The Right Shoes For An Office Job Interview

If you are looking to get an office job, dress codes can be a serious matter. You’ll want to be sure you’re well prepared for any job interview, and that includes what you wear, from head to toe.

While many workplaces are much more relaxed with respect to the attire of their employees, the professional aspect remains of paramount importance for many companies. And the way you present yourself on the day of the job interview will talk a lot to your prospective employer.

This includes your shoes.

If you are a renegade style that rarely complies with the rules, you may need help to know what is and what is not acceptable in a traditional office. Here are some suggestions about shoes not to use in a job interview.

5 TYPES OF SHOES THAT YOU NEVER USE FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

1. Sneakers

Because teleworking is gaining popularity and many offices have a more relaxed attitude about their employees’ wardrobes, it is easy for us to forget that a job interview is still a somewhat formal matter. While a couple of Converse chucks can show off your casual or artistic side, and a pair of coaches may be the most comfortable option to make your best first impression, do not wear sneakers for an interview for an office job.

2. Sandals and open shoes

It is obvious that flip flops are an inappropriate option for a job interview, but for many professional jobs, you should avoid the most stylish sandals and heels.

Many offices do not have a policy against open toe shoes, but some do. Therefore, it is best to play it safe and figure out the dress codes after getting the job, rather than taking the risk in the interview.

3. Shimmery or excessively decorated shoes

The job interview is a time when it is not appropriate to be flashy. In fact, even after getting the job, it is more professional and appropriate to keep the metal elements, the glass and the posts for the later hours.

4. Extremely high heels

First, it’s hard to get in and you do not want to miss the interview because you twisted your ankle when you were late. Second, shoes with extremely high heels can draw too much attention to your footwear. The emphasis should be on you and your abilities. Not in your shoes.

5. Shoes that are dirty, broken or show other signs of wear and tear

To make a good first impression, you must pay attention to the details. Your shoes should be polished or polished; without chafing and without dirt. They must not have visible deformations, tears or tears. While new shoes should eliminate all those concerns, you should still be careful. Make sure they are comfortable and easy to walk before the day of the interview. The last thing you need is to add foot pain to your list of concerns on the day of the interview.

The Right Shoes For An Office Job Interview

• The most appropriate shoes for office job interviews will be dress shoes.
• Floors or heels about three inches or less. There are no excessively high heels.
• Fingers closed.
• Clean, sharp looking.
• Shoes that complement your outfit and do not exceed it. They should be free of metallic finishes or exaggerated embellishments.

Elegant Shoe Options For Your Job Interview

It may seem that you only have some boring options left.

But that is not really the case. Let the company you are applying for and the position you are applying determine how creative the shoe options can be.

For example, if you are going to occupy a position in a fashion magazine, you will definitely want your personality and sense of style to manifest. Choose classic but elegant shoes with a subtle or elegant print, or a large buckle. While you do not want to risk going any further, you definitely do not want to seem too simple or serious.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a bank or investment job, it is definitely better to stay on the conservative side of footwear. You can not go wrong with a basic pump in a color that complements your suit. A little classic hardware, like a simple buckle, will look elegant and stylish, without crossing the line towards the modern.

Tips For Finding The Right Shoes

The average size of shoes in the world has changed a lot over the decades. This is how the evolution of the average size of women’s shoes was seen: at the beginning of the 20th century, the average size was 35, in 1950, of 36, in 1970, of 37, and today, the average size of a woman’s shoe is 39. The shoe sizes of men have also changed a lot. Years ago, the most common sizes among men were from 39 to 40, but today, the average shoe size of a man is 43. So, what do you think will happen in 50 or 100 years? According to experts, human height is growing due to healthy nutrition rich in vitamins and minerals. Along with our height, we are also gaining weight, which means that our feet must support more weight, so naturally, our feet are growing in size along with our height and weight.

Did you know that, according to the American Orthopedic Association, women often get the wrong shoe size? What does this mean? You must ask yourself how someone can use the wrong shoe size as it is very painful and uncomfortable. Even slight pressure on the foot can prevent the normal flow of blood and cause deformity in the foot. Sometimes, when you put on a pair of shoes for the first time, they seem comfortable and do not feel pressure. But after using them for a longer period of time, you start to feel an unpleasant tension in the foot. This proves that your shoes are too small. To avoid this, first measure your foot. Also, after buying a pair of shoes, take them home for a while and make sure they are right for you and that they are really comfortable.

