the summer, the fall and winters are the perfect time to get those suede boots out

The boot style will keep you warm, and the suede style will keep you sharp *grin*

I love the look of a suede Chukka boot, or perhaps even a dress boot in suede. You can wear them with a pair of jeans, or even dress them up with formal pants for work

Yes, suede boots will not be as formal as grain leather boots – but in the right circumstances (and in winter *-*) they will look great

#2: Use A Suede Brush And White Vinegar To Remove Salt Stains

Using suede shoes in the snow means there is a likely chance of your shoes coming in contact with the salt that sprinkled in the snow (to get it to melt faster)

If your shoes are not pre-treated properly, this can result in salt stains causing nasty white spots on your shoes

But this can be taken care of with a little bit of effort. White Vinegar is a powerful ingredient, not only in food but also in removing salt stains on suede shoes.

First, it is always a good practice to brush the suede to get rid of as much dirt/salt as possible. After that, you can apply some white vinegar to the stain, then blot the spot with a tissue paper to get the remaining residue or stain out. Always be careful and start with less vinegar; too much of it can spoil the suede

Once the shoe has dried up and the stains are blotted, use a suede brush again to get those fibers back up

#3: Dark Colours Look Great And Can Hide Salt Stains

If bright colours win in the summer, dark colours dominate the winter: for the same reasons described earlier

Dark coloured shoes will absorb more heat and light than reflect it keeping you all warm and cozy. They also hide salt stains very well, which are common with snow and winter. This means that you won’t have to work too hard towards removing those stains, the colours will do that for you

Dark shoes are also easy to match and go with more winter outfits

The best suede shoe colours for the winter would be dark browns, chocolate browns, grays, blacks and even navy

A navy coloured chukka boot has been on my wishlist for months! Maybe I should buy them in winter this year

Don’t Step On My Blue Suede Shoes!

Isn’t it cool how there is an actual song on suede shoes?

Now that you know how they can be worn at different times of the year, maybe you get inspired to buy blue suede shoes too!

Oh, and do let me know if you have any questions.

I’ll be here, grooving to this rockin’ tune *claps*

The post How To Wear Suede Shoes In Any Season appeared first on The Shoestopper.

The end of 2019 is almost here. Every December, I have a habit of cleaning up around the house to ensure that everything is nice and tidy for the new year. And so the past weekend had me reaching out to the untouched recesses of my closet – to clean and reorganize. The hunt was mostly dull, but I did find out an old favourite pair of battered faux leather loafers. It was strange to see the shoes still lying around, but it was more interesting to remember the sequence of events that made me discard them from use. So here I am, one week later, researching and writing down this handy guide to understand when a pair dress shoes have reached the end of its life and must be replaced

You should replace your dress shoes when they are too damaged to be of any functional use to you. This means that the leather on the upper has cracked beyond repair, or the soles have worn out. In some cases, it is possible to get the shoes resoled thereby extending their use. Each shoe is different, so it is difficult to state the exact amount of time a pair of shoes will last. The overall shelf life of dress shoes will depend on a number of factors such as their quality, frequency of wear, weather, shoe care and many more. But there are rough estimates you can make and know if it is time to change those shoes

This article will describe the most common reasons for shoe wear and tear, along with a very general comparison of shoe price vs shoe life. You should then be able to read the signs and know when to replace your dress shoes

Common Reasons for Shoe Wear and Tear:

As mentioned, there are many factors that affect dress shoe life. These are just some of them that are most common –

Frequency and length of use:

Frequency and length of shoe wear can provide the easiest estimate of shoe wear and tear. The longer you’ve worn dress shoes, the more chances they have of wearing out. This goes hand in hand with the frequency of use because ideally, you shouldn’t wear the same pair of shoes every day. Leather needs time to dry after a day’s wear – if you’re using the same shoe every day that doesn’t happen – which can accelerate their normal aging process and decrease their life

Walking surface

The surface you walk on while wearing shoes also impacts its life. A dress shoe that you wear just in the office will obviously last longer because the only surfaces those shoes come in contact with are the lush soft carpets and smooth tiles at your workplace. Now if you wore the same shoes to commute as well, the friction with the rough roads and pavements is sure to wear them out faster.
That doesn’t mean that I advocate keeping separate shoes for the office. These points are simply to make you understand the factors better, and you can then decide for yourself. I personally wear the same shoes for commute and office; the only time of the year they are separate is during the monsoon when I don’t want my nice shoes to get wet.

Weather

Talking about the monsoon, you cannot deny the effect the weather has on a pair of shoes. Be it rain or snow, prolonged exposure to the elements is going to have an impact on the shoe.

Water does not actually damage leather, but rather makes it vulnerable and easy to get damaged if not properly treated afterward. Every time your shoe faces rain, the oils get washed off the leather (it is animal skin after all!) and this can cause the leather surface to harden and crack. Fungal growth is also a real issue if the shoes are not allowed to completely dry off

While leather naturally can handle rainwater, snow is different. The road salts that are added to the snow to make them melt faster, can actually dissolve into your leather shoes leaving stains. Over time the salt can also dry the leather and cause it to crack

But what if you’re caught in the middle of harsh weather after work with no alternative shoes? You mustn’t worry, your shoes can deal with it. Just remember to allow the shoes to dry naturally once you’re home, then give a generous coat of shoe conditioner and polish

Shoe care

Just like your skin, leather requires regular care to stay healthy. Shoe shining and polishing can help condition the leather and extend its life. On the other hand, *lack* of proper shoe care will make your dress shoes look lifeless very soon. You do not need a rigorous care routine, a basic shine using cream polishes can work too.

