Cobblers share tips for keeping boots and shoes beautiful, write Carly Gibbs and Annemarie Quill
As temperatures dip, cash tills are ringing at shoe repair shops in the Bay, as women rush to heel their much loved boots and shoes.
At Shane Barr Shoe Repairs, Mr Barr, a cobbler of 13 years, is busier than ever as more people choose to reheel, re-zip and resole their winter boots, rather than fork out for a new pair. Barr says his Tauranga store is doing a busier trade than last winter and his Mount Maunganui store about the same as last winter.
About 80 per cent of both stores' customers are women.
Steve and Jenny Edser, owners of Minute Man stores in Tauranga and the Mount, say they have been so busy they have added another Tauranga store to their group, making four in total.
"I would say we are about 40 per cent busier than this time last winter.
"Women are still spending big on high-quality footwear - we often see a pair of boots that would have cost around $500.
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They are also into their high-end fashion shoes - we are seeing loads of platform soles and these need maintaining.
"The recession has not stopped them buying new, but we are noticing that they are taking more care to maintain their purchases."
Barr says although many people set out to save money, there are nearly as many customers who want their favourite boots repaired or have purchased new ones and want them modified - whatever the cost.
Barr advises spending money on a decent pair of boots you know you will wear "all day, every day" and that will easily match your wardrobe and not embarrass you.
Edser says the key to getting the most life out of footwear is to get them maintained before they wear down completely.
"Don't wait until the heel is worn right down to the leather. They will last longer if you get them refurbished regularly. And of course, before you wear them, don't skip the protectant spray as this will prevent water marks."
Rebecca Anderson, owner and designer of Chaos and Harmony shoes agrees that it is worth spending time and money to extend the life of the footwear.
"Use leather and suede protectants-a natural leather bees wax is great. Change heel tips each year. When you store boots and shoes, stuff them with tissue, so they keep their shape.
Miranda Cobb, owner of Mount boutiques Evolution Clothing and Harper, says investment pieces should last for three years, whereas fast fashion buys should be kept for only one season as trends are so mercurial.
"Get leather-soled shoes resoled to prevent them wearing down quickly," she says.
"Use a waterproofing spray on leather before exposing your shoes to the elements and invest in a good suede brush to remove any dirt or marks off suede."
Miranda Cobb adds that boots are perhaps one of the most worn items in any woman's wardrobe.
"They are probably one of the most expensive, too. When making an investment buy, reheel your boots at the end of each winter season to ensure they stay looking their best.
A good protective spray will keep your boots safe from the elements."
How to get the longest wear out of boots
To extend the life of your favourite winter boots don't chuck them into the far end of your wardrobe. Instead, give them a polish and put them on a boot tree to keep the shape of the calf new and wrinkle-free.
Rolled-up newspaper also works and will soak up moisture.
An empty wine bottle in each boot is another way to help boots keep their shape.
Source: Shane Barr, cobbler.