Extend the Life of Your Shoes

Tips on Tuesdays:)

“Back in the day” folks used wooden shoe trees in their shoes.

Many think that shoe tree are simply for keeping the shape of the shoes nice but the main purpose is moisture absorption.

There was a time when folks had only one or two pairs of shoes and didn't have the luxury of switching out shoes to allow the shoes to dry out and recover.

Each foot sweats approximately ½ cup of moisture per foot per day and all that moisture will speed up the demise of your shoes.

The moisture and saltiness break down the linings of shoes which is why it is advisable to wear socks (or terry cloth liners...more on that in another post) with closed-in shoes.

These days hardly anyone uses wooden shoes trees (NEVER use plastic ones—they hold moisture against the linings) but there are a few simple things you can do to fight moisture if you don't have shoe trees.

When you take off any of your shoes that have removable insoles (like your running shoes) pull the insoles out to dry over night.

For shoes that don't have removable insoles put little packets of cheese cloth filled with dry rice or cedar chips to absorb moisture.

Also, simply rotating through your shoes allows them a day or two to dry.

If you actually have wooden shoe trees use them and remember to rough them up with sand paper when they start to look shiny and smooth as they are no longer soaking up moisture in this state.

The cedar shoe trees are the best...your shoes will smell nice and have the added benefit of keeping their shape nice. You can usually find them around Christmas time as they are considered a classic gift.

Love and Long Wearing Soles,

abigail dagmar