Shoe care also extends to accessories like shoe trees and shoe horns. Not using these can cause make it difficult for your dress shoes to recover from the creasing and pressure they go through during the day

Walking style

Everybody walks differently – some strike the heel on the ground first whereas some strike the forefoot or midfoot; some people overpronate while others might supinate. It is natural that this will play some role in the wear and tear of shoe trees. Depending on your walking style, the area of the outsoles which come in contact with the ground the most will wear out first. This means that eventually these parts will thin out and lead to an imbalance in the support that the shoe provides.

Do expensive shoes last longer?

Most of them, yes. All of them, no!

The cost of a pair of leather shoes is generally dependent on its quality. High-quality footwear will be made out of high-quality leather, with proper checks at each stage of its construction. Only the finest raw materials would be used which will bump up the cost of the shoe. Simply put, a high price tells you that care has been taken to make that shoe. And this care finally translates to a pair of shoes that not only age beautifully but are also more resistant to daily wear and tear.

On the flip side, inexpensive shoes have been manufactured to satisfy market demand. They are not meant to last, and the low cost usually indicates the use of cost-effective and profitable raw materials over quality ones.

But there is indeed an exception to the higher price = better quality assumption – Designer brands. Shoes from such huge brands might be expensive, but they are also likely to use low quality leather and construction methods like cementing. They are usually focussed on design rather than quality

It’s Time To Replace Your Dress Shoes When:

1) The soles have worn out and cannot be replaced

High-quality dress shoes can last a long time if they’re properly taken care of. However, despite the effort you put in shoe care, the soles of dress shoes will wear out sooner or later.
When this happens, you have to consider if the existing soles can be removed from the shoe and new ones attached:

• Cemented soles will be difficult to replace. If you have such shoes then I’m afraid your only option at this point is to get rid of those shoes and buy new ones instead. You can also continue to wear them, but the continuous loss of support due to worn out soles can cause serious problems, knee and heel pains in the future
• Dress shoes that are Blake stitched or Goodyear Welted can be re-soled by a skilled and reputable cobbler. You can first reach out to the brand that manufactured your shoes – many brands provide resoling and refurbishing services that can help with this. They’ll have the best idea about their own shoes, so you can be assured that your precious dress shoes are in safe and professional hands

So, if the outsoles of your dress shoes are damaged beyond replacement, you will have to replace them. But there are some signs you can look for to track the wear of shoe soles. Use these to know when to resole your shoes

Signs Your Dress Shoes Need Resoling:

• SPONGY SOLE :
  If the soles start to get soft, this might be a sign that they need to be changed. You can assess this by pressing the thumb against the center of the sole. If you can easily press into it and it feels spongy, it needs to be replaced
  Another sign is the circular patterns forming on the sole i.e. the beginning of a hole. At this point, you should definitely consider resoling so that the damage can be controlled
• UNEVEN THINNING OF THE SOLE :
  This relates to the contribution of walking style towards the overall aging of a shoe. If your feet tend to fall inwards while walking (overpronation), the inner part of the soles will start to thin faster than the rest of sole. And the opposite would happen if your feet fall outwards (supination) – the outer areas of the soles will thin out.
  Because of this uneven thinning of the sole, the shoes lose support in the areas where you need it the most and so must be replaced
• SPLITTING OF THE SOLE :
  People don’t usually keep a track of the bottom of their shoes, but they look at it from the top every time they wear them. So sole splitting will be very easily noticed when it happens. It is time to resole your shoes if the soles start to split away from the uppers. This can get worse if you don’t tend to it; better to start looking for replacements the first time you observe this
• HOLE IN THE SOLE :
  If a hole has formed in the bottom of the shoe – you should get it replaced immediately. It might have reached a point where resoling is not possible anymore, but you can at least try.

2) The leather uppers have damaged beyond repair

Damage to the shoe uppers is the second factor that can fast forward your dress shoes to the end of their life. Most of the points discussed in the first half of this post – wearing the same pair of shoes every day, exposure to rain or snow, and lack of proper shoe care – these can all in combination cause the uppers to harden over time and crack in places where the shoes bend. As the cracks deepen, restoring the leather becomes increasingly difficult so it might be better to replace the shoes.

In addition, not using shoe horn while putting on shoes can break down the heel counter over time. Soft heel counters mean less support – and this just adds on to the factors that can render a dress shoe useless

Apart from the natural wear and tear, there can also be accidental damages to the shoe that are out of your control. Commuting to and from work in nice dress shoes, my biggest fear is somebody in the crowd stepping on them. It has already happened to me a few times, but I’ve been able to remedy it so far. But if something ever happens to them (I sure hope not!) that is difficult to recover from or at least hide – it’ll be time to make the decision of tossing them

Summary

All of us would like to extend the life of our nice dress shoes for as long as possible, but there will be times they would need to be replaced. Daily wear and tear contribute towards the aging of the shoes, and it is important to understand the various factors that affect it to then care for your shoes the best you could. And yes, high priced shoes will usually last longer – because the price is a measure of the quality and construction. There will always be exceptions though; you can read our handy guide to asses the quality of a pair of leather dress shoes.

