The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Caring for Your Child’s School Shoes
Rebecca Thomson
Posted on September 23 2024
A guide for busy parents when it comes to caring for your kids's school shoes
As your little ones settle into their new term at school and are wearing their new school shoes, and life gets busy and keeping school shoes in good condition can feel like a never-ending task. But with a few practical tips and some simple care routines, you can extend the life of your child’s shoes and save money in the long run. Here's your ultimate guide to caring for your child’s school shoes!
1. Choose Quality Shoes
The first step in caring for school shoes is investing in a good-quality pair. Brand options include Start-Rite, Ricosta and Lelli Kelly. While it may be tempting to choose a cheaper option, high-quality shoes are often made with better materials that last longer and provide better support for growing feet. Look for shoes with:
Durable leather or synthetic materials
Sturdy soles with good grip
Proper arch support for growing feet
2. Regular Cleaning
Children’s school shoes are bound to get dirty, but regular cleaning can prevent dirt and grime from damaging the shoe’s material.
For Leather Shoes: Use a damp cloth to wipe off dirt and mud. Follow up with a leather conditioner or polish to keep the material supple and shiny. Polishing also helps protect the leather from cracking.
For Canvas or Synthetic Shoes: These can be spot cleaned with warm soapy water. Avoid soaking them entirely to prevent weakening the fabric and damaging the sole.
Laces: Don’t forget to clean the laces too. Remove them and wash them separately or replace them if they’re too worn out.
3. Waterproofing
Children tend to encounter puddles, rain, and wet grass, which can quickly ruin shoes. Waterproofing your child’s shoes is essential to keeping them in good shape, especially in rainy seasons or opting for waterproof shoes such as these Geox Boys Savage School shoes
Leather Shoes: Use a waterproof spray or wax. This creates a protective barrier that repels water while keeping the leather soft.
Canvas or Fabric Shoes: Look for a fabric-specific waterproofing spray to keep moisture out
4. Keep Them Dry
Wet shoes are a breeding ground for bacteria and odor. If your child’s shoes get wet, remove the insoles (if possible) and stuff the shoes with newspaper to absorb excess moisture. Leave them in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
Avoid putting shoes in direct heat (like next to a radiator or using a hairdryer), as this can damage the material and cause it to shrink or crack.
5. Check for Damage
Regularly inspect your child’s shoes for signs of wear and tear. Look for worn-out soles, loose stitching, or holes forming in the fabric. Catching these early means you can repair minor issues before they become irreparable.
Loose Soles or Stitching: Consider taking the shoes to a cobbler for minor repairs. It’s often cheaper than buying new shoes, and quality repairs can extend the life of the shoe.
Scuffs and Scratches: Use shoe polish to cover up minor scuffs on leather shoes. A shoe repair pen can be used for touching up any color loss on synthetic materials.
6. Store Properly
When your child isn’t wearing their shoes, ensure they are stored correctly. Don’t just throw them in a corner or let them pile up in a closet. Instead:
Place them in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup and mildew.
Use shoe trees or stuff the shoes with newspaper to help them keep their shape.
If you want to go the extra mile, use a shoe storage bag or box to protect them from dust and accidental scuffs.
7. Dealing with Odor
Children’s shoes can develop odor over time due to sweating and moisture. To combat this:
Remove the insoles and let them air out.
Use baking soda to absorb odors. Sprinkle a small amount inside the shoe and leave it overnight, then shake it out the next morning.
Consider using shoe deodorizers or odor-absorbing insoles for extra freshness.
Conclusion: A Little Care Goes a Long Way
By taking just a little time to care for your child’s school shoes, you can extend their life and keep them looking fresh throughout the school year. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and preventative care are key to getting the most out of each pair. At Little Lily & Co we have a range of school shoes and advice to help you from choosing to look after school shoes and ensuring you are getting the long lasting wear out of your school shoes.
So, next time your child comes home with muddy shoes, you’ll be armed with the know-how to keep them looking and feeling their best. Remember, investing a little time in shoe care can go a long way in ensuring your child’s shoes last as long as possible.
With these simple tips, you can keep their shoes looking smart and feeling comfortable all year long.
Therefore, if you are after schools shoes for boys or girls school shoes we have selected the best quality for your little ones feet from our carefully curated selection of kids' footwear.
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