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How to make shoes last longer

How to make shoes last longer

Try some of these simple ways to make your shoes last longer and take a little pressure off of your wallet.
Buying new shoes can put a strain on your wallet, especially if you have a large family. There are several things you can do to make your shoes last longer and get better value for your hard earned dollars.
  • One of the most overlooked ways to save money on shoes is to purchase well-made, high quality shoes. You may be able to find shoes at lower prices at discount shoe stores and bargain department stores but they are likely to be made cheaply out of man made materials that seem to disintegrate with daily use. The money you save buying cheap shoes will be lost when you need to replace them more often. Purchasing shoes that are well made out of durable materials such as leather and suede may cost more but the shoes will last much longer.
  • One of the first areas to wear out on shoes is the sole. Shoe soles can be protected from wear in advance by gluing a layer of rubber onto the bottom of the shoe. This can be done by a shoe repair shop or on your own if you can obtain the rubber. Gluing rubber onto the sole of the shoe is an inexpensive preventative care method that can be repeated as the rubber wears down. Rubber will also give extra traction to your leather soled shoes in the winter. 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.

  • Using shoe inserts is another great way to prolong the life of your shoes. Shoe inserts can absorb odor and moisture and protect the inside of your shoes. When the shoe inserts get soiled 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.
  • Sneakers can be given a new lease on life with a bit of bleach. Most sneaker soil can be removed with a mixture of half bleach and half water and a soft cloth. Take off the shoe laces and toss them into the washing machine with some bleach and they will emerge as good as new. Any scuffs or scratches in your sneakers that you can't remove with bleach can be buffed away with a bit of white shoe polish.

  • If your shoes are leather or suede you can protect them from the elements with a protective spray or saddle soap. Periodically treating your shoes with one of these products will keep them from being stained and damaged by water, snow, and salt. Always wipe your shoes down when you come in from bad weather to keep moisture from settling into the surface of your shoes and to keep any salt from drying into a crust that is hard to remove.
  • Removing your shoes incorrectly can actually cause unnecessary wear and tear. Always unlace your shoes and remove them with your hands rather than kicking them off by pressing down on the backs of them with your opposite foot. While it may take a few extra seconds to remove your shoes, your toes and heels will get less abuse.
  • 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. Do you cross your ankles and rest your toes on the ground? Do you sit with your toes bent under? Most of us do one of these things without even realizing it. Try to sit and stand with your feet flat on the ground at all times. Not only will this save wear and tear on the toes of your shoes but you will have better posture.

    Fashion tips: reinvent your wardrobe

    Fashion tips: reinvent your wardrobe

    Changing and updating your wardrobe can be a new way to reinvent your life and reflect your true personality. Here are some tips and guidelines to use when changing your clothing style.
    Reinventing your wardrobe can be a new way to reinvent your life. Your clothes represent a large part of your lifestyle, not to mention your personality. There are even people that let their clothes mask their true personality, since they get caught up in the everyday normality of life including work and raising children. When this happens it's time to reinvent yourself. With these tips, you'll be a new you in no time.

    1. The first thing to do is to take a good look at your lifestyle. Are you're a 9-5er, working in a corporate setting where looking professional is a must? Or are you in a creative field where dressing more funky is acceptable? What areas of the world do you life in...one that has seasons or one that's warm all year round? What are your outdoor activities? All these questions are great to ask in the first stages of reinvention.
    2. Clean out the clutter, meaning clean out that closet and drawer space. You'll need to get rid of anything that doesn't fit you or your lifestyle and make room for new clothes.
    3. Think who you want to be. What type of person do you want to portray. When you come up with this, you can make a list of must-haves for your lifestyle.
    4. Go shopping. Remember, life is full of fun things besides work. So often, we buy clothes only for work and forget about our other lives. But, buying for your "going out or recreational" lifestyle will help you define who you really are as far as clothes are concerned.
    5. Don't be afraid to try new looks that you have always wanted to try. Get inspiration from magazines, movies and people on the street to emulate (not copy) their look. Put your own twist of creativity into the look.
    6. Reinventing your wardrobe doesn't mean buying an entire closet full of clothes all at one time. You can build your new wardrobe slowly. This will ensure that you really like your new look and it's truly "you", not a trend that will surpass.

    Some Looks to Try
    There are so many looks out there. Here are a few ideas for you to get started. And, remember mixing and matching styles will make you even more unique.
    Vintage ? this is a great look especially for those who are history buffs; think Kate Moss or Siena Miller. These Londoners really have this look pulled together. Tip: Scour thrift stores in your town and pick up anything vintage from handbags to shoes, to clothes.
    Boho Chic - this look brings thoughts of Kate Hudson and is great for an effervescent personality. Hippie chic can be a fun way to pull outfits together that looks effortless.
    Classic ? the gorgeous strand of pearls, the clean lines, and the perfectly pulled together look is utterly Jackie O. and is one of the favorite looks of women around the world. Look for clothes that are easy to wear, and you will always look timeless.

    Reinvention takes time. If you've always wanted to try a look, now is a great time to do it. You may find that when reinventing your clothes, you've reinvented the most important thing...you.
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