No matter what shoes you buy, you should replace them once the soles have totally worn out, or the leather upper is damaged beyond repair. Goodyear Welted and Blake Stitched shoes can be resoled, provided you notice and act at the right time. This will easily add many more years to the life of your dress shoes. The leather upper can last much longer than the soles, so make sure to follow regular shoe care. But when it’s time for your shoes to leave, don’t be sad! Thank your leather babies for all their precious service, and bid them goodbye

Do you have any pair of shoes you’re looking to replace? Let me know!

The post When To Replace Your Dress Shoes appeared first on The Shoestopper.

There are multiple things involved in shoe care – from shoe trees for proper storage of your dress shoes to regular polishing and cleaning to keep them healthy. The first step in shoe-care begins right when you put them on, though. Dress shoes (or even casual shoes and boots) that fit you perfectly will be snug, which makes it hard to put them on even with the laces completely undone. And although leather shoes conform to your foot over time, trying to push your feet into them with just your hands will put unnecessary pressure at the back of the shoe. This can damage the leather around the heel region of the shoe. Thankfully, there’s a tool to get around this – The Shoe Horn

A Shoe Horn is a long spoon-like tool that is used to put on your shoes safely by helping your foot slide into the shoe. Using it is very simple too. You need to hold it straight in the back of your shoe, the spoon-like head of the shoehorn facing downwards and inwards. After that, put your foot in the shoe – the heel will glide along the surface of the shoe horn. As the foot is going in, start pulling up on the shoe horn to remove it so that the remaining space allows your foot to safely fit into the shoe. Longer shoe horns can be used while standing up, while shorter shoe horns will require you to sit down to use them

In this article, we will discuss all the aspects of the shoehorn – such as their lengths and materials – and then describe how to use it in more detail. There are also some tips for those unfortunate times you might find yourself without a shoe-horn. Read on for more

Materials:

Shoe horns were originally made out of horn and glass, and later on shell, ivory and silver were used to appeal to people living more luxurious lifestyles. In fact, the use of horn in its making is what earned the shoe ‘horn’ its peculiar name. Today, they are most commonly available in wood, metal, and plastic – with horn still used by some shoe horn makers. The handles of the shoe horn have either a hole or a string loop for easy storage

1) Wood

The wooden shoehorn shares many benefits with other wooden items – durable and attractive. Wood finished shoehorns are a delight to hold, and good quality wood will have great looking grain that will pass on to the finished shoehorn

2) Metal

Metal shoe horns will generally come in stainless steel and are even better than their wooden counterparts in terms of durability. In daily use, metal shoe horns will always outlast wood and plastic ones. The smooth texture and finish of these shoe horns will make it easier to slide your feet into the shoes, even if you decide to go sockless.
The real downside to metal or stainless steel shoe horns is that they are heavy, which might make them unsuitable for some people. For this reason, I prefer to have metal shoe horns only in short travel size – which gives the premium feel with a weight lighter than long ones

3) Plastic

Plastic shoe horns are inexpensive, which make them a good choice if you want to buy multiple shoe horns to keep in your bags and drawers at home or work. As compared to wooden and metal shoe horns, these will be very light so they are easier to pack and carry.
However, plastic will crack and break if excessive force is applied. In my personal experience – I’ve broken the handles of two shoe horns while using them – both of them were plastic

Lengths:

Shoe horns come in a variety of lengths based on how they are supposed to be used. Longer shoe horns will allow you to put on your shoes while standing up and shorter shoe horns require that you sit down to wear the shoes. What you choose depends on your convenience and preference

1) Short (5″ to 8″)

Smaller sizes are easier to transport, so shoe horns in this size category are very helpful while traveling. Those sold as ‘travel’ shoe horns will typically be 4″ to 5″ in length with a small scoop like handle to hold between your fingers. That does not mean that slightly longer shoe horns (7″ to 8″) are not fit for travel – they can be just as useful and versatile

For using these short shoe horns, you will have to sit down and bend over while putting on your shoes. Since it involves bending over, people with back problems should not go for short sizes and rather consider having longer shoe horns in their closet

2) Medium (10″ to 16″)

Medium shoe horns will still have you sitting down to use them, but you don’t need to bend over to put on your shoes. These lengths are the best options for those who find short shoe horns inconvenient but would still prefer to comfortably wear their shoes sitting down. You could count me in that category, as I find myself going back to my 12″ plastic shoehorn the most for daily usage. It isn’t the prettiest but gets the job done very well.

Shoe horns of this size are not travel friendly, but that does not been it is impossible to carry them along with you over long distances. Medium-sized plastic shoe horns will be light enough to pack in your luggage if you have the room to fit it.

