Stay sure-footed through the cold season! So that you can enjoy your favorite shoes for longer, you should care for them regularly - and not just when the dirt has really set in. Caution: Every material has its own requirements.

FROM LEATHER

A soft brush removes coarse dirt. Then spray on waterproofing spray and leave to dry. Then apply shoe polish in the appropriate color to protect against creases and cracks. Finally, polish with a polishing brush made of fine horsehair, for example. Rubbing smooth leather with an onion half will give it a great shine.

FROM TEXTILE

Alcohol helps with stubborn stains. Some models can also be washed in the washing machine - but only on a cold cycle. Black streaks on the soles can be easily removed with a stain eraser. If you wear your shoes regularly, you should spray them with a waterproofing spray every 4 to 6 weeks to protect them from moisture and color fading.

FROM SYNTHETICS

A soft cloth and a little water are sufficient for cleaning. To avoid cracks in the upper material, it is better to use a special synthetic foam from the drugstore. Shoe polish is not helpful as it will not penetrate the material. Disinfectant shoe sprays from the pharmacy (e.g. "Myfungar") are effective against pathogens and stop unpleasant odors.

WITH VARNISH

Always store with shoe trees to avoid creases. Clean with a slightly damp cotton cloth without detergent. Waterproofing spray is not necessary.

EXTRA TIPS:

• Stretch wet shoes at home with an unpainted wooden stretcher or stuff them with newspaper and place them in front of the heater. Not on top of it - this damages the material.
• Special cleaners from the drugstore help against snow marks.
• Do not use skin cream instead of shoe polish - it contains too much grease and can leave dark stains on the shoes.