Taking care of your shoes is an important part of keeping them looking and feeling their best. However, depending on the season, there are different things you should be doing to ensure that your shoes remain in top condition. With these tips for how to store and care for your shoes during different seasons, you’ll have a good understanding of how to maintain all types of footwear throughout the year.
Why It’s Important to Properly Store Shoes
Properly storing your shoes is essential for keeping them in good condition and extending their lifespan. Shoes that are not stored properly can become discoloured, warped, or damaged due to exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity levels.
Additionally, improper storage can cause the materials of a shoe to dry out or crack over time. By taking time to store shoes properly, you’ll ensure that they remain in top shape for as long as possible. To learn more, read our tips for properly caring for your footwear.
The Best Way to Store Shoes
Properly storing shoes is the key to keeping them in good condition and preserving their lifespan. Shoes are often made from leather, suede, or other materials that can be easily damaged when not stored correctly. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of shoe storage solutions to choose from.
Shoe Racks
When space is limited, shoe racks can go a long away. They can be attached to the wall, tucked into closets, or simply stand on their own. A shoe rack allows you to easily store several pairs of shoes in an organized manner and keep them out of sight when not in use. Though, keep in mind that racks are ideal for short term shoe storage.
Shoe Boxes
Though they may require a little extra space, shoe boxes are perfect to store shoes in the cooler months. They protect your footwear from dust and bugs and help to keep the shape of your shoes intact.
Just make sure that you choose a box with enough room for the shoe size and one with a breathable material such as acid free cardboard or paper. If you have an entire closet readily available for shoe storage, original boxes are a collectors favourite choice.
We recommend using clear plastic boxes for storing your shoes as it makes it easy for you to switch them out between seasons.
Additional Storage Tips
In addition to using racks and boxes, here are our essential tips to store your shoes.
Use Shoe Trees
Shoe trees are a great way to help your shoes maintain their shape and keep them smelling fresh. Not only do they prevent the toe from creasing, but also absorb excess moisture that can cause damage to leather or suede materials.
Don’t Store Shoes in Direct Sunlight
Do not store your shoes in direct sunlight as it could be damaging to their material. The UV rays can cause fading, discolouration, and cracking. Also, be sure to store your shoes in a climate controlled environment as extreme temperatures can have an effect on the material of your shoes.
Clean Your Shoes Before Storing
Before storing your shoes for a prolonged period of time, it is always best to give them a good clean. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and a cleaner specially designed for the material. Additionally, always allow them to air dry completely before putting them away. For long term storage, you can take your sneakers to your local shoe cleaner for a deep clean.
Use Silica Packets
If you need to store your shoes for a months, add silica packets to the box. Silica gel helps to absorb any excess moisture that can cause damage over time.
Repair Damage Sooner than Later
If you spot any signs of damage, don’t wait to repair it. Small holes or worn leather can easily be fixed with a little leather conditioner and some time. If your shoes require more extensive repairs, take them to your local cobbler for a patch-up job before storing them away.
Stuff Your Shoes with Acid Free Tissue
Another excellent and unusual storage tip is to stuff your shoes acid free paper. This helps to retain the proper moisture levels by providing an absorbent and protective layer that prevents deterioration.
Caring for Shoes in Different Seasons
Though storing shoes properly is important, keeping them clean and well-maintained is essential to ensure they stay looking their best. Depending on the season, there are different steps to take when caring for your shoes.
Summer: During summertime, it’s important to protect your shoes from excessive moisture and humidity. Flip flops, sandals and canvas sneakers should be treated with a waterproof spray prior to use. This helps to protect them from unexpected spills or rain.
Winter: When dealing with cold and harsh conditions, it’s important to waterproof your winter shoes. This will help them to withstand snow and salt. If you plan on wearing the same pair of boots all season, try to wipe them down after each use. Additionally, it’s important to apply a leather conditioner or oil to keep the material from drying out. For more Winter tips, read our guide on salt stains.
Spring/Fall: In the Spring and Fall, you’ll want to take extra precautions when it comes to caring for your shoes. Rain and mud can quickly ruin suede or leather footwear. So it’s important to waterproof them with a spray before heading out. If the weather is particularly wet, don’t forget to wipe your shoes down.
How to Store Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are a timeless classic, but they require extra care to maintain their quality. Leather is a sensitive material that can easily be damaged by moisture, sunlight and dirt. Knowing when the best season to wear leather shoes and how to store them during the off season will help keep its natural material looking great for years to come.
When storing leather shoes, it’s important to start by cleaning them with a soft brush and a cleaner designed for the specific material. After they have been cleaned, stuff each shoe with acid free tissue or newspaper to help keep its shape. Finally, wrap your shoes in an old pillowcase or clean cloth and store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
How to Store Suede Shoes
Proper storage of suede shoes is essential to keep them looking their best for years to come. To ensure your footwear lasts, it’s important to follow the right steps when putting them away after each season.
Start by giving your shoes a deep clean using a suede cleaning kit. After they have been cleaned, stuff them with acid-free paper and store them in an airtight container away from moisture and sunlight. If you aren’t sure where to find these materials, look for a local shoe cobbler who can help you out.
Conclusion
Caring for shoes properly is essential to ensure they last and stay looking their best. The key is knowing the right steps to take depending on the season, material of your footwear, and where you plan on storing them. Some materials require extra care when it comes to cleaning and storage, but following these tips should help keep your shoes in great condition for years to come.
For more advice or assistance with shoe maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out a local cobbler who can provide expert guidance. With proper attention paid towards caring for your shoes this season, you’ll be able enjoy wearing them no matter what time of year it may be!
Thanks for reading our shoe storage guide!
