Make your shoes go the extra mile

Clean suede without ruining it

Suede can be tricky to clean, but light marks are often easy to remove.

• Gently rub a clean pencil eraser or suede eraser over scuffs and dry dirt (keep an eraser dedicated to shoe care so you don't transfer any marks).
• Brush the suede afterwards with a suede brush to restore the nap.

Bring patent leather back to life

Light scuffs on patent leather are often easy to disguise.

• Wipe the shoes with a soft, damp cloth to remove surface dirt.
• Buff a tiny amount of petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) onto light scratches using a clean microfibre cloth.
• Wipe away any excess to restore an even, glossy finish.

Freshen white soles

Dirty soles can make even newer shoes look tired.

• Apply a small amount of white, non-gel toothpaste to an old toothbrush.
• Scrub white rubber soles gently for a few minutes.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth. This works well on surface dirt and light scuffs, although it won't reverse yellowing caused by age.

Banish shoe odour

Nobody enjoys opening a shoe cupboard to a whiff of stale shoes.

• Sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda inside your shoes overnight, then shake it out before wearing them.
• Alternatively, use activated charcoal or cedar shoe deodorisers to absorb odours.
• If the smell persists, replacing the insoles is often the most effective solution.

Rescue wet shoes properly

Shoes that get soaked need drying out the right way to help prevent warping and unpleasant smells.

• Stuff shoes loosely with newspaper, paper towels or a clean dry cloth to absorb moisture.
• Replace the paper if it becomes saturated.
• Let the shoes dry naturally at room temperature, away from heaters and direct sunlight.
• A shoehorn can also help protect the heel when putting shoes on.

Store them out of the heat

Where you keep your shoes matters just as much as how you clean them.

• Store shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid leaving them near heaters, on sunny windowsills or inside a hot car.
• Excessive heat can dry out leather, weaken adhesives and warp soles.

Consider a repair before a replacement

A worn sole or scuffed heel doesn't always mean it's time for a new pair.

• A shoe repairer can often replace soles, repair stitching or restore worn heels.
• Repairs are especially worthwhile for good-quality leather shoes and boots.
• Fixing a favourite pair can often add years to their life for much less than the cost of replacing them.

A little care, a lot more mileage

Looking after your shoes doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive. A few simple habits can keep your favourite pairs looking better, feeling more comfortable and lasting for years.