Shoes are just as important as the rest of the outfit that they accompany. However, the only tasks that many people perform with them is putting them on and taking them off. This is bad news because without proper care shoes will not last very long and can even cause injury to the feet. Care is especially important for sandals because more of the foot is exposed. By taking just a few moments to maintain your sandals you can ensure that they stay in good condition and continue to adequately protect your feet from the elements.

General Tips

All sandals are heat intolerant and must not come in contact with heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator. During the warm months sandals should not be stored in places where there is no ventilation or the temperature is extreme, such as in a car with the windows rolled up. Unless the sandals are made of rubber, they should not connect with water. To remove stains that appear on waterproof beach sandals, all you need to use is lukewarm water and gentle soap. If this does not remove the stain, it is recommended that you seek a professional shoe repair service instead of trying different cleaners.

An extra step in caring for sandals is to allow them to air out. Sandals are made to absorb moisture to keep the feet cool; however, you should give them a chance to release the moisture. Wearing a pair of sport sandals, such as those made by Adidas, for an extended period can cause moisture and an unpleasant odor to accumulate. Some shoes, such as Birkenstock sandals, have removable soles that easily provide an opportunity for the sandals to breathe.

Special Materials

Sandals that are made of leather and suede require care beyond general maintenance. Leather is especially sensitive to water. A good example are leather NAOT sandals, which when they become wet, the chemicals that are used to hold the sandals together can soften and in a short amount of time render the shoes unfit for wearing. Salt water is especially dangerous to leather because it is caustic. If sandals that become in contact with salt water have metals parts, they should be rinsed. Only a polish that is intended for leather should be used to remove incidental scratches. Applying polish on a regular basis will also keep the sandals flexible.

The first step in caring for suede sandals is to apply a spray or dissolving cream that waterproofs the shoes. This product helps prevent shoes from staining in the event they become wet. Designer suede shoes, such as Birkenstock sandals, have their own cleaning and protective products. Gentle brushing is all that is needed to keep a pair of suede special occasion sandals free of dust.