Want to explore the world without sore feet? These tips are the ultimate game-changer to keep your travel shoes comfortable—let’s put them to the test!
Key Takeaways:
- Proper shoe care starts before, during, and after a trip.
- Break in new shoes gradually to prevent blisters and discomfort.
- Apply appropriate protective treatments based on shoe material.
- Use comfort aids like insoles, arch supports, and heel grips to enhance shoe comfort.
- Clean shoes daily during travel to remove dirt and debris.
- Dry wet or sweaty shoes properly to prevent odor and damage.
- Rotate shoes to minimize wear and keep them fresh.
- Perform thorough cleaning and maintenance after returning from a trip.
- Store shoes in breathable bags or boxes to maintain their shape and condition.
- Inspect shoes frequently for signs of wear and tear.
We’ve all been ditched by our travel shoes at least once in life—everything seems to be going well on a trip, and then suddenly, painful blisters and aches leave you grounded in your hotel room.
Often, it’s not the shoes themselves but how they’re cared for before, during, and after the trip. In fact, proper care starts before you pack your bags and continues throughout your journey and even after you get back home.
It is not rocket science to take care of your travel shoes. All shoes need the same basic care, except when you need to clean them. Different types of shoes require cleaning tools based on their material, like brushes, cleaning agents, conditioners, etc.
Refer to the following table as a handy reference to keep your travel shoes comfy and in good condition!
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Taking Care of Your Travel Shoes! |
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|
Pre-Trip Care |
During Travel Care |
Post-Travel Care |
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Break in shoes gradually |
Remove dirt, sand, and debris |
Clean based on material (leather, suede, etc.) |
|
Apply waterproofing sprays, conditioners, or fabric protectors depending on shoe material |
Air dry shoes properly |
Store in breathable bags or boxes |
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Insert comfort aids like insoles, arch supports, and heel supports |
Rotate shoes to reduce wear |
Inspect for wear and tear |
Pre-Trip Travel Shoe Care
If you are planning to wear a new pair to your next trip, STOP RIGHT THERE. The number one absolute mistake people make is not breaking new shoes in before hitting the road.
Every footwear takes some time to adjust to your feet, so until that, it will feel stiff on your feet. If you do not soften the interior by walking beforehand, your feet will suffer from painful blisters and discomfort during the entire journey.
Even if you make your own custom shoes for travel, they will still need a break-in period to mold perfectly to your feet. So, wear your shoes around the house or on short walks before your journey to avoid any discomfort.
Also, take a look at those shoes you already tried wearing. Sometimes, there is always a possibility they need more breaking in. Shoes often feel different after extended wear, so take your time to fully adjust them to your feet.
Breaking in New (or Used) Shoes
- Wear your new shoes for short periods at home or on short walks.
- Gradually increase the duration over a week or two, so the material can soften and mold to your feet.
- Wear thick socks or use a hair dryer to warm up tight spots while flexing your feet inside the shoes. The heat will soften the material, and the socks will provide a buffer to stretch the shoes slightly.
- Use blister prevention products such as moleskin, blister pads, or silicone gel strips on areas where you typically experience friction (heels, sides of toes, etc.).
Applying Protective Treatment
Before you pack your shoes for the trip, make sure to apply a few coats of protective treatment. These treatments keep your shoes in good condition, so they perform well, and last longer during your travels.
Leather Shoes
- Protective Treatment: Leather conditioner and waterproofing spray
- How to Use: Apply leather conditioner with a soft cloth in a circular motion. For waterproofing spray, apply evenly over the surface and let it dry completely before wearing.
- Benefits: Leather conditioner keeps the material soft and prevents cracking whale waterproofing spray protects the shoes against rain and spills.
Suede Shoes
- Protective Treatment: Suede protector spray
- How to Use: Hold the spray 6-8 inches away from the shoe and apply evenly. Allow the spray to dry completely before wearing.
- Benefits: Repels water and stains, preventing damage and preserving the texture.
Nubuck Shoes
- Protective Treatment: Nubuck spray or protector
- How to Use: Spray evenly over the nubuck surface from 6-8 inches away. Let it dry fully before use.
