How to Properly Store Shoes

Properly store shoes so the quality will not deteriorate. Sometimes you have to store your expensive leather boots and shoes, but if you're not careful, it could result in unintended issues. There's no doubt that leather is durable. However, it does benefit from some maintenance of care and attention. You might not be able to do that if your shoes were put away when you moved or if you spent a lot of time away from home. Fortunately, by simply adhering to some professional storage advice, you can still ensure that your shoes and boots are kept in excellent condition even when you're not around.

Properly Store Shoes by Polishing

Always give your boots or shoes a good cleaning before storing them. Then polish them using a paste-style shoe polish of good quality. Apply another coat after buffing it once it has dried. Repeat the process once more. The leather will have little chance of becoming damaged by moisture, mildew, or mold after receiving four layers of polish.

Clean Your Shoes before Storing

Finding a place to store your shoes while you aren't wearing them is one thing, but getting them ready for storage is quite another. It is best to clean and condition your leather heels or shoes if you only wear them occasionally before placing them in storage.

Your shoes are especially vulnerable to damage from dirt, dust, moisture, stains, etc., which may quickly reduce their lifespan and detract from their appearance. You should use a professional cleaner on your leather and suede shoes before storing them, as well as polish and other treatments to restore their new-looking appearance. Even if you leave a pair of sneakers at the front door for the next day, you should still maintain them tidy.

The Shoe Distance Rule

Before we move on to the actual storage, keep in mind that wherever you store your shoes, the storage should be "built" using a distance approach. Start with the shoes you wear only sometimes and in the cold. They ought to be far away from you, tucked away in a closet or perched on a shelf.  The shoes you use more frequently but not every day should thus be kept here, such as your dinner and date shoes. The footwear you wear outdoors every day should be immediately in front of you and the simplest to access when storing your shoes in such "layers" (work shoes, sneakers, casual sandals, etc.)

Secure leather against moisture

It may seem dry where you keep your shoes. But leather can suffer from even the slightest quantity of invisible air dampness. Over time, mold and mildew, which thrive on moisture, may start to attract themselves to your lovely shoes and boots. To protect the leather, control even the slightest trace of moisture. Boots and shoes should be kept in a climate-controlled space. Never store them in an attic, a storage space without a thermostat, or a garage where the temperature can change.

Use shoe trees and socks made of cedar

When not wearing your shoes, cedar shoe trees should be placed inside of them. But if they are going into long-term storage, that is especially wise. Each pair of shoes or boots can be placed in a separate moisture-resistant cloth pouch. You can find those that retail establishments sell to keep tools from rusting, silverware from tarnishing, or weapons from corrosion. Select one that can accommodate a shoe or foot and put another use for it.

General suggestions for leather storage

Make sure leather items are dry and clean before storing them. To clean leather, use a moist cloth to wipe it down. Dry it right away. Before storing leather, it must be thoroughly dry. Use a conditioner or leather food to care for leather when possible. This will prevent it from drying out and cracking while keeping it hydrated. Always keep leather items in a spotless, chilly, and dark location away from direct sunlight. Utilize silica gel packs to stop moisture accumulation.