How to: Make Your Shoes Last

We all love a good pair of shoes, and when we find a pair we like, we wear them to death. I have a pair of black peep-toe pumps that have seen more than their fair share of pavement, and they still look good on my feet. My grandmother used to tell me, "Never buy cheap shoes." Not only do cheap shoes ruin an outfit, they simply don't last very long. My advice is to buy the best shoes you can afford. Brands like Nine West, Aldo, Bandolino, Charles David, and Enzo Angiolini all have affordable shoes in the latest of styles. So if you dream of Louboutin wishes but only have Steve Madden money, taking care of your shoes will get you more wear out of them. Here's how:

1. Clean your leather shoes with cream polish. Use wax polish for heavier leathers, or spray shoes with a leather protecting, water-resistant spray.

2. If your lining comes out of your shoe, use rubber cement to glue it down. You can find it at home depot or a school supply store.

3. Heels can suffer from the most wear and tear. Replace the heel tips on your shoes as often as you need to. Rubber tips will give you a softer stride. If the entire heel is worn, consider having it replaced.

4. If your soles are hard and slick, have it replaced by a professional shoe repairer. Adding a thin rubber sole will extend the life of your shoes and be good for comfort and traction.

5. Toe boxes can be stretched by a shoe repairer if they are too tight.

6. Fabric shoes should be kept away from water, mud and dire weather situations to avoid staining.

In addition to keeping your shoes in tip-top shape, you should also store them properly. I use the clear plastic shoe boxes from The Container Store. A box of 20 will run you about $30. Keeping your shoes in clear plastic boxes in your closet so you can see them saves time when searching for a specific pair. Store boots upright if possible and stuff them with old tee shirts to keep them in shape. Proper care of your footwear will save you money and time in the long run. And since most of us have a special place in our heart for every pair we own, it's simply the right thing to do.


Photo: Satin Calton pump in nude by Badgley Mischka available at Heels.com