The perfect pair of shoes to match an ensemble can help complete as well as elevate the look. With a wide range of footwear available today, premium-quality, durable shoes are not difficult to find. However, the process does not end with buying the best footwear out there; maintaining shoes consistently goes a long way in enhancing their durability. So, to make expensive shoes last long, here are a few mistakes to avoid when caring for them:

1. Using the washer
With repeated or rough use, expensive shoes are bound to become stained, requiring cleanup. An easy way to clean shoes is to drop them in the washing machine. However, not all shoes can withstand rough washing processes. For example, leather, vinyl, and suede shoes may become faded or develop cracks when cleaned in the washing machine. So, it is always advisable to hand-clean the shoes or read the wash instructions carefully before dropping them in the washer.

2. Choosing the wrong storage solution
While it is easy to stack footwear directly on the shoe shelf, not storing it in a proper container may expose the shoes to external factors like dirt, dust, and moisture, causing faster wear and tear. The best and most economical option here is to store shoes in the box that they came in. Another effective solution is to store them in stackable plastic containers.

3. Blow-drying shoes
It is crucial to dry shoes completely after washing them, as moisture can damage the fabric and shape of the shoe. However, exposing them to excessive heat can lead to wear and tear. So, while using a blow dryer may seem like an easy way to remove moisture after a wash, leaving shoes under partial sunlight and letting them dry naturally is often the best move.

4. Not conditioning the shoes
Expensive shoes may be stored for extended periods and used less often. So, directly stacking the shoes without preparing them for storage may cause materials like leather to crack or become brittle with time. Here, it is important to condition the shoes along with cleaning them thoroughly after each use, removing the laces, and polishing and shining them to remove dust particles. One can find a suitable conditioner for expensive pairs of shoes and apply it before putting them away.

5. Polishing shoes without cleaning them
Following a shoe-care routine in a specific sequence prevents shoe damage and dullness. The first step in this routine should always be to clean and dry the pair of shoes thoroughly before polishing and shining them. Skipping cleanup here prevents the removal of stains. Further, directly polishing the shoes can clog the shoe pores and cause the leather to crack.

6. Cleaning without removing detachable parts
Each part of the shoe that is detachable must be removed before cleaning. So, shoe laces, detachable soles, and insoles must be removed to tackle hidden dirt. Such extensive cleaning ensures that each part of the shoe is cleaned well before the pair is stored.

7. Wearing the same shoes every day
It is not uncommon to have a favorite pair of shoes. However, certain materials like leather can be rather delicate, making them vulnerable to faster wear and tear with rough use. This is because repeatedly putting on such expensive shoes makes them increasingly exposed to moisture, reducing the longevity of the material. So, one should choose different pairs of shoes based on the outfits, giving those made of delicate material some time to breathe.

Additionally, wearing the same pair of shoes can hamper the overall look. This is because specific types of footwear are meant for specific occasions and work well with certain ensembles. For example, wearing sneakers or clogs over every type of outfit and even on formal occasions might not be the best idea. So, to make each pair last long, it is important to experiment with different pairs based on the occasion and the corresponding outfit.

8. Overlooking shoe creases
Creases are typically inevitable in certain types of shoes, such as leather and canvas shoes. However, ignoring these creases may cause cracks in the shoes with time. The best way to treat creases is to apply a cleansing solution and polish them with the fingers, allowing the solution to get absorbed as much as possible and reduce the appearance of creases.