When I ride the “T” or the subway, I customarily read the ads above the windows or “floor gaze,” as I call it – looking at people’s footwear, as most people don’t care to make eye contact. Winter is a tough time on shoes and boots, and yesterday I was noticing some really abused shoes between State Street and Back Bay Station.
If you’re like me, you have certain boots or shoes that you just love, and if you could find them again, you’d buy another two pair, just to have them waiting in the wings for when your favorites wear out. Meanwhile, paying attention and taking care of our current favorites can give them a longer life and allow us to enjoy them into the future.
Do you have a good cobbler and do you, in addition to regular as-needed shoe care, do systematic footwear editing and maintenance when you seasonally change your closets? If not, let me suggest that you start this practice.
I know this advice is early, but as we move into Spring I recommend that you try on each pair of shoes and boots that you haven’t worn recently, making sure that: 1) they still fit, 2) they are still current, and 3) they still work with your wardrobe. Any footwear not meeting these three criteria can be donated or discarded. As for those that do meet all three criteria – take a look at their condition – heels, soles, scuff marks, etc. and off to the cobbler with those in need of attention.
I usually do this before storing my footwear “off season,” but if you prefer to do this at the beginning of the season during which you’ll wear them, be sure to wipe off any surface grit, salt stains, etc. before putting them away. Then, get them to the cobbler early next Fall so they’ll be ready to go.
Since we all love great shoes and boots, and since they are usually investment purchases, paying attention to their care and maintenance will keep them looking good, allow you to wear them longer, and ultimately stretch your dollar – whoo hoo!
