Hey ya'll! So the other day, I was cleaning out my closet and thought about how I need to "update" my shoes. So I bought some new shoes (yes I will post about them) but I also decided to clean my old ones. (Yes, I know this is a weird topic) All of the shoes I cleaned are listed below, and the step by step instructions of how I cleaned them! (The brands are in alphabetical order just to make things a little easier :))
Chaco's
Chaco's are, the bomb.com. Mine have lasted for 6 years, and they're the most comfortable shoe for hiking, camping, biking, and outdoors adventure basically. So here is my pair:
The straps you see are all one long strap (plus a smaller on for the heel) that complete a loop and form the shoe so that you can adjust the straps by sliding them in and out to make it fit your foot! The shoe itself does not get dirty, but due to this cool feature, the toe strap can be put down to transform into another style most commonly worn by men. I put mine down for about 2 years and when I tried to pull it back up, it was stuck! After doing a little research, I found out that many people fix this problem by doing these steps.
Step 1: Try to adjust the straps as much as you can, it's okay if they don't budge!
Step 2: Pour one teaspoon of fabric softener into the opening of whichever straps aren't budging.
Step 3: Throw them into the washing machine with cold water, into a "mini" load
Step 4: When thee wash is done, your straps should budge and your soles should look just like new! There's no need to put them in the dryer!
Flats
No, this is not how to clean flats as that would vary depending on what they're made out of. This is really just a super weird way to fix getting blisters or just having tight areas!
Step 1: Blow dry one shoe at a time making sure you get the areas that put the most pressure on your foot.
Step 2: Put a fluffy/thick sock on the foot of the shoe that you are blow drying, and put that shoe on your foot while it is still warm.
Step 3: Do the same to the opposite shoe, then put them on.
Step 4: Walk around in them till they're cooled
Step 5: Take off your socks and put your flats back on (comfy, right?!)
Is the back of your flat still rubbing you?
Apply a little bit of deodorant where the shoe is rubbing your heel. Now you're done!
Jack Rogers
So Jack Rogers is one of my favorite brands. Simply because of great quality! I have had mine for almost 3 years now and they're at their best! Jack Rogers don't get dirty, but because I'm very specific on details, I decided to spiffy them up just a bit! ***Note: I have always wanted the soles of mine darker to make nail polish colors pop, so the last step is how I did that, if you are only wanting to clean your soles, do not go on past the next to last step! Here's what you'll need:
All this is, is some saddle soap (leather soap). When I first heard that I'd be needing this, I got a little worried. How was I going to find saddle soap??? Turns out it's inexpensive, and one of my friends has horses, so she chopped off a little piece for me. I go to town with this step, so as you can see, this little smidget has lasted me a while. Then, you'll need a wash cloth, and a couple tooth picks.
Here's a picture of my Jack Rogers before just so you can compare them. My main focus was to get the dirt build out from the small hold designs, out from there the heel platform starts next to the arch, and to darken the sole as well as seal the cracks.
Step 1: Detailing
Simply use your toothpick to get the dirt build up out of the details, and creases. This will take a couple toothpicks, and don't be worried about pressing too hard! It takes A LOT to get the heel detailing to come off.
Here's what my Jack's looked like after! Clean, just the way I like it :)
Step 2: Soaping Up
This is a step that is a necessity when it comes to cleaning all leather. On the left, you will see the before, and on the right, you will see the during. Don't worry!!! After this process your Jack's will NOT be all brown, they will turn back to the regular color after drying and have a thin layer of sealant over them.
For this step, simply dampen your washcloth, rub it on the bar (or can) of soap, and apply it to the tom side of the sole, rubbing in circular motions until all is rubbed in.
Step 3: **This step is optional. it will help with cracking issues, and WILL darken your shoes, but only a tiny bit, not as much seen in this photo. This is the during image.** All you do for this, is take some olive or vegetable oil and put it on your washcloth, then apply it to your shoe and let it sit.
Then you're done! I hope this helped ya'll as much as it helped me!
Rainbow's Sandals
These are comfy, but the breaking in process can be a little confusing. To get them "warmed up" to your foot sooner, just soak them in water for about 2 minutes, then wear them around a bit!
Sperry Topsider's
These are pretty comfortable as well from the start, but one time my friend spilled ketch up on mine, and I wasn't too happy. How'd I get them to look like new?
One and only step: Dampen them!!
Here are my tips and tricks for the shoes I find to be most common in the "preppy world". If you have any other requests, let me know! Don't forget to check the social media in the right hand side-bar! Love my prepsters <3
