Shoe Care Basics: How to Make Footwear Last Longer

Clean shoes regularly, the right way for the material. Leather wants a soft brush, a damp cloth, and an occasional conditioner. Knit and fabric uppers handle mild soap and water. Suede needs a dedicated suede brush — never soak it.

Let shoes dry naturally. Wet shoes placed near a heater or in direct sun crack and warp. Remove the laces, open the shoe up, and let air do the work. Newspaper inside speeds drying without heat damage.

Use a shoehorn and unlace before removing. Stepping on the heel collar to kick shoes off destroys the heel counter — the stiff part that holds the shoe’s shape — faster than any other habit.

Store with shape and rotation in mind. Keep pairs in a dry, ventilated place, use shoe trees or stuffing for leather shoes, and rotate between pairs so materials can rest and recover between wears.