Anuoluwapo Adebayo: @anu_chayil shares tips on taking care of our foot wear

Our shoes need proper maintenance; we often neglect our shoes believing they are just footwear however they protect our feet and complete our outfit. Caring for your shoes saves you money as they are kept in good condition for longer period and you don’t have to spend money all the time on new shoes; good quality, well maintained pair of shoes are a great investment.

Always clean your shoes immediately you take them off; do not be lazy and procrastinate to avoid stains or dirt from setting in and damaging your shoes. Clean the insides as well especially if you sweat on your feet and allow a few hours to dry before you place the pair in storage.

Try not to wear the same pair of shoes every day; alternate pairs so the shoes last longer.

Storage – The way you store your shoes can affect their condition. It is often advised to keep shoes in their original boxes neatly arranged on your closet or room floor but to manage your space they can be arranged on a shoe shelf, shoe rack or a hanging shoe bag with several pockets. Remember that shoes need ‘air’ so keep the area ventilated to avoid mould or bad odour. Do not pile shoes on top of each other. Store shoes with a shoe tree to maintain its original shape

Be careful how you wear and take off your shoes; pulling off forcefully rather than gently undo buckles and laces can make straps and buckles lose and cause wear to the shoes.

Polish leather shoes as often as you wear them to keep the leather clean and in good condition. You don’t always have to buff so vigorously except you want it to really shine.

Suede shoes need to be brushed, well cleaned to erase stains as well as using a suede spray to protect from elements like mud that can damage the fabric.

If you get caught in the rain, make sure to dry your shoes immediately you get home. Don’t try to dry with heat device because this can cause damage to the shoes; clean off the water and place in a well-ventilated place.

Be careful with the type of tools you use for your shoes; ensure to use a soft hair brush and good quality products to maintain the quality of your shoes.

Sole protectors- it is advised to always protect your soles as this help shoes last longer; you can put rubber soles on the bottom of your shoes or wear heel protectors to prevent damage that can be done to your heels. Pay attention if your soles are begun to look worn out or bent to the side; then get a cobbler to fix it. You can also change your insoles to maintain the shape of the shoes.

Don’t take the lazy route and dump your sneakers in the washing machine, it is always best to hand wash shoes made with any form of soft fabric.

Choice of Footwear and appropriate use -Consider the occasion or task you need to carry out that day; certain type of heels were not made for walking long distances or dancing for 6 hours. Boat shoes or loafers are not made for winter or rocky hills. It is essential to wear comfortable, well-sized and good quality shoes not just to prevent damage but to protect our feet from injury or discomfort.