Secrets for today 27/02/14 - Shoes tips to save you money and keep your shoes lovely

Ahhhh one of my favourite subjects today. Shoes!

I love my shoes and try to take care of them but I like ways that save me money. So here we go.

Shoe shopping, if you can afford it! Go at the end of the day as your feet swell and the shoes will fit better. Also always try on both shoes as your shape and size may vary between feet and it is best to check both.

If the soles of your shoes feel slippery then rub them with sandpaper.

For a waterproof coating use a coat of floor wax.

To make leather shoes last longer use saddle soap to clean them.
Run out of shoe polish? you can use floor wax, glass spray or furniture polish. Black shoes can be polished well with the inside of a orange skin and for brown shoes you can use the inside of a banana skin but don't buff them just let them dry.
Prevent scuff marks with a little clear nail varnish over the toe and heel area.
Scuff marks can be covered with felt pen but do it slowly and build up the colour.

Stiletto's can get marks on the heels, spray them with a matching car paint as it lasts longer or for a quick fix use a felt pen.
Look up how to replace your own heel tips, it is quite easy and the tips cost only a few pennies. It can save you a fortune on shoe repairs.

Suede shoes can be cleaned with a pencil eraser or freshen them up by putting them over some steam from the kettle or a pan of water.

Patent leather can be made shiny again with petroleum jelly, vegetable oil or furniture polish and buff with some tissue or newspaper.

White Trainers? Keep them looking whiter longer by spraying them with starch when you get them. Bathroom and kitchen cleaner can work a treat on white trainers.

Canvas shoes can be cleaned with carpet shampoo.

Satin shoes can get very stained, white spirit will remove water marks but always check first on a small area.

Smelly shoes? Use some orange peel, a fabric sheet or bicarbonate of soda in them over night. For trainers or boots you can put a little unused cat litter into a sock and put inside over night.

Try to give your shoes a rest, don't wear the same pair every day. Give them a rest to dry out and it is good for your feet not to go into the same space every day.

Lastly, love your shoes and your feet. x