I never thought I'd see the day, but this year I am having binge on white shoes. Never having owned a single pair that couldn't be scrubbed with a brush and put in the washing machine (viva converse!), I am now wondering how best to look after them.

Now, I can accept that they'll take a bit of a battering, but I was wondering if anyone knows of any products or techniques for keeping white leather box-fresh and sparkling for as long as possible?

thanks!
- e

I have a trick - to be used gently and sparingly. If you shoes get a scuff, usually acetone (nail polish remover) will take away the scuff mark. This works on leather and patent best, and do test the leather in a small less noticeable area first. And use a Q-tip, not a cotton ball, you do not want this all over your shoe.

See if that helps..... (I know - who knew white would come roaring back in such a cute way!?)

One thing I do with all my shoes is keep them in their box. I have shoes that look like new and I've owned them 7 yrs ago, and you can't tell at all. I clean them after I use them and put them in their box.

Chris: thanks for the acetone tip! It sounds a bit scary, but I'm going to give it a try.

Natividad12: luckily these shoes have come with slipcovers, so I'll be able to store them properly. But I am sorry to say that neither Amsterdam's cobbled streets nor its bicycles are very kind to heels...

Eliza, I can only imagine. I've always wanted to visit Amesterdam so jealous. :-)

If you get stuck in the cobble stones - take them immediately to the shoe maker to fix them. A lot of times they will just glue back done the piece, but sometimes will need to replace the heel sleeve. You can also try leather cleaner - Lexol is a good one and can be found at most auto parts store (ifi not ask the shoe maker for a cleaner he suggests).

I also clean and protect my shoes and store them in thier boxes BUT if you stain white leather-before you try acetate-try a Mr. Clean magic eraser!!! You would be surprised! Test a spot first or try to find a great repair-guru before you do anything to a really expensive or beloved pair! Also, a lint roller will get alot of dust and dirt out of fabric/suede but you have to go over and over it!

Jordan,

Thanks for the Magic eraser trick, although I checked this thread a little too late...I think I might have ruined a pair of my Air Force ones. I'll keep that in mind for next time.

if your shoes have a smooth finish (plastic or leather) aerasol hairspray takes off black scuff marks caused by the sole of the opposite shoe... it also works on the black marks on linoleum.

White shoe polish covers a multitude of scuffs!

Sherry