Buying a nice pair of shoes is just the beginning, you have to take steps in maintaining your shoes in order to keep them looking their best for a very long time.

Here are a few tips to get you started, don’t worry they’re pretty easy.

1. Allow Shoes To Breathe, Then Insert Shoe tree

If you have time, allow your shoes to breath for 15 minutes after removing them. During the day, the inner lining and insole absorb a significant amount of foot perspiration. By allowing shoes to breathe after they are removed and shoe trees are inserted, the majority of this moisture can evaporate.

Shoe trees help restore the shape of the shoe and smooth the wrinkling that occurs as a result of wearing.

A pair of cedar shoe trees will also help eliminate odor and further wick away any residual moisture left in the shoes after a full day. 

There’s no need to own a pair of shoe trees for each pair of shoes. The vital time for using them is the hour or two after you have removed the shoes from your feet.

After that, the shoes will have returned to their natural architecture and the trees can be removed.

2. Invest in Repair work

Invest as much care in choosing a cobbler to resole or reheel your shoes as you did in repurchasing them. And to prevent permanent damage (or, at least, the outrageous repair costs), have all work done before it’s absolutely necessary.

3.  Always Use Shoe Horns

Always, always, always use a shoehorn when slipping on your shoes.

There is never a case where a shoehorn should not be used (with the singular exception of boots, which do not generally require one).

A shoehorn allows a gentleman to easily slip on his shoes without damaging the shoe counter.

A man can never have too many shoehorns. You should have them everywhere – briefcase, office, closet, study, suitcase, downstairs couch – anywhere you might be putting on your shoes!

4. Suede Care

Suede shoes are in a category of their own, since you cannot polish away any scuff marks. Use a suede eraser (basically a brick of crumbly rubber) to rub away small blemishes. Then use a suede brush to restore the nap, or fuzz, of the leather.

5. Stuff Newspaper in Wet shoes

You were caught in a downpour on your way home from work. Act fast and do as follows.

Stuff your shoes with crumpled-up newspaper and dry slowly, away from direct heat.

Direct heat can dry the leather too fast, causing it to crack — and once that happens, nothing can save your shoes.

Before they’re entirely dry, insert cedar shoe trees to make sure they dry out evenly and maintain their shape

6. Polish Properly

How to Polish a Shoe

•  Wipe your shoes down with a damp cloth to remove superficial dirt and stains.
• Apply polish, using a circular rubbing motion. You don’t need to slather it on. You don’t need to be gentle. And the more you rub, the better. Let the polish dry. It should take about five minutes.
• Buff the entire shoe with a polishing brush. For extra gleam, hold the shoe between your knees and buff the toe vigorously with a lint-free cloth.

In Conclusion, Invest in Quality Shoes

Cheap shoes are a false bargain.

Good shoes begin with great leather. Be prepared to pay for it. Of course, once you have invested your hard-earned cash in a quality pair, you’re going to want to hang on to them. Put a little time and effort into looking after them and they’ll last longer.

What other methods do you use in taking care of your shoe ? We would love to hear from you. Kindly leave a comment.

They can make or break an outfit.

Designer Hardy Amies once remarked, “It is impossible to be well dressed in cheap shoes.”

Shoes are arguably the most important investment a man can make in his closet.

The average man owns at least 10 pairs of shoes.

Truth is, you only need a pair of black cap toe leather oxfords for formal occasions, brogues for everyday use, dress boots for less formal occasions, loafers for casual days/weekends and a wildcard pair of your choice to upgrade your shoe game.

All you need is stylish versions of these 5 timeless and classic shoe styles in your quest to build a versatile shoe wardrobe.

#1. Balmoral Oxford Dark – The Black Leather Oxford 

Black cap toe oxfords are the first shoe you should start with.

The sleek simplicity makes the Oxford the perfect choice for formal occasions.

A pair of formal black oxfords will carry you through the most formal of events – black tie, weddings and job interviews.

The difference between an Oxford and a Derby is the closed lacing system – the bottom of an Oxford shoe’s lacing section is sewn closed.

The shoes should be made of box calf leather and it should not have any broguing. Oxfords are the best worn with business suits and professional attire, but not suitable for casual occasions with jeans or khakis.

Keep in mind that the Oxford is a dress shoe – purchase a pair with leather soles and be sure to shine your Oxfords thoroughly to prevent them from dulling.