- Benefits: Shields against water and stains, preserving the soft, velvety texture of the shoes.
Synthetic Boots
- Protective Treatment: Waterproofing spray
- How to Use: Apply spray evenly to all surfaces of the boots and wait until they dry completely before wearing.
- Benefits: Repels water and keeps synthetic boots in good condition for longer use.
Canvas Shoes and Mesh Shoes
- Protective Treatment: Fabric protector spray
- How to Use: Spray evenly from 6-8 inches away, covering the entire surface. Wait until completely dry before wearing.
- Benefits: Repels stains and moisture, keeping canvas and mesh shoes clean and dry.
Hiking Boots
- Protective Treatment: Waterproofing spray and leather conditioner (only needed for hiking boots made of leather. If the boots are synthetic, use only waterproofing spray).
- How to Use: Apply waterproofing spray evenly and let it dry completely. Use a soft cloth for leather conditioner and apply in a circular motion.
- Benefits: Waterproofing spray protects against water and mud; leather conditioner maintains flexibility for leather parts.
Dress Shoes
- Protective Treatment: Leather polish and waterproofing spray
- How to Use: Apply polish with a soft cloth in a circular motion. Spray waterproofing evenly over the surface and let it dry completely.
- Benefits: Leather polish maintains shine and prevents scuffs while waterproofing spray protects against rain and spills.
Winter Boots
- Protective Treatment: Waterproofing spray and salt stain remover
- How to Use: Apply waterproofing spray evenly and allow it to dry. Use salt stain remover according to the product instructions to clean affected areas.
- Benefits: Waterproofing protects against snow and rain; salt stain remover helps clean up salt stains.
Using Comfort Aids
Believe me when I say this, comfort aids are a game-changer! They not only keep your feet happy throughout the trip but also maintain the structure of your shoes.
You can even get custom-made ones, known as orthotics, specifically designed to support your unique foot shape and needs.
But they are typically necessary if you have specific foot problems like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or arch pain. Before investing in them, it's best to check if you really need orthotics.
On the other hand, insets work well for most people. Using comfortable insoles, arch supports, and heel supports does not add extra pressure on the shoes.
As a result, your shoes do not experience internal wear and stretching, and stay comfortable and durable for a long time.
While there are many different forms of comfort aids, you can pick those you need:
- Insoles: These are designed to cater to different needs, like cushioning or shock absorption. Alternatively, if you are going to walk or stand a lot in your shoes, get some gel or memory foam insoles.
- Arch Supports: If you have high arches or flat feet, arch supports will be your best friend. They reduce strain and maintain proper foot alignment.
- Heel Grips: Heel grips prevent slipping, provide cushioning, and lower the chance of blisters to a significant level. In other words, they are basic needs to keep your travel footwear comfortable.
Taking Care of Travel Shoes During Trips
Your travel shoes go through a lot of wear and tear during trips. They will get dirty, sweaty, and even wet depending on the terrain, weather conditions, and how often you wear them.
If you've properly broken in your shoes, applied protective treatments, and inserted insoles, your feet will stay comfortable and well-supported.
However, trapped dirt and moisture, both inside and outside the shoes, can drastically reduce their durability. This is why cleaning and drying your travel shoes is super-important to keep them in good condition.
Daily Cleaning Routine for Travel Shoes
At the end of every day during the trip:
- Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and dust from your shoes.
- If your shoes are made of mesh or fabric, use a damp cloth to remove more stubborn debris.
- For leather, use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove dirt and debris without scratching the surface.
- In the case of suede, use a suede brush with soft rubber bristles or a brass-wire brush to maintain the material's texture and remove scuffs.
- If a stain occurs, remove it immediately with a stain remover.
- Use a gentle approach, blotting rather than rubbing to avoid spreading the stain.
Drying Methods for Wet or Sweaty Shoes
If your shoes become wet due to water, sweat, or rain, the accumulation of bacteria or odor can damage the shoe material. In such cases, immediately remove dirt or stains from the shoe’s exterior using a soft cloth.
Then:
- If your shoes get wet, remove any removable insoles and stuff the shoes with newspaper or a microfiber cloth to absorb moisture.
- Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can warp or crack the material.
- Place silica gel packs inside the shoes to absorb moisture overnight. These are especially useful in humid environments.
The Importance of Rotating Shoes
It is always a smart move to keep at least three pairs of travel shoes. When one becomes dirty or wet, you can wear the other, and so on.
Rotating shoes also prevent overuse of a single pair, reducing the risk of blisters and foot pain. As it allows shoes to dry completely between uses, the odor and bacterial growth are minimized. The good part? Your shoes feel fresh and hygienic no matter how many times you wear them.
Post-Trip Travel Shoes Care
After a trip, your shoes likely need a thorough cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and stains.
This is the time when your shoes need deep care to avoid any dirt, bad odor, or damage. Also, post-trip travel shoe care significantly increases your shoe life till your next many trips.
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Type of Shoes |
Items Required |
Do's |
Don'ts |
|
Leather Shoes |
Soft brush/cloth Leather cleaner Leather conditioner Mink oil/Neatsfoot oil |
Gently brush or wipe away dirt with a soft cloth. Clean with a leather-friendly cleaner using circular motions. Use a leather conditioner to keep it soft and prevent cracking. Polish frequently to maintain shine. |
Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol or bleach. Don’t soak leather in water for extended periods. Keep away from direct heat or sunlight. |
|
Suede and Nubuck Shoes |
Suede brush Suede cleaner Vinegar (for tough stains) Protective spray |
Brush with a suede brush to remove dirt and maintain texture. Use a cleanser designed for suede and nubuck. Apply a protective spray to keep the shoes safe against stains and moisture. |
Don’t use water for cleaning; it can stain and damage the material. |
|
Fabric and Canvas Shoes |
Mild soap solution/detergent/Fabric cleaner |
Spot clean stains with mild detergent. Hand wash or use a gentle cycle with cold water. Air dry, keeping away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. |
Don’t use bleach or strong chemicals that can damage the fabric. Avoid machine drying or using high heat. |
|
Synthetic Shoes |
Waterproofing spray Mild soap solution Soft cloth |
Apply a waterproofing spray to protect from moisture. Clean with a mild soap and soft cloth. Allow to air dry thoroughly. |
Don’t use harsh chemicals or submerge in water. Avoid exposure to excessive heat. |
|
Mesh Shoes |
Mild detergent Damp cloth Fabric protector spray |
Clean with a mild detergent and a damp cloth. Use a fabric protector spray. Air dry away from direct sunlight. |
Don’t use bleach or aggressive cleaning methods. Avoid high heat drying to prevent warping or damage. |
|
Dress Shoes |
Soft cloth Leather cleaner Conditioner Polish |
Wipe off surface dirt with a soft cloth. Clean with a leather cleaner. Apply conditioner. Polish to restore shine. Store in a cool, dry place. |
Don’t use harsh chemicals or soak in water. Avoid exposing to excessive moisture or direct sunlight. |
|
Specialty Shoes (e.g., Hiking Boots) |
Stiff brush Cleaner suitable for the material Conditioner for leather parts |
Brush off dirt with a stiff brush. Clean with materials-specific products. Apply conditioner to leather parts to retain waterproofing. |
Don’t use harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners that can ruin waterproofing. Avoid storing in damp places or without proper ventilation. |
Storing Shoes Properly
- Store shoes in breathable fabric bags or boxes to keep them dust-free.
- Insert shoe trees or stuff with tissue paper to help retain their shape.
- Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place to prevent material degradation.
- Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture.
Inspect for Wear and Tear
Look for signs of wear, such as thinning soles, broken stitching, or deteriorating material. Check the insoles for flattening and the outsoles for uneven wear.
Minor damages like scuffs or loose soles can often be repaired. However, if the shoe structure is compromised, it’s time to go shoe shopping!
Wrapping Up!
Travel is always fun, as long as your feet don’t get exhausted after a few miles. This is why keeping your travel shoes comfortable is just as important as taking care of your other luggage.
Always break in your shoes before leaving the house, remove dirt and debris daily, and give them a good clean after coming back. These steps make sure your shoes don’t lose their integrity and stay comfortable until next time.
