Red Shoes need love

Shoes are like pets. They need love and they need looking after.

Make sure you keep your sexy red shoes in tip-top condition with these shoe care tips:

• To clean suede shoes - instead of using a wire suede brush which takes off the top layer of the leather try using masking tape
• To clean nubuck leather use a very fine sandpaper - brings it up like new
• To clean patent leather shoes rub in petroleum jelly and leave for a while to soak in, the buff up with a soft clean cloth. This will not only keep them shiny but also prevent them cracking
• Boot zips getting stuck - run a lead pencil down the zip and they will run smoothly
• If brightly coloured leather becomes faded in certain areas use an oil pastel of the same colour over the affected areas then top up with a neutral wax polish. Buff up and hey presto!
• Always use a shoe horn when putting on your shoes. This saves the heel collar and counter from unnecessary wear
• Always keep shoes away from direct heat to prevent the leather from drying out. Leather should always dry naturally. It's important to avoid drying them near a fire or heater. This overheating will literally cook the leather and cause it to become stiff and brittle. The best technique is to ensure that dry, room temperature air can circulate inside the boots
• When traveling, use shoe bags; this will prevent the soiling from getting in touch with your clothing. If you turn a shoe bag inside out, you can use it as a shoe mitt
• Always remove surface dust with a slightly damp cloth before applying any polish or protector
• Never apply polish when shoes are wet