Whether you are wearing a tux to a black-tie event or a business suit, these minimal shoes will complement and add a dose of formality to your attire.

#2. Brogue – The Brown Leather Brogue

Originating in the marshy bogs of Scotland, brogues were initially designed with real holes to drain out water. The traditional perforations on the shoes upper – the brogueing – gives the shoe a distinctive character that other smart shoe styles lack.

What’s so unique about the brogue is its versatility.

A shade of light brown can be limiting because it tends to look strange with dark suits. A medium to dark brown pair can look great with any suit color except black and will still work with chinos or jeans

Although a brown wingtip brogue is ideal, leather brogues in tan, chestnut or chocolate all work seamlessly with your wardrobe, allowing you to create the maximum number of outfit combinations.

Traditionally, brogues are less formal than oxfords. Consider them for work, especially if you work in a laid-back office. These shoes are suitable for outfits ranging from smart to smart-casual. Full brogues can be worn with outfits ranging/ from the formality of a three-piece suit to a casual pair of jeans.

For a smart casual and comfortable, yet refined look, wear them with a white button-down shirt and rolled-up dark denim jeans.

#3 – Slip On (Loafer Or Monk) – The Suede Loafer

Moving down the formality scale, a loafer is a slightly more casual shoe. The laceless silhouette features an elegant design that makes the loafer a highly versatile style, right after a leather brogue.

The slip-on loafer was originally designed as a house shoe for King George VI. Loafers offer the ideal silhouette for going sockless, making them the choice of footwear in warm weather locations.

Penny loafers are the most popular choice although if you were stranded on a stylish European island with just one pair of shoes to wear every day, a pair of brown double monk straps would be an excellent choice!

The comfort of these shoes is best matched with smart and smart-casual ensembles. Dress up or down a loafer with a light-weight linen suit or a button-down shirt and chinos.

#4 – The Leather Lace-Up / Slip-On Boot

If you have already secured yourself a quality pair of oxfords, brogues and loafers, the next pair of shoes in line to complete your shoe selection is a pair of leather dress boots.

• Leather Brogue Boots: This is a boot that works with suit trousers as well as with jeans. Wear them for a dressier take on rugged.
• Lace-up leather boots: Crepe-soled desert boots are a popular option but they add a casual touch to your outfit.
• Chelsea boots: The Chelsea is a slip-on style, like the loafer, with an elastic ankle that makes them flexible and comfortable. These are the perfect boots for a day at the office that extends into a night out on the town.

Leather boots can be teamed up equally well with tailored jackets during the work week as with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt at the weekend.

A pair of rugged leather lace-up boots, ideally with rubber soles will keep you sure-footed in rough weather.

#5 – Wholecut Leather Shoes

This one’s a wildcard. They are not a required item in your shoe wardrobe in terms of functionality, but in terms of elevating your style. 

Wholecut leather shoes exude pure elegance through a minimalist, narrow shape, with clean lines and a smooth surface.

The upper (the leather that is visible above the sole when a shoe is worn) of a wholecut leather shoe is constructed from a single piece of leather. Wholecuts are made using a flawless piece of skin, ensuring high-quality leather. A great deal of expertise and skill goes into making a pair of wholecut shoes, a fact that is reflected in the relatively high cost of these shoes.

Probably the dressiest shoe you will own, these versatile high-quality leather dress shoe can accompany you through your entire day.

Wear them from the office to a dressier evening event or pair them with a pair of smart jeans.

In Summary

There is no set formula to build the perfect shoe collection.

These 5 shoes styles purchased in the order mentioned above will, however, meet all your shoe needs for most occasions.

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably a shoe lover or you have decided to start this shoe making journey with us.

The Footwear Academy is a footwear production (yes ! we make the coolest shoes) and training school for individuals interested in footwear making and sales.

Over the weekend, Saturday 05, 2017, we kick started our footwear training and mentorship programme  with 4 exceptional students.

The training will run for a period of 4 weekends after which the students would be able to produce exceptional bespoke shoes. Unbelievable – I know *winks*

Our vision at The Footwear Academy is to revolutionize the Footwear Making Industry by training and mentoring the next generation of brands that can compete in the international market.

We’ve started the journey already – join us. The future started yesterday and you’re almost late to the party.

See Highlights of the Saturday class below.

We look forward to hearing what you think (kindly leave a comment).

Cheers.