TIPS FOR CARING FOR BOOTS.

We’ve had a few cooler days here in Adelaide and it’s had me pulling out some winter type clothes and looking forward to the seasons ahead. I’ve been sorting through my wardrobe and writing a list of what I need to fill the gaps and throwing out pieces that don’t fit me or are too worn.

This also goes for shoes. I’ve been checking the condition of my boots and wether they need a tidy up or re soleing.

Do you get your boots re soled or re heeled?

If you really love a boot and you’ve broken it in so it feels like ‘home’ whenever you slip into them then show those babies some TLC. A clean and polish and a trip to the cobbler for heel and sole inspection is totally worth it.

While I’m chatting about boots how do you look after yours?

Do you come home, take them outa the box and pop them straight on?

I know it’s tempting, but when we part with a fistful of hard earned dollars it pays to’ prepare’ your boots properly and look after them, that way you will have great wear for years to come. Good boots are an investment but they will keep giving season after season so are worth every dollar.

When the sales assistant asks if you want protectant spray or leather conditioner say YES!…you totally do!

Sometimes I purchase shoe protectant from Wittner where I also happen to buy most of my shoes but you can grab it from the supermarket too. I’m quite a fan of ‘Dubbin’ and ‘Zanolin’ for bringing out the rich colours in my leathers and its waterproofing qualities are essential in our Adelaide winters.

A protectant spray is perfect for suede shoes, take them outside ( for ventilation) and give them several coats, don’t freak out if the colour changes as it dries it will return back to normal.

Suede can be brushed with a dry brush to remove any dirty marks, a toothbrush is perfect. Pony hair boots like a good brush too…just like a real pony LOL.

For stubborn marks boil the kettle and hold your shoe over the steam this will release the pile and allow you to work out the muck.

Now leather doesn’t like to dry out, it can stiffen and crack so keep your leather supple with leather conditioners. Follow the instructions but remember the first rub down is to clean and the second is to polish and inject love into your leather.

I do my boots and handbags every year, show your leathers some love.

Tip, for handbags pay attention to the bottom and the strap which is where they get the grubbiest.

Don’t forget a little deodoriser for your shoes either…a little burst goes a long way.

How do you store your shoes? I know I could do better but I have limited space and dream of a walk in robe that’s perfectly styled. I use the clear plastic boxes like these from Pink Lilly or you can sometimes pick them up for a few dollars from discount stores.

My boots are always stored in their original boxes and for my long boots I have these inflatable inserts to stop them bending and creasing.

Try to store boots laying down to prevent creasing of the leather.

I keep half a dozen shoes out on display in my room (out of the box), the ones that are on high rotation because if they are in the boxes I tend to forget what I have…I keep saying that one day I’m going to get a Polaroid camera and take pics to tape to all the boxes for reference…one day!

Sometimes the boxes get torn or worn out so if you have a favourite shoe store you frequent ask the staff if they have any spare boxes, I find they’re more than happy to oblige.

There you go, it might be time to delve into your wardrobe and check whether your shoes need a little TLC or a trip to the cobbler.

Oh…and in case you are wondering YES these are all my own boots! I may or may not have used all the boots I own in this post…whaaat?…I love boots!

Til next time,
Jen x