Step up your shoe game: Top tips for longer-lasting footwear

When winter weather is unfavorable, shoes must endure snowdrifts, salt, and icy puddles. Impregnation is a crucial treatment that makes footwear more resistant to harsh conditions and extends its lifespan. Any style enthusiast will recognize that regularly impregnated shoes look new for much longer than those left unprotected.

An important aspect of impregnation is protecting the material from fading, loss of structure, and water penetration. Suede or leather should be cared for with attention, and impregnation is the first step in this process. Thanks to this, the shoes' color remains intense, and their texture is not distorted.

The market offers a variety of products to meet the needs of even the most demanding users. It's good to know which ones to choose. Suede shoes require different impregnators than those made of smooth leather. For suede, spray products that do not disturb the delicate structure of the material are ideal.

Many homes have products that can successfully replace ready-made products. Surprisingly, hairspray can be an effective solution. Applying hairspray to the surface of a shoe can create a protective layer that prevents quick wear.

Beeswax, petroleum jelly, linseed, or olive oil can impregnate leather shoes. These products will make the shoes shine and protect them from water and dirt.

Before you start the impregnation process, follow these rules: First, ensure the shoes are clean and dry before applying any product. Remember that each material requires an individual approach. Test the effect of the impregnator on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoes before full application.

If you use a spray impregnator, apply it evenly over the entire surface of the shoe from about 8-12 inches away. To avoid streaks, apply several thin layers. Then, allow the footwear to dry in a ventilated place away from direct heat sources.

If you are using oil, wax, or a cream product, apply it with a soft cloth, such as microfiber or flannel. Use circular motions, and let the shoes dry completely.

Nothing provides better protection for our shoes than regular care. How often should impregnation be repeated? It depends on the material and the intensity of use. During the fall-winter season, it's worth performing this treatment every few weeks to ensure full moisture protection.

It is also important to adapt impregnation to weather conditions. On rainy days or when snow is falling, impregnation is invaluable. In addition to regular protection, impregnating shoes after contact with rain or mud provides additional protection against possible damage.

It's easy to make mistakes during shoe impregnation that can affect the process's effectiveness. One common mistake is using inappropriate products for specific materials. Smooth leather, suede, or nubuck require specialized products, which can ruin the delicate surface of the footwear.

Another common mistake is drying shoes near heat sources, like radiators. This can lead to material deformation or even cracking. Always let shoes dry naturally in a well-ventilated place.