Spring is officially here, but New Yorkers know a few more cold fronts are inevitable before warmer weather sticks around for good. As Sofia Shoe Repair Service in Rochester, NY, warns, snow and ice can do a number on your shoes. That’s why it’s important to take some preventative steps to prolong the lifespan of your favorite pair.

How to Keep Winter Weather From Ruining Your Shoes

Keep Leather Conditioned

Leather is a skin and needs to be moisturized just like your hands and feet do. Whether you favor riding boots or motorcycle ankle booties, commit to conditioning and polishing them weekly to prevent damage. It might seem like a chore, but this habit will save you the cost of premature shoe repair or replacement down the road.

Let Shoes Dry Naturally

If your shoes get wet, take them off immediately and let them dry naturally. Using a radiator or another heat source to dry damp shoes just encourages the leather to crack and lose its suppleness. Instead, stuff your shoes with newspaper once you take them off, or invest in a cedar shoe tree to deter musty odors and absorb moisture naturally.

Add Rubber Patches to Shoes

Ideally, you should avoid wearing leather-soled shoes when there’s a chance your footwear will get wet. Leather shoes, even those with the hardest soles, will get destroyed by water damage over time. If wearing an alternate isn’t an option, take your footwear to a shoe repair shop and ask them to add rubber patches to give your shoes a stronger defense against moisture.

Sofia Shoe Repair Service has more than seven decades of experience in shoe resoling and repair. As a locally owned and operated business, clients are treated like family. This has earned the shoe repair shop a reputation for customer service as well as quality craftsmanship. If you have a pair of shoes that need some love, give them a call at (585) 244-5907. Visit their website to learn more about any specials or coupons available.