When it comes to the feet ALL women love to spend big, adoring ludicrously sexy rather than comfy soles, and own as many pairs as there are days in a year. Mister Minit has teamed with head stylist Adriana Fernandez to determine the hottest festive season trends, while shoe repair experts Mister Minit offers advice and their top tips for looking after them.
TREND: Ankle Strap Sandals
The ankle strap high heel shoe is a summer classic that is revived each year. There’s something about the barely-there ankle strap sandal. Perhaps it’s the power to make legs look sexier in an instant. They literally go with anything. Mister Minit suggests you look after them with these tips:
- Single soled shoes will wear more than a platform and Mister Minit stress the importance of applying an anti-slip sole just after purchase to prolong the life of your shoes and give some extra comfort.
- Stiletto heels can easily be worn down, so make sure you replace your heel tip early to prevent damage to the heel block (available at Mister Minit from $17.95).
- Always undo the buckles to prevent the leather and elastics stretching and breaking.
You can significantly extend the life of your heels—as long as you invest in their future. Any stiletto-wearer is familiar with the inevitable "click clack" that comes when the heel tip falls off. Unfortunately, due to the way that style of shoe is made, this happens more quickly than most of us would like—often after just a few wears. To avoid the endless cycle of getting these bits replaced (which is essential, because walking on the exposed metal can cause damage to the entire heel over time), replace the original plastic heel tips with rubber heel tips to avoid slipping, whilst protecting the heel block from damage.
TREND: Birkenstocks
There's no ignoring them, Birkenstocks are set to become the shoe of the summer! Whether you love or loathe Birkenstock's sandals, there's no denying the influence they are currently enjoying. Yes, they might have around some 240 years (and can be worn by eight and 80 year olds alike) but as fashion trends lean in favour of all that equals comfort and practicality the Birkenstock provides. Look after them with these tips from Mister Minit:
- Both the cork and the soles of your Birkenstocks can be damaged by exposure to concentrated heat. If your shoes become wet, allow them to dry naturally at room temperature.
- The footbed is constructed of layers of jute and cork covered in a suede lining, designed to absorb moisture from your feet. It is recommended to air your footbeds regularly to prevent a buildup of odours which occur from excess moisture and clean them using a Suede and Nubuck Mousse Cleaner.
TREND: Single soles
Classic single soles (ie no platforms) stilettos are coming back! Grab your patents and hit the town! These Manolo’s are a classic look and Mister Minit suggest you look after them with these tips:
- Single soled shoes will wear more than a platform and Mister Minit stress the importance of applying an anti-slip sole just after purchase to prolong the life of your shoes.
- To repair nicks and scuff marks on your patents, colour the spot with a marker pen the same colour as the patent leather. Once the colour sinks in, paint over with a very light coat of clear nail polish.
TREND: Animal prints
- Things just seem sexier when you get your animal on. Especially if Jimmy Choo says it's in style. Mister Minit suggests you look after them with these tips: If you’re bringing back an older shoe this winter, use Mister Minit’s Suede and Nubuck Mousse and a suede brush to help lift off dirt. Continue to waterproof shoes on a regular basis to protect from dirt, grime, spills and stains.
- If you’ve purchased a new version of the animal prints this winter but they’re too tight, see your local Mister Minit to get them stretch by up to half a size. Incorrect shoe sizes can affect your posture and feet.
TREND: Kitten heels Here kitty!
Small and subtle is definitely more this season, so purr your way in with these low Country Road kitten heels for comfort and style. Mister Minit suggest you’ll get the most out of them with these tips:
- Kitten heels can easily be worn down easily so make sure you replace your heel tip early to prevent damage to the heel block.
- The best quality shoes are made out of leather but leather is like skin and requires moisturising. Use a leather conditioner to nourish your leather heels.
TREND: Mules
This season the mule, a favorite style of the 90’s, is back hotter than ever. Once a signature shoe for the over-60 set, it has received a youthful makeover. Whether a floral adorned flat, a chunky heel, or a sleek stiletto, the new mule has been transformed into a modern must have.
- The best quality shoes are made out of leather but leather is like skin and requires moisturising. Use a leather conditioner to nourish your leather mules. Store shoes in dustbag/box to prevent shoes from being knocked around and always handle with care.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Take your shoes into the shoetician for some TLC. Just like you, your investment pieces need support to look their best. If DIY is not for you, Mister Minit has a Shoe Revival Package, which is an in store service where experts will clean, buff, polish, deodorise, and waterproof your shoes on site for only $14.90 stand-a-lone, or $9.90 with any other service.
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