Making shoes last
Buy well-made, high quality shoes. Think long-term. Cheap shoes will only take you so far. Think leather and suede. They may cost more but the shoes will last longer.
Gluing rubber onto the sole of the shoe is an inexpensive preventative care method that can be repeated as the rubber wears down.
Don’t drag your feet. Dragging your feet when you walk will make short work of the soles of your shoes. Pay attention to the way you walk and be sure to pick your feet up with each step.
Use shoe inserts. Protect the inside of your shoes. When the shoe inserts get spoiled you can simply replace them. If you are extremely thrifty you can even make your own shoe inserts out of cardboard or scrap cloth.
Storing your shoes with newspaper stuffed inside of them can keep your shoes from losing shape and also absorbs excess moisture.
If your shoes are leather or suede you can protect them from the elements with a protective spray or saddle soap.
Wipe your shoes down when you come in from bad weather. Moisture is evil!
Removing your shoes incorrectly can actually cause unnecessary wear and tear. Always unlace your shoes and remover them with your hands rather than kicking them off by pressing down of the backs of them with your opposite foot.
The way you sit and stand can wear away the toes of your shoes. Pay attention to the way you sit when you are at your desk or on the train.
Happy trails!
