Brian Layte

Q: What kind of shoes last the longest?

A: Shoes made from breathable leather will outlast any synthetic shoe, which are more prone to cracking.

Q: Should I use a cream or a spray on my shoes?

A: For smooth leather we generally recommend working something into the shoe instead of spraying because the protection will last longer, and it’s simply better for the shoe. It also ends up being significantly cheaper in the long run.

Creams work well for enhancing colour and polishing, while a paste or wax works well for protecting. A popular product is a mink oil paste, which will condition as well as protect.

Suede shoes are a bit trickier. Because of the finish of the shoe, the best product to use is a spray so the finishing isn’t lost. With a spray, you’ll end up having to re-apply every few weeks (in winter and spring) to make sure your shoes stay protected from the elements.

The Shoe Doctor prescribes:

• Woly Shoe Polish or Meltonian Shoe Cream for polishing and adding colour.
• Nikwax, Sno-Seal or mink oil paste products for protecting. (For lighter colours, test spot before using a protector to ensure the colour won’t be altered. If it does, use a spray.)
• Kelly’s or Woly protector sprays for suede or nubuck.

Q: What is the best way to preserve your shoes?
A: Use the CPP method every three to four weeks:
1. CLEAN the shoe using a damp cloth to take off surface dirt.
2. POLISH using a shoe cream or shoe polish.
3. PROTECT using a wax, cream or spray.

The Shoe Doctor prescribes:
• A protection sole on your new, expensive shoes. At only $20, this thin rubber overlay is an easy way to help protect your shoes and make them last through our changing seasons.

Q: Can my shoes get repaired?

A: Almost anything can be repaired but the big question is whether or not it’s worth it. Many shoes available today aren’t designed to be fixed. Sometimes it just works out better to buy a new pair. However, most decently made casual and dress shoes can still be repaired, and fixing a sole or heel will only cost $50—much better than shelling out another $300 for a brand new pair.

There are many men’s shoe lines out there that will last for years if you take care of them. The Shoe Doctor recommends
these shoe manufacturers:

• Allen-Edmonds
• Bostonian
• Rockport