How to Care for Your Shoes: Simple Tips to Make Comfort Last
There’s not many feelings quite as nice as that “new shoe feeling”. Unless of course you got a pair that doesn’t quite fit right and you’re now getting blisters (shoes that fit properly should never give you blisters. If you bought them from The Comfort Co, utilise our Return Policy and let’s get you a pair that fit).
If you’ve nailed it, you’ve now got a spring in your step. You’ll be getting compliments that’ll make you beam from ear to ear and will be dancing to songs you don’t even like that much.
Now let’s make sure they stay that way! With a little care, you can keep riding that feeling. Some love can keep them looking great and feeling amazing & supportive for years to come.
Here’s how to clean, maintain, and store your shoes based on their materials.
Leather
You’ve picked a classic! The earliest recorded leather shoe that’s been discovered is from about 5,500 years ago. There’s a reason human beings have been wearing them for so long.
Leather is durable, a style icon and ages beautifully, but it does need care. Here are the steps:
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Clean: Wipe with a damp cloth after each wear to keep that “new shoe look”. If your “new shoe feeling” has gotten out of hand and they need a deeper clean, use a soft brush and leather cleaner.
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Condition: To keep that fresh out of the box feeling going, every few months apply a small amount of leather conditioner to keep them supple.
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Dry: You’ve been loving Pina Coladas, but naturally, have then have got caught in the rain. If you’ve got your shoes damp, always air dry them naturally in the shade. Don’t put them in direct sunlight, or under heat as it could crack the leather.
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Store: When not in use, leave your shoes either filled with a shoe tree or stuffed with paper to help them keep their shape.
Shop the Mia Vita Luna here
Faux Leather
Well hello Flowerchild! ✌️
Whether or not you meant to, you’ve gone for the eco choice. But also the easy-care choice, good option!
Faux leather has come a long way from the “Pleather” of old. It gives you that polished look without needing as much maintenance as the real deal.
Even still, a bit of love goes a long way.
Clean: If you’ve gotten them a bit dirty, wipe them down with a soft cloth and a touch of mild soap. Leave the elbow grease at home, you won’t need it. Go easy, they only need a gentle wipe, not a deep scrub.
Protect: To keep that new shoe shine, avoid harsh cleaners, alcohol wipes or anything that promises a “miracle shine.” They’ll strip away the finish and leave the surface looking tired. The wipe with the gentle cleaner will do them fine.
Store: When you’ve ever been forced to wear your “b-shoes” keep your “faux-leather top picks” somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. Too much heat can make faux leather crack or peel, and no one wants that.
Shop Scholl Wink here
Canvas
Relaxation stations engage!
Your Canvas shoes are going to be the shoes you’ll wear every single time you don’t have any “shoe requirements” (and even some times you do).
Canvas shoes are designed to be worn to death. The more you wear them, the more personality they get. But they still deserve a quick clean every now and then.
Clean: If you’ve treated your Canvas’ like you should, every now and then you’ll get them a little dirty. If so, mix a little laundry detergent with warm water and gently scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush. Don’t soak them, they’re shoes, not sponges.
Dry: Air dry in the shade. The sun might seem like a shortcut, but it’ll fade colours and weaken glue faster than you think.
Protect: If you’re planning on living in them (and honestly, who isn’t), a quick spray of fabric protector helps them stay cleaner for longer.
Canvas is meant to look lived-in, but there’s a fine line between “charmingly worn” and “what happened to those?” A quick scrub every now and then keeps you on the right side of that line.
Shop Vitasole Phoenix here
Mesh
Easy, breezy, beautiful.
Mesh is your “I can wear these all day” breathable option. Perfect for long walks, busy days, or whenever you just want your feet to breathe. The only catch? Mesh is a bit of a dust magnet. But that’s okay, with a bit of care they can look straight out the box fresh for longer.
Clean: Grab a small brush or toothbrush and a bit of mild detergent. Give them a light scrub. Don’t soak them, water can sneak into the layers and mess with the glue.
Dry: Rinse gently, pat dry with a towel, then let them air dry completely before wearing again.
Protect: A quick mist of water-repellent spray keeps them fresher for longer. Think of it like sunscreen for your shoes.
Take care of your mesh shoes and they’ll take care of you. Not only will showing them a bit of love keep them looking great, but it’ll make them last longer too.
Shop the Vitasole Walker Mesh III here
EVA (Foam Soles)
Your new EVA soled shoes will have you bouncing through your day. EVA is the secret ingredient in most modern day comfy shoes. It’s lightweight, flexible and pretty low maintenance. Still, it appreciates the occasional spa day.
Clean: Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use mild soap for stubborn marks.
Avoid: Anything rough or chemical-heavy. Harsh scrubbing can wear away that cushy texture over time.
Store: Don’t leave them in direct sunlight or in the back of a hot car. Heat can make the foam yellow or warp.
Treat them kindly and they’ll keep that spring in your step for a while to come.
Shop the Vitasole Vitality here
Metal Details, Buckles & Rhinestones
You’ve added a bit of sparkle to your life ✨💅
A bit of a wow-factor to make those shoes pop. Whether it’s gold buckles, rhinestones or metallic accents, these details deserve gentle care.
Clean: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints or dust.
Avoid: Water or cleaning sprays. They can tarnish metal or loosen rhinestones.
Store: Wrap them in tissue or keep them in dust bags to stop the pieces from scratching or snagging.
It’s the details that make your shoes stand out. Keep them shining and they’ll keep turning heads.
Shop Mia Vita Avoca here
Quick Storage Tips
Before you kick your shoes off and forget about them, give them a little respect.
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Let them breathe before putting them away.
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Keep them somewhere cool and dry.
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Rotate your pairs so they all get some love.
Good shoes deserve good care. A few small habits and your favourites will last longer, feel better, and keep that “new shoe feeling” going well into the future.