3) Long (18″ to 24″)

These are the full-size shoe horns that allow you to put on shoes standing up. Such long shoe horns are suited for the most convenience – for people who do not want to bend or sit down while wearing shoes

How to Use a Shoe-Horn:

Now that we’ve discussed through the basics, let’s go through easy steps for using the shoe horn to safely put on your shoes

1. Sit down on a chair/bed/stool if you have a short to medium shoe horn.
   Stand up if you have a long shoe horn.
2. Loosen up the shoe laces. Trying to the wear shoes with the laces still tied is the worst mistake I see people doing. You need as much open space as possible in the shoe before you try to put your foot in
3. Set the shoe horn vertically inside the shoe with the spoon-like curved side facing towards the front. The curves of the shoe horn should rest at the back of the shoe.
   Inserting the shoe horn before your foot prevents the damage that can be caused from stepping on the back of the shoe
4. Slip your foot into the shoe. Your heel will slide along the surface of the shoe horn as your foot moves in. As this is happening, pull up on the shoe horn slowly. Your foot and the shoe horn are supposed to be moving in opposite directions, so that the shoe horn is completely out by the time your heel touches the sole of the shoe.

Alternatives:

It is good to keep shoe horns with you at places where you might need to take off and put on your shoes. But there’ll be times you find yourself without one – just like I did on a fine day at a friend’s wedding. A quick google search showed me various alternatives, and back in the comfort of my room I tried all of them to find out which works the best

1) Belt

The closest alternative to a long shoe horn, but you can’t use it standing up

2) Visiting Cards

Very convenient to use, depending on how hard or soft the card is. Decent alternative for a travel shoehorn

3) Folded Paper

This works just like a visiting card, depending on how small the piece of paper is. Multiple folds will make it sturdier to use, but also thicker – so using it on really snug shoes will be difficult

4) Handkerchief

Using a handkerchief as a shoehorn was a hit or miss for me. Sometimes I was easily able to slide my foot into the shoe, at other times I wasn’t. It also depends on the number of folds/fabric, but personally I wouldn’t consider a handkerchief as a good alternative to shoehorns. You’d be better off using the options above

Using a Shoe Horn with Boots:

Boots can be ankle length or even longer, which makes it especially tricky putting them on – your legs need to fit into them too along with the heels. Short shoe horns prove to be ineffective in this case – only medium or long shoe horns should be used with boots. So if you own boots and want a one-size-fits-all solution, medium-size shoe horns will be a good investment since they will work with everything you have

Using a shoe horn with boots involves the same steps as discussed above, but it becomes especially necessary to have the shoelaces completely loosened up.

• Ankle boots such as Chukkas should not prove fairly easy to put on with the laces undone all the way
• Chelsea Boots have no laces – but an elastic on the sides, pull on it to make some space for your foot and leg to slide in
• Most Boots higher than these two will have some way to open up the sides – most commonly a zipper. If so, open up the sides along with the laces and then follow the rest of the steps

Summary:

The shoe horn is an effective shoe care tool to put on your pair of shoes safely. While wood, metal, and plastic are the commonly used materials used for making shoe horns today, but they were originally made out of animal horn. This is why the shoe horn was named so.
All three materials have different textures, advantages and disadvantages. While wood and metal shoe horns will be sturdier and less prone to breakage than plastic, plastic shoe horns are cheaper which helps offset that disadvantage. Plastic is also more flexible than the other two variants, which makes it easier while putting on very stiff shoes. On the other hand – a nicely finished wooden shoe horn looks and feels better – and both will last longer than plastic

In terms of length – short, medium and long shoe horns all have their own use cases. Short ones are the most travel-friendly, while medium shoe horns allow you to sit down but not have to bend over to use them. And you can use full-size long shoe horns directly while standing up. Ultimately the choice of material and length depends on your preference

While using the shoe horn to safely put on your shoes, ensure that the laces are loosened up as much as possible. Also take care to pull up on the shoe horn as your fit slides in, so that you are not inserting it further into the shoe. And for situations you find yourself without a shoe horn but in need of one, ____ is a good alternative. The same steps apply

Do you know of any other alternatives? Let me know in the comments!

The post How to Use a Shoe Horn to put on Your Shoes Safely appeared first on The Shoestopper.

I fondly remember the first time I bought a nice pair of leather shoes. They were tan soft leather double monk straps – which made me super happy and proud of the purchase.
Cut to the day I decided to wear them to work – bright, sunny, warm – and stressful. I’ve never been so careful with anything in my life! But no matter how cautious I was, when it was time to take off those shoes at the end of the day, my apprehensions had come to life – in the form of leather creases.

Since then, these tiny little annoyances have caused me a lot of worries. But over the course of time I’ve come to accept, and sometimes correct them. In this article, we will concentrate on the methods to remove such leather shoe creases, as well as those that you should avoid – so that you can enjoy your lovely shoes stress-free

The first step towards correcting or removing these creases from leather shoes is handling them properly. Inserting a shoe tree immediately after taking off the shoe can fix most of the creases formed during the course of the day. Minor shoe creases older than a day (but still fairly new) can be smoothened out by massaging the affected areas with a good shoe conditioner or oil. These two tips are easy to follow, and doing them regularly will keep your shoes looking good enough for daily wear without having to invest extra time in fixing the creases.
Old and rigid creases will require extra heat and massaging for removal though, and a blow dryer will be able to remedy this. Just be careful with the heat because over usage will actually harm the leather – follow the steps listed in the second half of this post to do it safely

Before we learn more details about addressing these creases/scratches, let’s first discuss the crux of the issue at hand –

Why do leather shoes crease?

