There comes a time in our lives when we start taking better care of the things we own. Our homes become neater, our aesthetic evolves, and we start investing in pieces that will last for years to come. In terms of wardrobe, a few great pairs of shoes are absolutely necessary, and taking good care of them is even more essential. We stopped by our favorite shoe shine and repair shop in town, Connie’s Shoe Repair, for a few tips on how we can better care for our shoes and extend their longevity with shop owner Nathan Elkin and head-cobbler, Henry.
1. Condition and polish at least every two to three weeks. Every shining generally adds a week to the life of the shoe. 2. Don’t wait until the shoes are destroyed to try to repair them. If you think your shoes need to be resoled or re-heeled, they most likely do. 3. If your shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper and dry them away from direct heat. Direct heat can cause the leather to dry too quickly and will crack them. 4. Shoe trees are crucial. Use an unfinished tree to dry out moisture and contract the shoes to their ideal shape after being worn. 5. Investing in a great pair of shoes will be less expensive and will last longer than three cheap pairs.
Connie’s Shoe Repair first opened in 1911 and is located at 110 North 8th Street – not too far from the Virginia State Capitol – and now in its third generation of ownership. For those of you who are out of town, Connie’s Shoe Repair offers a mail-in service. Here's to getting on the good foot.