With the growing popularity of online stores, consumers are increasingly choosing to conveniently buy online. You can dress from head to toe without even stepping outside. You may have thought that you can only buy a beautiful dress or an elegant bag online, but now you can also buy shoes without worrying about choosing the wrong size. If you see some of the most beautiful shoes online, do not let the fear of choosing the wrong size prevent you from buying them. Instead, just measure the length of your foot and hurry up to enjoy that new pair of shoes! So how do you reduce the risk of choosing the wrong size and, instead, get the perfect size? We would like to offer you some of the most important tips that will surely help you choose the right size of your shoes when you shop online.

TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE CORRECT SIZE OF THE SHOE WHEN PURCHASING ONLINE:

Foot length It is especially important to measure the length of your foot. Knowing how much your foot measures in centimeters, you can easily find the manufacturer’s size chart, which will make it much easier to order your shoes in the correct size.

The shape of the shoe and your foot. It is extremely important to pay attention to the footwear model you choose. Shoes with pointed nose should be chosen a larger size because the model itself is a bit smaller. If your instep is high, choose shoes with the zipper on the side, in the front or in part of the heel. If your foot is especially wide, we recommend that you avoid pointed shoes or a seam on the widest part of your foot.

Half sizes. Sometimes, people have half of their feet. If this is your case, choose brand shoes that include half sizes in your size chart.

Seasonality Pay attention to seasonality. During the summer, the feet are usually swollen and, sometimes, larger. Therefore, we recommend that you always measure your foot before buying shoes online. If you are looking for a warm winter footwear with hair, choose a larger size because a tight foot cools down much faster.

How to Select Shoes to Wear With an Outfit

The first step to selecting the best shoes is to choose shoes that complement your clothes, instead of those that compete with your clothes.

For that reason, we always recommend combining busier shoes with simple outfits and wearing simple shoes with clothes that include many prints, embellishments or dynamic accessories. It can be difficult to find shoes that complement your clothes, without dominating or being dominated by it, but the reality is that it is a simple act of balance.

When you look in the mirror, does one element of your outfit stand out more than the others?

Is your suit too chaotic? that is, do the sequins of your shoes compete with the crystals of your dress?

Do your shoes and clothes mix too much? that is, do his black pants, black high collar and black boots look like a long suit?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then the quickest way to achieve a consistent picture is to simply try on another pair of shoes and ask yourself the questions again.

What is the occasion?

It does not matter how beautiful they are, how comfortable they feel or how discounted they were when they bought them: if they do not fit the event, the environment and the occasion, they are, at least temporarily, the wrong shoes

The dazzling evening shoes have no place in the office, and flip flops are not considered acceptable for a formal event. So, how do you know which shoes you should wear?

Well, the simplest approach would be to use simple moccasins or ballerinas for informal events, and classic pumps for any elegant outfit, but that can be a bit boring. If you want to play safely without giving up boredom, go ahead with those widely accepted styles, but choose a unique color or a pair that is adorned with an elegant buckle or other accent.

If you want to make a more dramatic statement, of course, combine the stiletto heels with your jeans and sandals with your suits, but to avoid attracting the wrong kind of attention, you should still wear shoes that fit well with your surroundings. .

Think about the events and places of the day. For example, if an exit to the park is on the agenda, it is probably not a day of heels, but where you really need to pay attention to which shoes you choose at work and at formal events.

The right shoes for your clothes: dress in season

Of course, there will be times when you will wear a pair of sandals at night when it is cold outside, and you could even wear flip flops long after the official end of summer, but if, for example, you are wearing fall clothes. The easiest way to select a pair of complementary shoes is to choose shoes that look like autumn shoes.

For example, a pair of brocade pumps will look much more at home in a velvet evening dress than a pair of tiny sandals, and those suede boots that looked great all winter should be kept in their thick coats.

But it’s worth noting that some shoes, like leather pumps, that are truly multi-season, and if the weather permits, there’s no reason why you can not use your feet open during the fall.