1) They are supposed to!

My apologies if you were looking for a better answer, but leather shoes will naturally crease from daily use. The only way to avoid this is to NOT wear them at all, which we can agree isn’t ideal OR purposeful

Our feet flex while walking – they bend where toes meet the rest of the foot. So this flexion will naturally cause the leather to crease across the vamp. You mostly shouldn’t notice creases in any other parts of the shoe though. The area around the heel sometimes will get creased if you don’t wear the shoe properly, but that’s about it. Finding them anywhere else on the shoe would mean other issues due to improper shoe care

2) Incorrect size

Shoes that are too big in size will cause more creases in the shoe than usual. This is because the extra space will leave more area for the flexion of the vamp region leading to deeper and stubborn creases in the leather.
On the other hand, if the shoes are smaller than your size then that is a problem too because it will restrict the natural movement of the foot and thus leave behind more creasing than intended.

The right fit is the first step you must take in efforts to minimizing leather shoe creases. Lucky for you, my guide on shoe fit will be a big help

So shoe creases are inevitable, yes, but there are still a few methods you can try to correct them and restore your shoes. These will work equally well with all kinds of leather, be it smooth, suede, nubuck or patent

Methods to remove creases from leather shoes

All of these methods have the same principle behind them – a creased portion of the leather will have to be softened through heat/products and then gently stretched either by shoe trees/massaging to restore it.

1) Start storing them properly – Use Shoe Trees

Two words: Shoe Trees. These foot-shaped pieces of wood (or plastic) go into your shoes when you’re not wearing them. Their main aim is to help the shoe keep its original shape for as long as possible.
It is recommended to insert the shoe trees into your shoes immediately after taking them off. The leather of the shoe would still be warm at this time and the trees will help even out any creases that might have formed during the day

Shoe trees will not make your shoes look good as new, but they will definitely play an important part in the future life of the leather and the shoe.

2) Use a good shoe conditioner/oil

The creases due to the day’s wear can be smoothed out by shoe trees, but if you’re looking at fairly recent and small creases then try a good shoe conditioner/oil. Shoe care products like these will soften the leather which can then be massaged to free the creases. Use this method in combination with the above to further reduce the chances of creases.

Note that both the methods discussed so far are for small and new creases only.

3) Try the blow-dry method

The blow-dry method works for older and stubborn creases that shoe trees/conditioners aren’t able to correct. This involves the use of a blow dryer to provide extra heat in order to soften the creased portion of the leather:

1. Insert the shoe trees into the shoe you are working on
2. Set the blow dryer to its lowest heat setting. You can always increase it later on but it is better to start with this
3. Hold the blow dryer above the creased areas, about 6 inches away from the shoe. Keep it moving constantly so that the leather does not get burnt
4. As you work with the blow dryer, gently massage the creases with your other hand to smoothen them against the support provided by the shoe tree. Keep doing this until you start to see the creases open up
5. Turn off the blow dryer and allow the shoes to cool down, while still having the shoe trees inside them
6. Polish and condition the shoe to finish the restoration

• Be extra cautious to not overheat – this might have the opposite effect instead causing the shoe to lose shape in certain areas
• Test out this method on a small postion of the inside of the shoe first – the heat can cause leather to darken

The Shoe Snob Blog has a very useful video tutorial for this method

Methods you should avoid using

The below methods are an extension of the ones mentioned above, but they are easier to get wrong so it is better to avoid them in my opinion

1) Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol mixed with water (equal parts) works similarly to conditioning oils i.e it helps soften the leather and thus smooth out the creases by inserting shoe trees.
The downside of using alcohol is that you have to be very careful with the proportions because using it in excess can rapidly dry out the leather

2) Using Iron

This method calls for placing a slightly damp washcloth over the creased portion of the shoe and replace the blow-dryer in the blow-dry method with an iron to stretch the creases
An iron can be very effective against creases, provided you use it with extreme caution. Too much moisture and heat is bad news for leather and its better to be safe than sorry

Summary:

With the regular usage of shoes, the formation of creases is unavoidable. Creasing would occur more if your shoes don’t fit properly, but if the fit is not the issue then they shouldn’t be a major cause of stress to you because the creases are very natural with leather.

Inserting shoe trees in your shoes immediately after taking them off, and conditioning the shoes regularly will keep them looking good enough for day-to-day use without having to put extra time in methods like blow-drying. The blow-dry method works well for older, deep and rigid creases, but attention needs to be paid to the effects of overheating the leather. Similarly, rubbing alcohol or ironing the leather can help with removing the creases too but are not advisable because it is easy to get it wrong

Have leather creases bothered you in the past? What do you feel about them now? Let me know in the comments

The post How To Remove Creases From Leather Shoes appeared first on The Shoestopper.

