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Tips for Storing Your Leather Shoes in Humid Weather
Though high humidity and leather shoes are like chalk and cheese, there are ways to help them get along
Niki Bruce
1 February 2018
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
In a story on storage for your luxury branded wardrobe, I went over some small space storage ideas for shoes, but for all you shoe lovers, here are more specific tips on what to do to ensure that your leather footwear lasts as long as it can.
Your first barrier to damage is having a decent shoe cupboard to store your everyday shoes in. If you’re spending good money on expensive leather footwear, you need something appropriately stylish to store them in; particularly if it’s the first thing people see as they enter your home. The most important thing in caring for leather shoes is circulation so look for designs that have ventilation holes. Damp, sweaty leather shoes are more likely to grow mouldy.
Your first barrier to damage is having a decent shoe cupboard to store your everyday shoes in. If you’re spending good money on expensive leather footwear, you need something appropriately stylish to store them in; particularly if it’s the first thing people see as they enter your home. The most important thing in caring for leather shoes is circulation so look for designs that have ventilation holes. Damp, sweaty leather shoes are more likely to grow mouldy.
Store everyday shoes neatly at the entrance
There are two types of shoes: the ones you wear every day, and the ones you wear on special occasions. The everyday shoes aren’t ‘lousy’ shoes, but they are not quite as precious as the statement (expensive) ones.
When it comes to shoe cupboards, I prefer not to have a door; open shelving or wire shoe racks allow the air to circulate, reducing the chance of mould developing.
There are two types of shoes: the ones you wear every day, and the ones you wear on special occasions. The everyday shoes aren’t ‘lousy’ shoes, but they are not quite as precious as the statement (expensive) ones.
When it comes to shoe cupboards, I prefer not to have a door; open shelving or wire shoe racks allow the air to circulate, reducing the chance of mould developing.
Try a shoe bench
This Cecilia bench with a shoe rack below from Hemma is a great option if you don’t have a lot of space. If you have a longer space, get two.
Tip: If your favourite leather shoes become damaged from being too wet or start growing mould, don’t throw them away! There are a number of talented cobblers in Singapore who can fix just about anything. My personal favourite is Shukey; they’re particularly good with luxury brands and the only people some top brands will send sample shoes to to be fixed.
This Cecilia bench with a shoe rack below from Hemma is a great option if you don’t have a lot of space. If you have a longer space, get two.
Tip: If your favourite leather shoes become damaged from being too wet or start growing mould, don’t throw them away! There are a number of talented cobblers in Singapore who can fix just about anything. My personal favourite is Shukey; they’re particularly good with luxury brands and the only people some top brands will send sample shoes to to be fixed.
Combination mirror-and-shoe storage
I’m personally in love with the idea of combining a full-length mirror with shoe storage in the entryway of an apartment. This Kristalia Shoe Box from Royal Interiors, is perfect for your #OOTD pics before you have to rush out the door for work.
I’m personally in love with the idea of combining a full-length mirror with shoe storage in the entryway of an apartment. This Kristalia Shoe Box from Royal Interiors, is perfect for your #OOTD pics before you have to rush out the door for work.
Statement-making furniture
If you’re not into checking yourself out in a full-length mirror every time you leave your apartment, go for a solid piece of statement furniture. Collectif Designs have a number of very cool, industrial-style statement pieces. The perforated metal in this design allows for air circulation.
Why Check Your Home’s Humidity
If you’re not into checking yourself out in a full-length mirror every time you leave your apartment, go for a solid piece of statement furniture. Collectif Designs have a number of very cool, industrial-style statement pieces. The perforated metal in this design allows for air circulation.
Why Check Your Home’s Humidity
A place for everyone
Missing shoes and a pile of mixed up footwear is commonplace for families. This hallway shoe cupboard has slide-out trays with name labels, providing each family member with their own storage spot. How neat is that?
Missing shoes and a pile of mixed up footwear is commonplace for families. This hallway shoe cupboard has slide-out trays with name labels, providing each family member with their own storage spot. How neat is that?
Customise your storage
The Elfa Gliding Shoe Rack from Howards Storage World comes from a brand that makes a number of different options to choose from; some you insert into existing cupboards, others are standalone.
The Elfa Gliding Shoe Rack from Howards Storage World comes from a brand that makes a number of different options to choose from; some you insert into existing cupboards, others are standalone.
Long, low and easy to use
Open shoe racks like the ones here are a great way to keep your leather shoes protected and spaced out nicely. I would prefer to see all these shoes in their shoe bags with the right acid-free paper stuffing, but at least these shoes are being protected from the sun and dust.
Open shoe racks like the ones here are a great way to keep your leather shoes protected and spaced out nicely. I would prefer to see all these shoes in their shoe bags with the right acid-free paper stuffing, but at least these shoes are being protected from the sun and dust.
Repurpose a bookcase
This Vitall Vitall Cube Bookcase from Hipvan is a great alternative to the custom-built shoe rack in the image above. I myself have always used bookcases for storing my luxury brand shoes and bags. I like the low height of this bookcase; and the fact that it’s off the ground.
Tip: Your leather shoes aren’t the only footwear that need special attention in our weather. Rubber soles will harden and crack if you don’t wear them regularly while plastic shoes discolour and crack if left in strong sunlight.
TELL US
How do you store and care for your shoes? Share your tips in the Comments section.
This Vitall Vitall Cube Bookcase from Hipvan is a great alternative to the custom-built shoe rack in the image above. I myself have always used bookcases for storing my luxury brand shoes and bags. I like the low height of this bookcase; and the fact that it’s off the ground.
Tip: Your leather shoes aren’t the only footwear that need special attention in our weather. Rubber soles will harden and crack if you don’t wear them regularly while plastic shoes discolour and crack if left in strong sunlight.
TELL US
How do you store and care for your shoes? Share your tips in the Comments section.
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