Storing shoes while minimising damage

Shoes and boots are an expense every person delights in, an asset that can be expensive to replace. Unfortunately, a lot of people just pile them in a closet without a proper arrangement. It is highly advisable to store your shoes properly to keep them supple and boost their longevity. As much as they must be stored dry and clean, there are various shoe storage factors that need to be observed.

Leverage a Shoe Tree

Did you know that factors such as humidity, gravity and acidity can have a direct impact on the longevity of your shoes? Well, as they age, the creases and folds that begin to form gradually transform into permanent deformations.

When storing your shoes, be careful to reshape them by hand or offer them the support of a shoe tree to ensure that they last longer. Avoid throwing your shoes in a pile, as doing so will cause them to lose their shape and eventually age quickly.

Stuff Acid-Free Paper

Acid-free tissue not only retains the moisture levels of a shoe but also absorbs it to protect them from damage. For long-term storage, stuff a good amount in the shoes. Be careful to only use a material that smooths the toe box and not too much of it, which could stretch the shoe with time. Before placing the shoe in the storage, wrap it with an additional absorbent acid-free tissue.

This will help in maintaining the shape of the shoe and prevent the formation of creases. Note; opting for an acid-free paper prevents discolouration. Alternatively, if you do not have enough paper to stuff in boots, for instance, you could use unbleached muslin fabric. This one is also excellent at wicking away moisture.

Store them in Wooden Shoe Horns

For long term storage of shoes, use wooden shoe horns to maintain shape. Note however, an accurate size must be used. Otherwise, you risk stretching the shoe. Take advantage of the customisable selections that can be fitted before use.

After wearing your shoes, allow them to rest for a day or two to wick away residue moisture before stuffing the shoehorn. Inserting this material before the moisture evaporates could create dampness in the shoe and eventually lead to its damage

Only Store Clean Shoes

Before storing your shoes or boots, be sure they are thoroughly clean. Unclean shoes tend to attract pests and become discoloured quickly. Once cleaned, they must dry completely before storage. This will ensure there is no residue moisture which could attract mould and mildew responsible for ruining shoes.

Select a Shoe Organiser

The other most critical factor in storing shoes is where they are stored. Take advantage of customised storage options such as cabinets, shoe racks or boxes. The choice you opt for will be highly influenced by the amount of time you plan on storing the shoes.

For instance, shoes worn often are best stored in open storage. This is because an open area allows your shoes to breathe and smell fresh. For long-term storage, opt for boxes. Boxes offer a high level of protection against dust and extreme temperatures, which could potentially destroy the flexibility of leather material.

When choosing the ideal location for shoe storage, remember to consider a climate-controlled environment. Extreme temperatures and humidity can quickly weaken the fabric, lead to the loosening of glues and cause leather shoes to become brittle. We hope this guide helps you become better at preserving your shoes. 

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