It is one thing to buy a nice pair of leather shoes, quite another to maintain them. Proper shoe care can vastly extend their life, keep them looking good for decades. And while polishing shoes regularly plays an important role in their upkeep, the first step in shoe care is buying and using “shoe trees”

Fancy words? You’ll feel different after reading this article.

But hey! What are these shoe trees?

Shoe trees are pieces of wood (or plastic) that go into your shoes when they are not being worn. They resemble the general shape of a foot, usually with a complete heel and toe piece (although some inexpensive kinds might not have heel support). Cedarwood is considered to be the most superior type of wood for shoe trees; but beech, lime or alderwood are good alternatives. Sometimes plastic is also used: mainly as a travel-friendly, light replacement to wood. Like the shoes, they come in pairs for left and right feet.

But, Are Shoe Trees Really Necessary?

Short answer: YES! They are absolutely necessary to prolong the life and look of your shoes.
Long answer: Read this post and decide for yourself It not only states the advantages of shoe trees and the 3 reasons why they’re necessary but also takes you through their various types and tells you the minimum number of shoe trees you should own to keep your shoes in top shape (Can you guess the number?)

3 Reasons Why Shoe Trees Are Necessary

1) Shoe trees help you with the polishing

With respect to shoe-shining, we have it fairly easy in India. Most railway stations have at least one guy with a shoe shine kit willing to polish your shoes for a minor fee. I strongly believe that every man should clean and polish their shoes themselves (it’s an art!), but if you’ve ever paid up to get a quick shine you must’ve noticed that they never ask you to remove the shoe while they’re polishing and buffing. This is because the shoe needs to be stable and in its intended shape during the process, and your feet in them provide that.

The same function is taken care of by shoe trees when you’re shining shoes on your own. Shoe trees are heavy, so they keep the shoe in place and that makes it much easier to work on them

2) Shoe trees absorb that moisture and fight the stink!

Feet sweat. A lot. With approximately 2,50,000 sweat glands in a pair, that is not a surprising fact. But all the moisture combined with the socks and shoes can lead to the odor-causing bacteria thriving, causing stinky feet and shoes. While the degree of odor will vary from person to person, the moisture is definitely bad news for leather and the shoe lining. Wood naturally absorbs moisture, so shoe trees help in preserving the lining while also eliminating the odor.

3) Shoe trees ease out wrinkles and maintain the shape of shoes

The toes of the feet bend during walking, and by extension so do the shoes. It is impossible to not have the shoes crease unless you don’t wear them at all but should be kept in check in order to avoid cracked leather. Shoe trees provide a surface for the leather to rest on and smoothen out the wrinkles or creases that might have showed up during the course of the day. It is recommended to insert these trees immediately after taking off your shoes to help with this – because the wrinkles will be easier to loosen while the shoes are still warm from wearing.
Leather shoes that have not been worn for a long time can shrink and having the trees inside them while not in use them will prevent this and maintain the fit of the shoe.

And that’s my case for shoe trees. Now, if you’re with me on the importance of this beautiful shoe accessory, it will be helpful to know their various types too –

Types of Shoe Trees:

1) Three-piece Shoe Trees (Custom made)

These consists of the separate parts that together form the whole shoe tree – the toe part, heel cup and the center piece. Three pieces shoe trees will be custom made to go with custom made shoes, as they will mimic the last used for the shoe.

While inserting the shoe tree, the toe piece is inserted first, followed by the heel part and finally the center piece fits in the gap in between. These ones should only be used with the shoes they’re made for 

2) Sprung Shoe Trees

Sprung shoe trees have the center piece discarded – the front and heel parts are fitted together by means of a small cylindrical pin and a spring.
The lack of this center part makes it easier to slip the shoe tree in and out of the shoe

This is the most commonly used type of shoe trees due to its ease and convenience. They are not as heavy as three piece shoe trees and provide all the same advantages – thereby being the preferred choice of many

3) Hinged Shoe Trees

These shoe trees are a variation of sprung shoe trees – instead of a pin and and spring hinges are used to join the front and heel pieces.

Hinged shoe trees are also very easy to put in and take out of the shoe due to their open-close action. The absence of the pin makes them lighter than sprung shoe trees

4) Shoe Trees with a Handle and Adjustable Screw

With only the front part and an adjustable handle, these are the lightest of all wooden types. They work well for the toe and front of the shoe but are ineffective in the heel region

The light weight makes travel friendly though, and that’s what I’d suggest you use them for.

5) Plastic Shoe Trees

Think of these as the above type, but in plastic. Some are sold with a plastic adjustable handle, while some come with a spring system instead.

Plastic will not provide moisture wicking and odour fighting properties like wood does, and plastic shoe trees will give no support at the heel cup. But they are cheap to buy, and it is still better to use these than not using shoe trees at all

If you choose to go for plastic shoe trees, look for the ones with the handle. Springed plastic shoe trees rest in the heel cup in a weird manner, which always makes me feel that they’d do more harm than good

How many shoe trees do I need?

