How do I take care of my shoes and feet?

14th Sep 2021

So you've got some new shoes. Now what?


Take care of them! I can't emphasize this enough. Shoes that are well cared for can last decades. I meet people often who are still wearing dress shoes they purchased back in 1980 because they regularly follow good shoe maintenance.


Here's a foolproof five step regimen to get the most out of your shoes:

#1. POLISH YOUR SHOES EVERY WEEK
Shoe polish isn't just for being fancy. Polishing your shoes moisturizes the leather and prevents cracking and discoloration due to dryness. It also prevents and repairs scuffs and maintains the color and shine. Applying a thin layer of mink oil after polishing strengthens waterproofing.
Here's how to shine your shoes:
- Brush off dust
- Apply polish with a sponge
- Fill cracks and seams
- Rub with cloth until shiny
- Apply a thin layer of mink oil
- Repeat on your companion's shoes

Also, do yourself a favor and don't use the cheap Kiwi brand. The content and quality of your polish is just as important as polishing at all. Here's our shoe polish kit, along with a few other time-tested options.

Vertico Shoe Polish Kit

Stone & Clark Shoe Polish

Dr Martens Shoe Polish

Red Wing Mink Oil

Vertico Shoe Polish KitEcco Shoe Care Wax Oil
Stone & Clark Shoe Polish Kit
Dr Martens Leather Shoe Polish
Red Wing Mink Oil


#2. ROTATE YOUR SHOES EVERY DAY
Your shoes don't have to be falling to pieces to prove you're an effective missionary. Alternating between pairs of shoes daily will make your shoes last 20-30% longer. Here why:
- Lets your shoes recover from stress and bend, allowing structural integrity to return
- Feet sweat, so alternating gives shoes a chance to air out, preserving the inner lining from decomposition
- You'll know when to reorder. If one pair wears out, the other will last long enough to get replacements



#3. REPLACE THE INSOLE BEFORE THE SHOE
Insoles have a tendency to wear out before the shoes do. Spending a couple dollars every few months will decrease your chances of arch strain and other painful foot ailments. Not only do insoles provide maximum comfort for your feet, they also support the structural integrity of the shoe. Getting new insoles feels like you got a whole new pair of shoes.

Vertico Insoles

Vertico Insole5 Star Review

  • Antimicrobial Mesh Top
  • PU Form Molded bottom
  • Increased Arch Support



#4. USE FOOT POWDER EVERY DAY
This could be the most important key to taking care of your feet. Using foot powder on a regular basis prevents athlete's foot and other foreign fungus. It also helps your feet stay dry and fights against chafing and other friction-induced pain. Besides, I'd rather my shoes smell like powder than stinky feet.

Vertico Ped Powder

Vertico Ped Powder

  • All Natural and Organic Ingredients
  • Naturally Sourced Sodium Bicarbonate base with Arrowroot and Essential Oils
  • Helps Prevent Athlete's Foot and Foot Fungus



#5. TRIM YOUR TOENAILS
Take special care to trim your toenails regularly to avoid ingrown toenails and infection. This is often the leading cause of sitting at home in pain on the mission. Here are some helpful trimming tips:
- Clip nails straight across
- Don't clip too short
- Clip nails when dry
- Clip small, not big


And there you have it—the equation for happy, healthy feet. And from all of us at MissionShoe, I wish you the very best in your preparation and missionary service!

Thomas Scott, Owner of MissionShoe

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