How I preserve my designer shoes
A couple of years ago, I succumbed to my shoe obsession and started buying designer heels. It.... changed... my world. Now that I have a few pairs, though, I realize that I need to do a bit more on my part to preserve them. Here is what I've learned:
1. Find a cobbler for designer shoes. I have a cobbler to fix the heels on my regular boots and such but a cobbler who knows designer shoes and bags will become a loyal friend when you find a scratch on your Valentinos (more on this below) or you want your handbag cleaned. Luckily, I found my cobbler by calling the Nordstroms around my area and most of them recommended the same cobbler so that became my go-to. I'm always happy with the quality of their service. Keep reading to learn more about my go-to and how they've saved my shoes.
2. Get some sole protectors immediately! I know you can buy them for cheap online but after spending so much money for each pair of shoes, I wanted the sole protectors to fit perfectly. So I opt for topy soles and my cobbler just helps me pick the right color and they take care of the rest. They save down the bottom of the door to make sure the sole lays perfectly and they will last a while. I also recommend wiping the bottoms of your shoes with a towel after each wear to keep them clean and to get excess dirt away.
Black topy sole for my black suede pump
Valentino Rockstud with dark tan topy...I never would have picked this dark color, but my cobbler recommended it based on the fact that the heel is the same dark color; then both would match...the cobbler was right!!!
What to do if you scratch your shoes?
So...I wore my Valentinos to Napa and some vineyards were definitely not paved. The result was scratched pumps. I was devastated!
Pre repair: They were scratched up pretty bad...
I called the Valentino so near me and they told me to bring in repairs which would be sent to their NY repair center. A few days later, I went to the Valentino in person but they were so NOT helpful. I was told that they cover missing Rockstuds and/or broken heels and such but I could check with a cobbler.
I took my shoes to my cobbler and...wow! He basically mixed up a bunch of paint colors, matched it with my [obscure but beautiful poudre] colored pumps and they look brand new. Super impressed and the price was right. They've saved my designer shoes three times already and I'm so glad I found them!
Post repair: They're brand new again!
Shout out to Master Cobbler! They have two locations and they're amazing! Thank you for saving my shoes, especially my Valentinos!
Master Cobbler (click for more info)
Rating: A+++++++