Storing Your Dress Shoes

Although most men do not collect shoes to the extend that women do, sooner or later any well-dressed man will accumulate a good assortment of fine footwear. Since most suit & tie wearers view their dress shoes as a long-term investment rather than a disposable clothing item proper shoe care and storage is important. Below are some tips that will ensure your fine leather dress shoes shoes will last a lifetime.

Dry & Clean
It should go without saying that you should wipe down any dirt after each wearing. This is especially important durint the wet and muddy fall and winter months. Dirt and water can stain the leather leaving permanent imperfections. It only takes a second. Take a clean towel or napkin and wipe down the top of your dress shoes. Make sure they are dry before putting them into your wardrobe. If your shoes are wet then place some tissue paper or newspaper inside the shoes but do not dry them at anything but room temperature as excessive heat can damage the leather leaving cracks and permanent crevices.

Smooth and Polished
Leather needs to be polished using wax or shoe cream. Polishing your dress shoes is not only for the shiny and clean appearance but it also protects the leather from drying. Best is an oil based shoe cream that is applied evenly and let soaked in before polishing the shoe for shine. Wax is also great but it needs to be applied much thinner as excess wax can leave gray spots on the shoes (especially near stitching or embossing).

Stretched & Wrinkle Free
Constant walking will cause your shoes to permanently bend. Thus, it is not uncommon for dress shoes to get a crevice near the toe cap overtime. As a result, the shoes look worn and in some cases even sloppy. To avoid this from happening you need to do two things. First of all you should be using a shoe tree that stretches the shoe back into its original shape after each wearing. Best are shoe tress made from cedar wood as they absorb moisture and unwanted odors. Shoe trees are a must have and are a $20 investment that will protect your fine dress shoes and keep them looking like new for a long time.

Other Suggested Articles by TheTieKing:
Guide to Mens Suit Cuts
Mens Tie Care Tips

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