The right shoes for your clothes: the best colors

Black shoes are extremely versatile, but we believe that the real reason for the popularity of black shoes is that people are afraid to choose the wrong color shoes for their clothes.

But do not hesitate, colorful shoes are an excellent way to color your wardrobe. You can wear shoes in colors you would not dream of wearing near your face.

Here are some tips on what shoe colors best match certain clothing colors.

Black shoes: almost anything, except for pastels and some earth tones, but even then, if black is repeated in other parts of the outfit, black shoes can be a dynamic option.

Brown shoes: tan, brown, beige, orange, green tones and darker earth tones.

Tan / light brown shoes: lighter earth tones, blue, beige, light brown or lighter white.

Cream / taupe shoes: white, light neutral and pastel.

White shoes: light neutrals, glitters and cakes.

Silver shoes: cakes, as well as white, black, blue and purple.

Gray shoes: black, blue, gray, red, as well as some purple and yellow.

Golden shoes: green, red, brown, and generally also look good with black and white.

Even the least common shoe colors are simple to match with your clothes. If there is a color present in your outfit, you can repeat it in your shoes. If the color of the shoe is not in your attire, you can rely on “values” (deep with deep, light with light, etc.) and other rules of color theory.

Artists use a color wheel to determine how one color will work with another. Complementary colors (those that are opposite each other in the color wheel) will create a bold contrast when combined, while colors that are side by side will create a more harmonious appearance.

How to Choose Running Shoes

Most running shoes feel comfortable when you are standing in a shoe store, but the real test is done several miles in your career. You will soon realize that the ideal shoe has more to do with your running style and the shape of your foot than with the logo stitched on the side.

Choosing the running shoes that suit you is easy:

·         Determine the type of career you are doing and your career style

·         Choose the category of shoe and the characteristics that fit your needs.

·         Try on the shoes to find the one that suits you best.

In general, a pair of running shoes should last between 400 to 500 miles of running (3 or 4 months for regular runners). Take a look at your shoes and check if the midsoles and soles are compressed or worn. If they are, it may be time for a new pair.

Categories of running shoes

·         The running shoes are designed for pavement and for occasional incursions on compact surfaces with slight irregularities. Lightweight and flexible, they are designed to cushion or stabilize the feet during repetitive steps on hard and even surfaces.

·         Trail shoes are designed for off-road routes with rocks, mud, roots or other obstacles. They are enhanced with an aggressive tread for solid traction and are fortified to offer stability, support and protection underfoot.

·         Cross training shoes are designed for gymnastics or crossfit exercises, or any balance activity where you prefer to have more contact with the floor on a thick platform sole.

 

 

Types of running shoes

·         Neutral shoes: they can work for mild pronators, but they are better for neutral runners or people that supinen (tent to roll outwards). These shoes provide some shock absorption and some medial support (arch side).

·         Some super-cushioned shoes provide up to 50% more cushioning than traditional shoes for greater shock absorption.

·         Stability shoes: good for runners who exhibit mild to moderate overpronage. They often include a firm "post" to reinforce the arch side of each midsole, an area heavily affected by overpronation.

·         Motion control shoes: the best for runners who exhibit moderate to severe overpronation, offer features such as stiffer heels or a design built on straighter bases to counteract overpronation.

·         Barefoot shoes: the soles provide the minimum protection against possible dangers on the ground. Many do not have cushions in the heel pad and a very thin layer (as little as 3 to 4 mm) of shoe between their skin and the floor. All barefoot shoes feature a "zero drop" from the heel to the toe. ("Drop" is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe.) This encourages a strike in the midfoot or forefoot. The traditional running shoes, on the other hand, have a drop of 10 to 12 mm from the heel to the tip and offer more cushioning for the heel.

·         Minimalist shoes: Extremely lightweight construction, little or no arch support and a heel fall of approximately 4-8 mm to encourage a natural movement and a bump on the midfoot, and still offer cushioning and flexibility .Some minimalist styles can offer stability publications to help the transition from the over-running runner to a barefoot running movement. The minimalist shoes should last approximately 300 to 400 miles.

How to clean suede shoes

As for suede shoes, the old adage "prevention is better than cure" applies without any doubt. Suede and nubuck look great, but they are very difficult materials. A minor slip could ruin a pair of shoes for good.

