Shoes tend to exhibit wear and tear more quickly than clothing. If you walk frequently, consider changing to a suitable pair of shoes for walking or plan for regular visits to the cobbler to maintain the quality of delicate, leather or heeled shoes.
LEATHER:
For the care of new leather shoes or boots, apply a leather protector spray in a matching shade after purchase and leave to dry.
For a quick clean, specialist leather cleaning wipes can be handy.
Prior to wear-and-tear leading to damage on the shoe's underside, have them re-soled by a cobbler.
SUEDE:
Investing in suede shoes, boots, handbags or coats may not be ideal unless you plan to wear them sparingly and with care. However, you can maintain the beauty of your suede items by giving them proper attention.
Apply a suede protector spray after purchase and leave to dry.
To clean your suede of marks or water stains, use steam. Hold your shoe or boot over a steam jet from a steamer, steam iron or kettle without allowing it to become wet.
Gently brush any stained or discoloured areas back and forth with a stiff wire brush, until clean.
TRAINERS:
To maintain the structure of the shoe, trainers can be washed occasionally in the washing machine using a short wash cycle and low spin. Handwashing is also suitable for more frequent cleaning.
Begin by removing dirt or mud with a damp cloth.
Before washing, remove the laces and pre-soak them along with any stains on the trainers using a stain-removing spray.
After washing, stuff the inside of the trainers with kitchen paper or newspaper and dry them either in direct sunlight or inside an airing cupboard.