by Nora Spero

Created on: June 17, 2009

While there may be truth in the idea that an old shoe is a comfortable shoe, nobody wants to wear shoes that LOOK old, beaten-up or hopelessly out-of-style.

Most everyone would agree however, that they want to get their money's worth from their footwear investments, be comfortable in their shoes and have them look good for as long as possible.

So, with those goals in mind, here are a few ideas that may help.

First: buy shoes that are comfortable from the first time you put them on. If you buy your shoes at night when your feet are tired and swollen, and the new shoes feel good, you've got a winner! Then, keep them comfortable by taking a bit of care of them. If shoes get wet, dry them as soon as possible. Stuff paper towels or other soft absorbent material into them to retain their shape while drying. Buy the best shoes you can afford no matter how much you spend. Your feet carry you through life, treat them well. Likewise, treat your footwear well. Clean shoes and boots when they get dirty, polish them when they are scuffed. For heels or soles of resin try wiping with a little "Armor-All" to restore shine. For wooden/stacked heels, try a bit of furniture oil or polish to restore that new look. Fabric shoes may respond well to spot cleaners like the "Tide Stick," try first on the inside arch for colorfastness. Use shoe liner pads - they absorb odors, keep feet dry and comfy, and you can throw them away when soiled and the inside of your shoe is still new-looking! When you are finally done with them they may still be donate-able for someone else's use. Don't toss shoes, boots, and sandals in a heap in the bottom of your closet where they will get "kicked around" by all your other shoes! Store shoes neatly; if space is a premium, use shoes to store other items such as hosiery, gloves, or scarves inside, thus preserving the shape of your shoes, (and your sanity when looking for those types of accessories!) Put out-of-season shoes away in clean condition. Stuff a sheet of fabric softener in the toe of each shoe and fill the shoe with your other out-of-season items. Then seal each pair in a plastic bag before you hide them away; everything you store this way will be fresh and ready for you next season!

While it's nice to update our wardrobes with a new pair of shoes, being able to get a few season's worth of wear from a nice pair of boots, shoes or sandals is also a treat. Bringing out last year's favorite footwear and seeing it in good condition is like running into old friends and seeing them smile again!

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