HOW TO KEEP FOOTWEAR IN TOP CONDITION

YOU can dramatically reduce the need for repairs with simple regular maintenance.

You might believe a regular polish is ideal, but Antony Firth, of Shoe Healer in South Yorks, says: ‘Most people put way too much polish on — and use dried out polish from a tin. This can damage the shoe as it pulls out moisture from the leather and makes it brittle. The leather then cracks. If it has dried up, then buy a new tin.’

Antony recommends using shoe cream once a week, instead. ‘Shoe cream will keep the leather soft. You can lightly polish them afterwards.’

He adds: ‘Two pairs of shoes will last three times as long as a single pair — because shoes need time to dry out between being worn. Wearing them every day damages them.’

He suggests wearing shoes for three days, then letting them rest for two. And use a shoe tree to help maintain their shape.

A shoehorn is also an essential, not just for ease but also to protect the shoes. Antony says: ‘Crushing the back of footwear can be a nightmare to repair.’

If you want a top- quality pair of British shoes but can’t afford the price tag, check out charity shops. ‘ They sell the best footwear — often well looked after and seldom worn,’ he says.

Store your shoes in the original cardboard box — but not in a cold garage. Instead, Antony says: ‘ Put them under the bed or in the wardrobe. Sunlight fades the leather and dries it out. Cold damp conditions are the enemy of footwear and attract mould.’

Baby wet wipes are handy for suede and leather shoes. Antony says: ‘If you accidentally get dirt on them, wipes offer a great way to clean them up immediately. They contain a small amount of alcohol that allows them to clean the dirt off without leaving water marks.’