Stepping Into Fall: 6 Tips To Maximize The Lifespan & Comfort Of Your Beloved Shoes

Tips to care for & get the most use of your favorite shoes this fall

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it comes time to transition your wardrobe to cozy fall fashion. Shoes are an integral part of any autumn ensemble, and with a little extra care, you can ensure they stay comfortable, stylish, and ready for whatever fall adventures come your way. Here are some tips to help you care for and expand the lifespan of your fall footwear favorites.

3 Tips To Care For Your Shoes This Fall

1. Weather-Proof Your Shoes

In many places, fall brings about some unpredictable weather. As you start to gear up for the fall season, waterproofing your shoes is a simple way to protect your shoes and ensure your shoes can handle whatever weather conditions you throw them into. And, your feet won’t get wet and dampen your fall adventures.

Luckily, this can easily be done with a spray or wax. The type of spray or wax you use should be designed specifically for the material of your shoe. What works for one fabric ultimately may not work for other fabrics. 

Gather up which shoes you need to waterproof, and select the sprays or waxes that will work best for your shoes. Follow the directions carefully so you get the best results possible. Remember to regularly reapply your waterproofing sprays or waxes as needed to keep your shoes dry and comfortable.

2. Clean Your Shoes Regularly

Just like you don’t want your feet all damp from the weather, you also don’t want your shoes to get damaged by it either. Regular cleaning your shoes not only helps them look great, but it also helps to preserve the materials and prevent wear. 

Just like with waterproofing, too, there are different ways to clean different types of materials. 

• Leather shoes – Use a soft cloth to wipe any dirt or debris. Use a leather cleaner to remove any stains. Let your shoes air dry naturally, and use a leather conditioner to prevent cracking.
• Suede shoes – Use a soft bristle brush to wipe any dirt or debris. Use a clean cloth to blot any stains. Let your shoes air dry at room temperature.
• Canvas and fabric shoes – Tap your shoes together to gently remove dirt and debris. Use a mild cleaning solution with a damp cloth to spot treat stains. Wash any detergent off with a clean, damp cloth and let your shoes air dry.

Even taking just a few seconds to wipe your shoes of dirt and debris will help your shoes look better and last longer. A little bit of regular cleaning will go a long way, so make sure you remember to clean your shoes properly from time to time.

3. Put Away Your Shoes Properly

While fall does have some of the best footwear, you won’t be wearing all of your shoes at once. So, it’s best that you store your shoes properly to keep them in the best condition possible for as long as possible. 

While you might have a favorite pair of shoes you tend to wear in the fall, remember to rotate your shoes regularly. Putting too much pressure on one pair of shoes can lead it to wear down quicker. 

Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place. If you have some space in your closet, this will probably work best! Avoid keeping your shoes in basements or garages because of the humidity and temperature fluctuations. Try to keep your shoes out of the sun, too. Too much sun exposure can cause your fabrics to fade or the material to deteriorate. 

Properly storing your shoes ensures they’ll be in top-notch condition and ready to compliment any fall outfit.

3 Tips To Get The Most Use Of Your Shoes This Fall

1. Understand Your Shoe Size

We’ve all experienced it—the feeling of finding the perfect shoe only to be disappointed when they don’t quite fit right. While the look of a shoe is important, it’s more important to find a shoe that fits comfortably—a lesson we’ve all had to learn. 

Wearing the wrong sized shoe can bring about a lot of issues. From foot pain to blisters, finding the right fit for your shoes is imperative to avoid unwanted foot pain. To find the right shoe size, try:

• Measuring both feet – Your feet can vary in size, so measure both of your feet and use your larger size as your reference to ensure both feet are comfortable. 
• Using a Brannock device – Brannock devices are those metal foot measurers you see at the shoe store. Use this to get an accurate measurement on both of your feet. 
• Considering your width – The width of your foot is just important as the length of your foot! Shoes can vary in size from narrow to extra wide, so choose the right width size based on your foot measurements. 

Remember, it’s always best to try before you buy. If you are an online shopper, make sure you buy from somewhere with a good return policy if you get your shoes in the mail and find they’re not the right fit. 

2. Wear the Right Socks

With warmer weather underway, you’ll have to wear socks much more often as the weather cools down. In fall, it’s not just about the shoes you wear, it’s also about the socks you wear with them. 

Especially in bigger, bulkier shoes, your feet are bound to sweat throughout the day. The right socks can help wick away moisture and save your feet from blister-causing dampness. Plus, socks give you a little extra cushion and comfort, too.

To find the right socks, think about the the materials. Different sock fabrics bring different benefits. Cotton is a bit more breathable, wool provides insolation, and synthetic materials can help wick moisture. 

What you plan on doing for the day should determine what type of socks you wear, too. So, make sure your picking the right fabric to help you get through your day.

Remember to replace old and worn out socks regularly. 

3. Try Insoles

Whether you’re embarking on a lengthy hike, strolling around town for the day, or if you quite frankly just have an uncomfortable pair of shoes, insoles can make a huge difference in your level of comfort. 

Insoles are more than just an afterthought, too. Some are designed to address specific foot support needs.

• Cushioning – Insoles can provide an extra layer of cushioning that absorbs shock while reducing pressure on your feet.
• Arch support – Some insoles are designed with varying levels of arch support. Plantar fasciitis insoles can help align your feet, promote better posture, and alleviate arch pain.
• Stability – Insoles can help enhance stability and balance in shoes without proper support. 

To make sure you get the most out of your insoles, make sure you find one that matches your specific needs. Adding an insole to your shoe is a small but impactful way to make your shoes are as comfortable as possible. 

Your shoes deserve the same attention and care you put into crafting your fall outfits. By following these tips, you can ensure your favorite shoes are around for a long time to come and that they’re always comfortable when you wear them.