A good pair of dress shoes can cost quite a bit of money. You might even consider them an investment. And like any other investment, you want to take care of them. The better you treat them, the longer they will last. To that end, putting a little extra money into a few key accessories could make all the difference in the world.
GC Tech, a Salt Lake City company that sells state-of-the-art shoe covers, explains that a pair of high-quality dress shoes should offer many years of reliable service. They recommend purchasing the following three accessories along with your next pair of dress shoes:
1. Waterproof Shoe Covers
A pair of waterproof shoe covers is at the top of the list. Whether made of silicone, rubber or breathable waterproof material, shoe covers protect dress shoes against the elements. They keep out water, dirt, and debris. They protect against road salt and grit. Models with higher tops can even protect the socks and pant cuffs.
Modern shoe covers come in a variety of styles. The cheapest are silicone covers that slip on quite easily. More expensive models are made of breathable fabric and can either slip on or zip up over the ankle. At any rate, they are a must-have for anyone who wears dress shoes for work, business, etc.
2. A Shoehorn
It was normal for most households to have at least one shoehorn 50 years ago. Today, not so much. In fact, it is quite possible that most contemporary adults nowadays do not even know what a shoehorn is. According to GC Tech, a shoehorn is a molded tool that makes it easier to slip into your shoes. You place it in the shoe, just behind the heel of your foot, as you slide your foot in.
The benefits of using a shoehorn are numerous. First and foremost, it saves you from the risk of pinching your fingers when putting your shoes on. Second, it reduces the stress on the heel of the shoe by allowing your foot to slide in unobstructed. And finally, using a shoehorn means you do not have to loosen the laces so much just to get your feet in.
The end result of using a shoehorn is less wear and tear on your shoes. It is amazing that such a simple tool can do so much to help your shoes last longer.
3. A Good Polish
High-quality dress shoes should be able to handle moderate punishment without sacrificing structural integrity. However, that same punishment can do a number on the aesthetics. A stain here and the scuff mark there could turn a great looking pair of shoes into something you barely pull out the closet. What is the solution? A good shoe polish.
Polish does a couple of things for dress shoes. First, it helps to keep the leather from drying out. Second, it covers up scuff marks and scratches. Both functions play a significant role in keeping a pair of dress shoes looking like new.
One tricky thing about shoe polish is getting one that matches the color of your shoes. As such, it is a good idea to buy polish from the same store. Your retailer should have just the right product regardless of the shoe you buy. If not, contact the manufacturer for a recommendation.
A good pair of dress shoes represents an investment in your appearance. Do yourself a favor and treat your shoes right. The three accessories we discuss in this post will help you do just that.
