Our feet are essential for keeping us going every day.
This is why we protect them with shoes. Plus, shoes can be an amazing fashion statement.
With that, it’s important to take care of your shoes so that your feet can stay healthy and functioning. Keep reading to find out the best ways to have proper shoe hygiene so you can protect your body and your investment.
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Choose the Right Shoes
The first step in having shoes that work for you is finding shoes that fit properly.
This requires taking measurements of your feet every time you plan on buying shoes. It may seem like overkill but it will ensure that you purchase the right size.
You should have a half-inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Any more than that and your feet can get blisters and smell bad. Any less than that and you can develop serious foot pains and problems.
Once you find a shoe that works, give it a test run before wearing them for an entire day to prevent running into foot pain at work or school. No matter how good looking they are, your shoes should be comfortable from the start.
We only get one pair of feet. Jeopardizing their safety for a temporary fashion trend will do more harm than good in the long run.
That isn’t to say you can’t wear high heels or specialty shoes. Rather, it’s important to limit the amount of time you wear unsupportive shoes so that you don’t develop any health concerns like bunions or corns.
Alternate Shoes Regularly
Switching out the shoes you wear throughout the week promotes muscle balance and keeps your feet from getting worn out from, say, heels.
Plus, it gives your shoes a rest. This will help them last longer, meaning they’ll be able to support your body and your style for a longer period of time.
Along with switching your shoes throughout the week, you should also know when the time is to toss old shoes. Their time might be up if there is any damage to them, if you’ve worn them frequently for more than a few years, and if they’re starting to cause you pain.
If you partake in athletic activities like running, keep track of how long you’ve had them and get rid of them after a maximum of 400 miles.
Be Mindful of Insoles
Most shoes have insole linings that are removable. These can become worn down over time from the pressure and friction from your feet.
Keep an eye on your insoles and replace them when they begin to wear. You can also find some that are more comfortable than the ones the shoes originally came with.
If you have any continuous foot pain, you may want to consider getting prescription insoles, also known as orthotics, to correct the issue.
Make Feet and Shoe Hygiene Habits
Nobody likes having bromodosis (smelly feet). In fact, it can disrupt your focus and cause a lack of confidence.
To prevent your feet and shoes from becoming unhygienic, follow these tips.
Taking Care of Your Feet
Wash your feet often with foaming soap. If you have problems with bacteria or fungus like athlete’s foot, consider using an antibacterial or antifungal soap to kill it.
Keep your feet dry by wearing breathable socks that are the right size. Try to avoid being lazy and wearing socks for multiple days — this can lead to stinky feet and stinky shoes. If your feet tend to sweat often, consider carrying an extra pair of socks in your bag so that you can switch them at the halfway point in your day.
With these tips, try to let your feet air out whenever possible. While your shoes are off, give them the care they need to stay looking and smelling fresh.
Taking Care of Your Shoes
When you’re not wearing your shoes, you can set them outside in the sun. The sun’s rays will evaporate the moisture out, keeping them smelling fresh and feeling good.
If they’re anything more than slightly wet, put newspaper inside of them to soak up extra moisture.
You can also put baby powder, baking soda, and shoe deodorizers inside of your pair to reduce their odor. In the case that this fails, one trick you can do is to put them inside of a sealable bag and place them in the freezer overnight. This may help kill unwanted bacteria and smells.
Keep Your Shoes Looking Clean
Aside from feeling and smelling good, you can do a few simple things to keep your shoes looking amazing. This will help them last longer and helps maintain your groomed look.
Some shoes can be cleaned in the washing machine. Be sure to double-check on the manufacturer’s website to see if this is an option and if they have additional care instructions.
For dress shoes, you’ll want to invest in any shoe shine kits. They typically include everything you need to clean your shoes so that you don’t have to pay someone else to do it. Here’s a quick guide as well for your help: How to clean white shoes, it’s a great article published by Loom Footwear, which will tell you some ultimate ways to clean your shoes and make them last longer.
That way, you can make sure the job is done correctly to keep up your professional look. Plus, it will give you an extra sense of confidence knowing that you did it yourself.
Walk Confidently
With these shoe hygiene tips, you can walk comfortably and confidently into your future.
Keep reading our blog for more life tips and tricks to stay stylish and healthy.