If you have invested money in a pair of quality shoes, you will want to keep them in good condition, especially if they are suede. Once you have bought a pair of suede or nubuck shoes, the first thing to do is to protect them from the weather.

You can and must protect all your shoes from the elements.

No waterproofing will make your shoes completely impenetrable to the weather, but it will still provide good protection. Some waterproofing sprays are made for certain types of shoe materials. If you are processing suede, use a silicone spray specially formulated for suede and nubuck, such as Kiwi Suede Protector.

If you have a pair of dirty or stained suede shoes, there is hope. Here are some tips for cleaning your suede shoes:

·         Use a suede cleaning block. A suede cleaning block, also called a buckskin, is ideal for removing the heaviest and most deeply embedded dirt and stains. Be sure to brush in the same direction. Brushing in different directions may cause two-tone suedes. You can also use a rubber eraser; just make sure it's clean.

·         Follow with a suede brush. After cleaning, use a suede brush. A suede brush has bristles often made of brass that restore the nap of the suede.

·         Apply a water repellent. Now that you have taken the time to treat the stains, preserve your hard work by applying a silicone spray on your shoes to prevent water stains and stains.

These cleaning tips can also be used on other suede or nubuck items, such as handbags and jackets. There are some other important things to keep in mind:

·         Test any product on a small, inconspicuous part of the shoe before tackling a big stain.

·         Never use a wire brush or shoe polish on suede or nubuck.

·         Use products formulated specifically for the material of your shoes: full grain leather, suede, patent leather, etc.

If you want to clean your suede shoes yourself, you can often find suede gums and brushes in the same package, such as the Kiwi Suede & Nubuck maintenance kit, but if you are afraid to take the cleaning between your Hands, Find a shoe store near you and let the professionals take care of you.

What to do when your shoes are too big

We have all been there. You find a new pair of shoes really cool, the 9 ½ is too small and the 10 is just a little big. Instead of giving up the dream of these new shoes and moving on when you're stuck between different shoe sizes, there's another way to make them work.

Use of soles in shoes too big

Recently, I bought a new pair of super cool Clarks boots. I was stuck between two sizes, but I could not find anything else that I liked.

Instead of just a boot that I really did not want, I opted for the biggest size and then bought a pair of cheap soles. This is the key. Not only does the insole give you the right amount of padding to make the larger size comfortable, but the shoe can actually feel better.

Now you do not want to buy shoes that do not fit you, but buying a pair of insoles to help them go can sometimes give you the boost you need. I suggest bringing the shoes home and going around the house to make sure. If you do not wear them outside, you can usually bring them back to the store if they do not work.

Another advice

Make sure you do not buy the cheapest insoles at the store, otherwise you'll get some pieces of foam after your third wear because they do not disintegrate. But you do not need to buy the most expensive ones either. After spending all this money on a pair of boots or moccasins, the last thing to do is spend more.

Make sure the shoe works for you with the insoles - only wear them indoors for about a day. Nothing is worse than shoes that do not fit.

Pick the Right Men's Shoe Colors

One of the most important questions I hear guys ask is, "What color of shoes should I wear with these pants?" Well, I have an answer. It will be an excellent cheat sheet to use when you do not know which shoes to choose.

A general rule to use is: the better the pants, the more conservative the shoe is. Unless your personality and style are crazy and everywhere and you feel the need to wear eccentric combinations.

But for the rest of us, this means that if you're wearing a suit, make sure your shoes are darker than your pants and that you're wearing an oxford and not a slacker. As the opportunity gets dressed, your options are a bit more limited.

If you remove something from this article, it's: get yourself a nice pair of black shoes ... or two.

Men's shoes with navy blue trousers

You can wear a pretty wide variety of colors with navy blue pants. Fortunately, this color is very flexible.

Shoe Color Options for Navy Pants:

·         Brown (not light brown)

·         Black Bordeaux (reddish brown)

·         WalnutTan (darker shades)

Men's shoes to wear with jeans

If you wear medium to dark jeans, you are safe with almost all neutral colors.

Shoe color choice for jeans:

·         Black

·         Brown

·         tan

·         Bordeaux (reddish brown)

·         Sneakers (normal colors)

Shoe Colors for Men's Brown Pants

When wearing brown pants, it's good to keep telling you that your shoes should be as dark as your pants.

