Quick Fixes for Spring and Summer Shoes
After many years of using their services, the folks at Old Town Shoe and Luggage Repair have become friends. We continue to bring our store, customer, and even our personal repairs to them because of both their spectacular customer service and remarkable talent. They really are the best when it comes to quick and more detailed repairs for shoes, handbags, wallets, leather jackets, etc. We send our customers to them come fall to weatherproof their new suede purchases and in the winter to have their boots cleaned after trekking through snow, salt, and slush. We thought it might be interesting, however, to hear what Don had to say about spring and summer shoe repairs. So I played reporter for the day and made my way to the corner of King and South Alfred with my notepad and pen.
I spoke with Don, who has worked as a cobbler for more than two decades. We discussed the most common, the easiest, and the most affordable shoe repairs for the season. To my surprise, he told me that sandals can sometimes be the most difficult to work with depending on the repair needed. If it is something as simple as a clean and polish, he can have that ready for you that same day for only $7. He then shared with me the most popular repair for this time of year: the thong sandal. To me, that made sense. The thong rips from the sole rendering the shoe unwearable. He provided me with a synopsis on what this repair involves: the sole is taken completely apart and the thong then has to be restitched through the sole. It seemed very complicated to me, a novice, but he assured me that it can be done fairly quickly. This is also a repair that can be done multiple times, so if you have a pair of sandals you just can’t part ways with you have this as an option.
Next we discussed the biggest-bang-for-your-buck repairs. Don reminded me that in the spring and summer, when it’s nice out, we walk more, which can take a toll on our shoes. He suggests adding heel and toe plates to your flat shoes in the beginning of the season. This will only cost you $5 and will be well worth your investment. Your shoes will last significantly longer and the extra stability will add comfort.
Now for those who are more into DIY, at-home fixes, I got the inside scoop on how to take advantage of what is already in your pantry or closet:
1) You can stretch a pair of shoes at home by wearing them with thick socks around the house.
2) To get rid of smudging at the toe on a pair of pointed shoes, wet a small piece of a paper towel and wrap it into a ball. Next, place it inside the shoe at the toe and use a hard stick such as a broom stick or pencil to press the towel as far into the toe as possible. The paper towel will create a mold at the toe to decrease the appearance of smudging.
3) When treating spring and summer suede shoes, you should use a treatment with silicone. This will keep the suede light and vibrant.
4) To get rid of salt or watermarks on suede and leather shoes, use a little vinegar on a paper towel and scrub lightly.
Don assured me these are all things that can be done easily at home, but it is always best to consult with a professional first.
Whether you enjoy trying new trends or invest in classic pieces that will never go out of style, we all want to keep our shoes as beautiful as we can for as long as we can. Regular maintenance and repairs of your favorites will extend their life and protect your investment. Next time you need a quick fix or a longterm solution, pay our friends at Old Town Shoe and Luggage Repair a visit!