Shoe trees can get expensive, and this additional cost often leads to the question of the number of shoe tree pairs one must buy.
Is it ideal to have a pair of shoe trees for every leather shoe pair? Yes.
Is it necessary? No.

Shoes require at least a day to dry out before they can be worn again, and the best time to use shoe trees is immediately after taking the shoes off. This means that one pair of shoe trees is enough to ensure the general well-being of shoes; it can be rotated amongst the pairs after wear.

If you use two pairs of shoes on the same day then buying another set of shoe trees makes sense.

In general, one or two pairs should serve most men.
If you’re into shoe collecting though (like I am ;)), by all means, work towards having a shoe tree pair for every pair of shoe you own. Those beauties deserve all the care

Summary:

Shoe Trees are a necessity to ensure that your shoes stay in the best shape and with minimal creases. They also provide the right support while cleaning and polishing shoes, and wooden shoe trees will absorb excess moisture and foul smells.

From three-piece custom made shoe trees to plastic ones, there is a kind of shoe tree for everyone but sprung wooden shoe trees are the most common for daily use. The material they’re made of (or the lack thereof) and consequently its weight will decide if a shoe tree is travel-friendly or not.
Having shoe trees for every shoe pair is the best thing you could do, but it’s okay if you just own one or two shoe trees and rotate them amongst your shoes. The most important time to insert them is immediately after taking your shoes off when the leather is still warm

Do you own shoe trees? If so, how many? Let me know your experience in the comments

The post What Are Shoe Trees And Are They Necessary appeared first on The Shoestopper.

1. There’s a very important event coming up – a wedding, date, interview or even the first day at a new job. You realize that a new pair of shoes is very necessary, and after a lot of ‘scrolling-through-the-apps’ you finally like one and buy it. When it arrives, it looks like a charm and just perfect … But wait … Why does it not feel right?
2. You’re at the mall for a new pair of kicks. Browsing various stores, this one particular shoe catches your eye and it is love at first sight! You excitedly find your size and try it on, but just a few steps in them makes you feel like there are clamps in your feet. The salesman pushes you to go for it – that it will stretch over time. But you don’t really trust him, do you?

No two people have the same feet – in fact, the various measurements of our feet with their imprints can be just as unique as your fingerprints. That is why it is so important to know if your shoes fit right. A shoe must feel as good as it looks; what’s the point of getting compliments if you’re uncomfortable all day?!

Besides, a 2018 study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that a huge portion of the population (between 63 and 72% of their participants!) wear footwear of incorrect size, which can be related to foot pain and other foot disorders.

To help you with all the aspects of shoe fit, I’ve created this handy guide. And it’s the only one you’ll ever need!
By the end, we will have answers to the most common questions that are asked about the fit of your shoes :

• How shoes are supposed to fit?
• How much space should be in the front of your shoe?
• Should my toes touch the end of my shoes?
• How to tell if shoes are too big?
• How to tell if shoes are too small?
• How to measure shoe size?

In addition, a few more things will also be covered (Because who doesn’t like extra ;))

• Certain conditions that impact fit
• Hacks to fit shoes that are slightly-big
• A brief about running shoe fit
• Is break-in a real thing?

All these topics have been added as links, so you can click on them and jump straight to the relevant section. I’ll suggest you read the entire post, though
Let’s get started!

How should shoes fit?

A proper shoe fit would include appropriate room in mainly three parts of the shoe i.e. the toes, the sides and around the heels.

The Toes:

• The perfect fit in the toe region should leave enough space for you to be able to wiggle your toes when wearing the shoes
• Make sure that there is at last 1/2” of empty space between the longest toe and the material in the front of the shoe. This would be the right about of room for the toes not to get all mashed up while walking

• If you’re facing problems with fit in this area, go for round toe shoes instead of chiseled toe ones. Round toes would be comparatively wider in the front and could turn out to be more comfortable for you

The Sides:

• The shoe should fit without feeling tight in the widest area of the feet i.e the sides
• There should be no constriction or pressure on the balls of your feet and its sides, irrespective of if you’re standing or sitting down
• Certain brands offer wide sizes too, try them out to see if it fixes the fit. Otherwise, the only options you have are to check a larger size or look at other brands

Around the Heels:

• There should be roughly one finger gap between the heel of the foot and that of the shoe.
  Check if you’re able to insert the thumb or index finger in this area.
• The shoe should feel snug in the heel area – neither too tight nor too loose

How to know if my shoes are too big/small?

Simple. Try walking in them, and do the one finger test

• Shoes riding up and down when you walk? Too big!
  Lot’s of extra room around the toe area? Too big!
• Shoes feel very tight along the sides? Too small!
  Cannot fit the index finger or thumb between the heel and back of the foot? Too small!
  

Some additional factors that affect fit

In addition to how to shoes feel in the toes, sides and around the heels, there are other factors that can also make a difference to the fit of a pair of shoes

• Your feet expand during the day and are the largest at the end of the day, after having gone through all the walking and standing.
  Because of this, measurements taken in the morning can differ from those taken in the evening. It shouldn’t make a lot of difference since the change would be very minimal, but still something to keep in mind.
  I tested this for myself and while the length did not seem to change much between morning and evening, the width measurement of my feet went up by 50mm at the end of the day
• Foot size can also change as you grow older. It is better to measure/get measured for size once every year.
• Your feet are not equal in size, one of them is almost always larger than the other.
  Shoe sizes should be considered as per the measurement of the larger foot.
• The socks that you’ll wear with shoes can also affect its overall fit. Carry the kind of socks you’ll most often use and put them on before examining any shoe for the fit.