This makes your options a bit thinner.

Shoe color options:

·         Brown (any shade)

·         tan

·         Black

Men's shoes with olive / green pants

The green or olive pants are a little more complicated because the color makes a bad choice more pronounced, but you always have very good options.

Shoe color options for green and olive trousers:

·         Brown (darker shades)

·         Burgundy (Bordeaux)

·         Walnut

·         Black

Colors of men's shoes to wear with black pants

I believe that if you wear black pants (especially a black suit), you must wear black shoes. That's all. This is the list.

Choice of shoes colors for black pants:

·         Black

Fixes and Repairs for a Broken Shoe Heel

The shoes take a lot of wear and the heels can come off or even break in half. A broken heel is a real shoe emergency.

No matter what you've seen in intrepid heroin movies, broken heels, especially high heels, can not be repaired with a piece of chewing gum. You can not easily break your other heel and turn your Manolo Blahnik stilettos into a pretty pair of ballerinas.

Treat with a broken heel on the thumb

In real life, a tube of powerful glue in your purse or pocket can save your life in the event of a disaster.

When you feel your heel loosens or is about to give way, place yourself on your toes, lightening your heel so you do not trip. If the heel comes off completely, get all the pieces you can find. Then, head carefully to a place where you can sit and examine the damage.

If the heel is nailed to the soleplate, coat the projecting nails with glue, slide them into the original holes and hold the heel in place until the glue dries.

When a stuck heel comes off a sole, scrape off the dried glue, coat it with fresh glue and hold it in place until a bond is formed.

If a high heel breaks in half, coat a piece of glue at the site of the break and try to reattach the other section. Stay away from your feet until you can change shoes.

Repairing broken heels at home

For a glue job at home, try a shoe adhesive such as Shoe Goo. Make sure the area to be repaired is clean, dry and free of oils, old glue and polishes.

Gently sand the sole and heel to make the surfaces rough. Apply a layer of Shoe Goo on the heel and sole and allow the solvents to evaporate for five to ten minutes before squeezing. Apply pressure with elastics, strings or a heavy object for at least 24 hours. The longer the adhesive hardens, the stronger the bond.

Repair of professional stubs

Broken heels are emergency shoes that should be left to the professionals because the measurements made by yourself may not last. Visit a shoemaker and get a quote for repairs. Cheap shoes may not be worth the cost, while better shoes often do.

If the heel is in one piece, a shoemaker can usually tie it up. A broken heel in several pieces can be replaced with a new heel unit, but in most cases you will need to have both shoes made so that the heel heights and colors match.

If the heel falls off a new shoe, it may be defective. Go to the store where the shoes were purchased and ask them to replace them.

How to Take Care Your Shoes

If you're anything like me, you sometimes need a good shoe repair shop, whether it's repairing a heel or doing a total restoration. Some repairs can be done at home, but if you need the help of a professional, do not worry, you can easily find a repair shop near you. The Shoe Service Institute of America has a repair shop locator that will help you find the nearest certified store in your neighborhood or near your business.

You can also do an online search or do what I did. I went to an expensive and well known shoe store and asked them who they were using. In the end, they brought the shoes of their customers needing repairs to a store near me. I'll just say I've been going since.

Many shoe repair shops are small, independent businesses. You will therefore support the local economy in addition to restoring your shoes. The first thing to do is to call the store in advance to tell them what kind of work you need to do - at random, they do not provide this service.

If your shoes are really in bad shape, you should definitely take them to a repair shop, but first, consider what you can do to prevent your shoes from deteriorating as much.

Take care of your shoes

You should always take great care of your shoes, especially if they are expensive and of high quality you will not be able to replace them.

Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your shoes:

·         Be good for your shoes. Do not just throw your shoes in the closet once you have finished wearing them. Align them on the floor or on a shoe rack and give them a little respite. You do not want your shoes scratching or rubbing. If your space is limited, consider buying an over-the-counter shoe organizer. Also keep shoes away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration.

·         Protect the soles. The soles are usually the first things to wear with a pair of shoes, but they are also easy to replace. You can find unique protections for any type of shoe and, if you read the instructions carefully, you can do the repairs yourself. I have done it myself many times and, of course, I am not very helpful.

