Caring for Shoes and Boots in the Winter

Winter shoe fashions for both men and women come in a wide variety of colors,

materials, textures, and styles. Rich suede, supple leather, extraordinary designs -- what's

not to love? But those handsome new shoes won't look the same after a few months of

wear if you aren't proactive about caring for them. That means protecting your shoes

from the moment you buy them and addressing stains and scuffs promptly.

Caring for Leather Shoes

Leather doesn't like a drenching, but it can tolerate moderate amounts of moisture. This is

why leather boots often develop that tell-tale ring of de-icing salts. Shoe stores sell an

expensive formula for removing these stains, but a simple homemade solution works just

as well. Combine equal parts of vinegar and water, and dip a clean, soft rag in the

mixture. Rub your salty leather shoes and then rinse with a clean rag dipped in water

only. Allow it to dry, but don't put near a heat source, as this can seriously damage

leather.

When your leather shoes get scuff marks, dip a clean rag into some water and then apply

a bit of baking soda to the rag. Rub the shoes gently, rinse with a clean, wet rag, and wipe

dry or air dry. Stuffing your leather shoes with wadded up newspapers helps hold their

shape while drying.

Caring for Suede Shoes

Unlike leather, suede is intolerant to water. When suede shoes get dirty, there are several

methods for cleaning them up and restoring the flattened nap. Try rubbing them with a

soft eraser, like the ones you used to use for homework. If this isn't enough, gently sand

them with an emery board. To restore the nap, rub with an old toothbrush or a terrycloth

towel. If the matting is really bad, hold the shoes over a steaming pot of water for a few

seconds, then try the brush or cloth again. When you’re done, allow it to air dry without a

heating source nearby.

Caring for Other Materials

Rubber, canvas, and other shoe materials aren't nearly as difficult to care for. The

vinegar-water solution used for leather shoes works equally well in removing de-icing

salt from rubber or other shoe materials. The sooner you can wash off dirt, mud, and

other winter sludge and drudge, the better off your shoes will be. If in doubt about caring

for a particular material, treat the shoes as gently as you would leather and they ought to

be fine.

Preventative Maintenance

Of course, preventing your leather or suede shoes from getting dirty in the first place is

ideal. Use shoe polish and leather conditioners on your winter boots at the beginning of

the cold weather season, and reapply every few weeks during the winter. If your shoes

get stinky (which they likely will if you wear comfy wool socks all year), add a little

talcum powder inside to keep them smelling fresh.

When your shoes get wet, especially if there is likely deicing salt in the sludge,

immediately wipe with a damp sponge and allow them to dry. If you prefer a strong

defense as opposed to a vigilant offense, water repellant that is safe for both leather and

suede is available at most shoe stores and department stores.

Company Bio

Since 1956, The Shoe Mart has offered a fabulous selection of women's, men's, and

children's shoes at remarkable prices. The Shoe Mart offers all of the most sought-after

brands, including Cole Haan, New Balance, Timberland, and many others. Today, The

Shoe Mart offers all these great selections online, with one of the easiest online shopping

interfaces around. See why The Shoe Mart is your one-stop-shop for all of your family's

shoe and boot needs this winter.