How to put on and take off shoes correctly
Putting on and taking off shoes correctly sounds obvious. However, with high-quality leather shoes, there are a few small steps to consider. If you treat the lacing, heel counter, and shaft carefully, you can avoid unnecessary material stress, preserve the original fit, and help ensure that your shoes look well-maintained for a long time.
Why should shoes be opened before taking them off?
After a long day, you often want to get your shoes off as quickly as possible. However, if tightly laced shoes are simply slipped off, strong tensile and compressive forces act on the upper leather, the seams, and the back of the shoe.
It is particularly unfavorable to step on the heel of one shoe with the heel of the other and pull the foot out in this way. This can damage the heel counter, the heel, and the upper material. Dirt and scratches are also almost unavoidable in this way.
In addition, leather becomes somewhat more supple during wear due to body heat and moisture. This sometimes allows a closed shoe to be slipped off. After cooling, however, it is much more difficult to get into. At the latest, the lacing must be loosened again before the next time you put them on.
How to properly take off laced shoes?
First, untie the knot completely. Then loosen the shoelaces not only at the top but over several eyelets. The two parts of the lacing should be able to move far enough apart so that the foot can glide out of the shoe without resistance.
Hold the shoe with one hand at the stable heel counter. Slowly pull your foot out without pressing the leather down or tugging at the shaft.
This procedure only takes a few seconds but significantly protects the shoe. At the same time, the lacing remains sufficiently open, making it easier to get into next time.
Why should you use a shoehorn?
A shoehorn guides the heel into the shoe in a controlled manner. This prevents the heel counter from being bent inwards or pushed down by the foot when getting in.
The heel counter provides support for the foot and helps maintain the shape of the shoe. If it is regularly bent, it can lose stability. Visible wrinkles, pressure marks, or a stretched shaft edge can also be the result.
Insert the shoehorn vertically between the heel and the shoe. Let your foot slide in slowly and then pull the shoehorn upwards. Only then should the shoe be laced evenly.
A long shoehorn makes putting on shoes even easier because you have to bend down less.
How to protect the heel and the fit?
Make sure that the shoe is open wide enough before each time you put it on. The foot should enter the shoe without strong pressure. Then tighten the shoelaces evenly from bottom to top. The lacing should provide a secure hold but not constrict the foot.
If a shoe only fits with force or if the heel does not stay securely in the shoe despite correct lacing, this may indicate an unsuitable size or width. Information on the correct shape can be found at Sioux shoe widths. Also men's shoes in comfort width and comfortable women's shoes can provide good guidance for special fit requirements.
Small steps help protect shoes
Careful treatment involves more than just regular maintenance of the upper leather. Daily putting on and taking off also influences how long a shoe retains its shape.
Untie laced shoes completely, use a shoehorn, and avoid kicking off shoes with the other foot. After wearing, a suitable shoe tree can help keep the leather in shape while drying. In addition, material-appropriate cleaning and shoe care support the longevity of your Sioux shoes.