·         Clean carefully. As tempting as throwing a pair of sneakers into the washing machine, resist the temptation. Yes, it's quick and easy, but your sneakers will take a hit inside your washer and (especially) your dryer. The washing-drying approach will also use the shape of your sneakers. If you are particularly clean, use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to gently remove dirt. Remember, the longer you wait, the more dirt accumulates and the process will be difficult.

·         Use shoe trees. The feet sweat all day long (especially in hot weather) and the leather and inner lining absorb moisture. In addition to causing an unpleasant odor, perspiration can also crack the leather and damage the lining. A shoe tree helps maintain the shape and materials of the shoe in good condition. Shoe trees are an easy and relatively inexpensive solution, but you can always just stuff your shoes with newspaper or wrapping paper and get the same result.

·         Use a water repellent product. Natural materials like suede and leather are beautiful, but the elements can wreak havoc on natural skin. Waterproof your shoes to protect you from water and salt damage in winter.

·         Invest in quality shoes. Spending some extra money on a well-made pair of shoes may temporarily affect your budget for expenses, but there is a clear difference between expensive high-quality shoes and cheaper and substandard shoes. If you decide to invest in quality (which I do and recommend), buy shoes made from real (not man-made) materials such as suede, rawhide and leather. These materials can withstand a lot of wear and, if you treat them well, they will last for years, even decades.

What Are Shoe Trees ?

Shoes care products, such as shoe trees and stretchers, are not just for people with lots of money and expensive shoes. In fact, you could argue that taking good care of your shoes is so important for people who do not have much to spend. Good care will prolong the life of your shoes.

Shoe trees are among the most important items you can have in your shoe care arsenal. They can help keep them in good condition for a long time.

What are shoe trees?

Shoe trees are instruments that are inserted into shoes to help maintain the original shape of the shoe, which helps prevent wrinkles and cracks. They also absorb moisture from the lining of the shoes, which can lead to the degradation of the materials. Available for men's and women's shoes, a shoe tree is usually adjusted to cover a wide range of sizes.

Wood or shoe plastic shoes?

The shoe trees are available in plastic or wood, which is usually cedar. The main benefits of the plastic type are that they are more affordable. They are also light, which makes them good for traveling.

Despite being more expensive, cedar trees have several advantages over plastic. They tend to last longer, add a clean cedar scent to the footwear and work better to maintain the natural shape of your shoes. They also absorb moisture, while plastic shoe trees will not.

3 Reasons Why Everyone Should Use Shoe Trees

1.       The shoe trees maintain the size and shape of your shoes. It could be said that the most important reason to use shoe trees is that they will help maintain the natural shape and size of your shoes. If used from the beginning, shoe trees can prevent your shoes from developing creases, or at least slow down the process. This only makes them particularly useful for dress shoes. You may not have known this, but if the shoes are not worn for long periods of time, they are actually reduced. Using shoe trees will help stop that contraction.

2.       The wooden trees prevent the accumulation of moisture. Another great reason to use shoe trees in any shoe where you would like to stay for a while is because your feet perspire. That moisture accumulates in the lining of our shoes, which not only makes them feel uncomfortable, but can also accelerate the deterioration of the footwear. The wooden trees help to absorb moisture, so they can help on both fronts: comfort and conservation.

3.       The shoe trees are an extra pair of hands. Polishing and polishing are a basic part of any shoe care routine, and shoe trees can also help here. By inserting one into the shoe you are working on, it will stay in shape while it shines. This makes the process much easier.

How to Take Care Your Leather Shoes

The proper treatment of leather footwear not only makes your shoes look good, but also preserves the natural material, which increases its useful life. Without the proper conditioning and care, the leather dries, eventually cracks and falls apart, leaving your shoes and boots in an unpleasant mess. Throwing a layer of shoe polish now helps again. But to maintain the flexible appearance of your leather goods, you must keep them clean, conditioned, polished and waterproof.

Essential products for the care of leather footwear

Most of the products used for the proper treatment of leather footwear can be found in a hardware store, a shoe store or a shoe repair shop. Be sure to buy products made for smooth leather, instead of those used in suede or nubuck. If this makes you nervous about the possibility of spoiling something, any shoe repair shop will be happy to clean, polish and condition your shoes for a price.