But Mr. Shoestopper, I already bought these lovely shoes but as per your tips, they seem slightly too big. I’d hate to return them, what do I do?

Well, there are a few things you could do. Either one or a combination of all might help you

1. Use insoles – But you already knew this! Most of us have used them at some point when we were kids. Insoles can provide a snugger fit for minor shoe size differences. If you’re desperate you can also try two pairs, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
2. Wear thicker socks – Again, this might fix things if the shoe isn’t too big for you. Worth a shot, but remember that it can get sweaty during the warmer months.
3. Good ol’ white tape – (Don’t look at me like that, DIY hacks are great when they work!)
   If there is some extra space between the back of your feet and the shoe, a couple of layers of white tape in that area might close that gap.

Unfortunately, a shoe that’s a ‘bit too small’ cannot be magically expanded to fit you. If you’re in that scenario, it’s best to donate them or sell them at a bargain for some good karma
And then repeat this to yourself:

Just twice will do. I trust you

A brief note about running shoe fits

When it comes to running shoes, going for half a size larger than your regular / dress shoes should be okay, and is sometimes preferred too. Your feet will lengthen and widen as they hit the ground while running, so the extra room will be useful. In fact, my current pair of running shoes is one full size larger than my dress shoes – I’ve been using them for about 3 years without any issues.
However, this difference in sizing means that you should always use your regular / dress shoe size as a reference point while buying specialty shoes instead of the other way round.

If your running shoes fit properly but still feel ‘slightly off’ while running, lacing the shoes in a different manner might help for better performance and support.
Road Runner Sports has some great lacing tips for this exact problem that could make those running shoes fit perfectly.

We’ve discussed quite a lot so far, just a few more things left to complete this shoe fit guide

How to measure shoe size?

The size charts that brands carry usually have their sizing number (US, UK, Euro, Japan) with the respective values of length and width of the foot for that size. So knowing these two values for your own feet can help you identify the shoe size.

But getting your feet professionally measured might not be super accessible to everyone. And with so much online shopping going around, I can understand the need to do it yourself to avoid all the confusion. That, or you’re simply curious like me

Here’s how to measure your feet and get those values:

1. Take a sheet of paper and place it on the floor. Ensure that the floor is not uneven/soft
2. Stand up and plant your feet firm on a piece of paper. You can be wearing socks too if you want to add that to the measurements.
   Ask a friend to help you with the sizing – standing straight with the normal body weight on both feet is the recommended position to measure them. If no one is available, resting the foot on a small table should do
3. Trace the outline of the foot with a pencil. Make sure the pencil is held as perpendicular to the floor as possible
4. To get the length, measure the distance between the center of the back curve and the longest toe
5. To get the width, measure the broadest part of the outline, a little below the toes
   

Is shoe break-in a real thing?

“A little bit of pain is okay. You’ve got to break-in those shoes!”

Is this true? Yes, and No. While leather shoes and boots can be slightly stiff in the beginning and will require some time for the leather to mold to your feet, this does not apply to every kind of shoe. Besides, ‘stiff’ does not mean ‘tight’, and most shoes should feel comfortable right out of the box. Only heavy leather boots should need breaking-in – the actual time will vary according to the kind of leather, sole and its overall construction.
Casual shoes and leather shoes with rubber soles will never require a break-in period; so if they are painful it only means that you need to size up or choose a wider shoe.

There you go! The complete shoe fit guide, at your fingertips, in a web browser near you

Here’s a short summary of all we’ve discussed in this post:

• The fit of your shoes will depend on how the shoe wraps around the toes, the sides and the heels.
• The front of the shoe should have at least 1/2″ wiggle room from the largest toe, while the heel area should allow you to insert the index finger/thumb snugly in the back of the shoe. The sides of the feet should not feel any sort of pressure or constriction.
  These parameters will help you decide if a shoe is too big or too small.
• In addition, there are other factors like time of the day, age, and socks that can impact the size of your feet and the fit of your shoes.
• If a shoe that you love is slightly bigger in size, insoles and thicker socks can help you reach that sweet spot of the perfect fit.
• Running shoes can be half a size to one size larger than your regular/dress shoes. The extra area provides room for the foot to lengthen and widen while running.
• You can measure the length and width of your feet very easily by using a pencil, paper and tracing the outline of your foot planted on the floor or small stool/table.
• Shoe break-in is a real thing, but not for all shoes. Only leather shoes with leather soles and heavy leather boots would require breaking-in, any other kind of shoe should be pretty comfortable from the beginning.

I hope you enjoyed reading this.

Are there any fit problems that you have noticed with your shoes?
Or are there any other questions about fit that you might have?
Let me know in the comments!

The post The Only Shoe Fit Guide You’ll Ever Need appeared first on The Shoestopper.