Top 5 Shoe Survival Tips for Winter by Tender Tootsies

There’s no stopping it. Winter is coming, and that means colder weather, shorter days and much more time spent bundling up whenever you head outside. It’s not all bad news though. It also means fun winter activities, hot drinks by the fire and holiday shopping!

Whether you’re looking forward to winter or dreading it, the one thing that doesn’t change is that our footwear takes a beating during the winter months. Snow, ice, rain and road salt can easily make a mess of those new shoes you bought in the fall.

1. Fight road salt stains

Most cities use road salt to prevent ice from forming on roadways and sidewalks. It’s a great way to keep people safe, but can leave nasty white salt stains on your shoes that damage the material. There are many de-salting products available, but a great do-it-yourself trick is to use vinegar and water! Dip a rag into two-parts water and one-part vinegar, and simply wipe away the salt from the surface of the shoe.

2. Water Repellant Coating

There are many water repellent products available that work on both leather and suede material. Simply apply the product to a clean pair of your favourite shoes, and they will help repel water and snow from soaking into the material. A good water repellent will also not discolour your shoes, while still allowing the material to breathe.

3. Banish scuff marks

The hazards of winter can leave your shoes or boots battered with scuff marks. Before tossing them away for a better looking pair, try using some homemade solutions to get them looking like new. For canvas-covered or suede material, toothpaste has been proven as an effective way to polish off those marks. For patent leather, a little dab of nail polish remover on a cotton pad, or petroleum jelly on a cloth might do the trick!

4. Shoe trees

A shoe tree is a product shaped like a foot and fits snuggly inside your shoe when you’re not wearing it. It can help preserve the shape of your shoe, preventing it from creasing. Higher quality shoe trees made of wood can even absorb excess moisture caused by sweat or wet weather, extending the life of your shoe by years. Perfect for this upcoming winter!

5. Air Dry

This tip is simple but effective. After a long day of trudging through the snow, let your shoes dry inside your home naturally. It may take a bit longer, but placing them next to a heater can cause them to crack and damage the hide. This is especially true for shoes made from patent or real leather. Patience is a virtue!

Now that you’re an expert on winter shoe and boot care, you can put your knowledge to the test with Tender Tootsies. Tender Tootsies is a heritage Canadian footwear brand that provides women with comfortable and affordable footwear for every occasion.