For a DIY session, you will need the following elements:

·         Newspaper

·         Gloves

·         Soft cotton cloth or suede

·         Soft shoe brush

·         Smooth leather shoe cleaner

·         Leather conditioner for smooth leather shoes.

·         Shoe cleaner or an alternative.

·         Protectors of leather or waterproofing products.

Smooth leather shoe cleaning

Before starting, make sure that both you and your work surface are well protected. Place your newspaper, wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space. These precautions are essential, since many shoe care products contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and furniture.

First, remove the dirt by cleaning your shoes with a leather cleaner made specifically for soft leather (the seat soap works well). Use the top of the applicator to spread the product on your shoes. Then, remove dirt from the surface of your shoes with a soft bristle brush and pay special attention to cracks and crevices.

After the initial cleaning, let your shoes dry before you shine them with your chamois or cloth (old shirts work well too).

Conditioning leather shoes

The conditioning of your leather shoes softens and moisturizes the membrane, preventing it from drying out and cracking. To do this, first select a conditioner made for smooth leather shoes. (Note: natural conditioners directly absorb the material and are a better option than synthetic conditioners that are placed on the surface of the shoe). Rub a small amount of conditioner on the shoe until the entire shoe is covered. Wait a few minutes and then clean the remaining conditioner of the shoes. The leather will absorb only what you need for proper hydration.

Polished leather shoes with traditional shoeshine shoes

Shoe cleaners are available in liquids, creams or pastes. Liquid shoe polish dries quickly, but colors are limited, as is its durability. Shoe polishing lasts longer, but it is complicated and slow to work. Therefore, opt for the shoe polishing cream to facilitate the application, the availability of colors and a longer use.

First, select the appropriate color of enamel for your shoes. Shoe polish can be purchased at shoe stores, shoe repair stores, hardware stores and online retail stores.

Once you have selected the correct color, apply the polish on a small, imperceptible area of ​​the shoe to test and match. Rub the enamel on the shoe with a soft cloth and let it dry completely. After the polish is dry, polish your shoes by rubbing them with a soft cloth or brush made specifically to shine the shoes.

A note on the toxicity of footwear and its alternatives

Certain shoe cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin. If you choose to use shoeshine, wear gloves while doing so, work in a well-ventilated area, do not drink alcohol while polishing it, as it may increase the effects of irritating chemicals and keep all the luster of shoes out of reach of both. . Children and animals.

Shoe polish should be handled as a hazardous domestic substance and disposed of properly.

The rags or fabrics used for polishing should be contained, together with the waste, in a sealed plastic.

And while some glazes say they are not toxic, most do not list their ingredients, so it is impossible to know what is safe. So, if you want to avoid shoe polishing at all costs, take your leather shoes to a repair shop for cleaning or use natural alternatives such as olive oil or walnut oil. To do this, apply a small amount of oil to the shoe and then polish and clean it with a soft cloth or chamois leather. But again, try a test patch before using oil on the entire shoe.

Protecting your leather shoes

Waterproofing your leather shoes, will protect them from water and other elements that can break down the natural material and shorten the life of your shoes. The different weatherproof products serve different purposes, so choose wisely. For example, if you spend time in wet or messy conditions and are concerned about an attractive finish, choose a beeswax product instead of a protective spray. Beeswax products place a "shield" on the surface of the shoe or boot, instead of being absorbed into the grain of the leather. This provides a great barrier against water, but applying it to subsequent treatments can alter the appearance of your shoes.

If you really care about the appearance of the shoe or boot, a spray guard should do the trick without disturbing the finish. This type of weather resistant product is virtually invisible and provides a breathable barrier against mild to moderate moisture and dirt conditions. Online retailers sell a wide variety of waterproofing products, including soft leather, suede or nubuck.

Additional tips for the care of leather footwear

·         If your shoes have layers of accumulated polish, use a pre-cleaner before starting your leather shoe treatment.

·         Do not try to change the color of your shoes with a shoe cleaner. Consult a shoe repair shop for a dye job, if you want a different shoe color.

·         Remove the laces before beginning your treatment of leather shoes. The cords can be washed separately or replaced.

·         Condition new leather shoes, even before using them. This will ensure the best protection from the beginning and save you time in future cleanings.