The ShoesRx Scoop

How to properly store your shoes:

Properly storing your shoes can preserve the look as well as help extend the life of the shoe. The following steps can be used on all types of shoes from leather to fabric to suede.

1. Remove any dirt or dust from the shoe either using a soft cloth or a shoe brush.
2. Place a shape holder in the shoe to maintain the shape integrity of the shoe. This can either be done with a shoe tree or with acid free tissue paper stuffed into the toe of the shoe.
3. Wrap the shoe in a piece of white tissue paper to avoid color transfer from the paper to the shoe. Then place the shoe in a shoe bag. If the shoe did not come with a shoe bag, you can purchase them at a local shoe store or simply wrap your shoes in clean cotton towels.
4. Place the shoes in the box they came in. Make sure the outside of the box is clearly labeled for easy access to the shoes for future use.

Supplies Needed:

• 2 pillow cases - Preferably white, to avoid color transfer.
• Color-safe laundry detergent
• Washing Machine
• Tissue paper or shoe tree- will help retain the shape of the shoe while drying.
• Soap and water and a clean cloth or sponge- To be used if the shoes have a leather sole.

1. Place each shoe inside its own pillowcase.
2. Place in washing machine. You can add some towels or other clothing in similar colors to lessen the clomping around in the machine.
3. Add color-safe laundry detergent and wash on the delicate cycle on the cold water setting.

If the shoes are made of a fabric that is not machine washable, or have leather soles, they can be cleaned with a soap and water solution, using a clean cloth or a sponge.

Munro American offers many shoes that are constructing using durable yet stylish fabrics.


The Traci is a dress slip on by Munro American. It features durable stretch fabric with stylish detailing. With its shock absorbing sole, padded insole and 1.5 inch heel, the Traci is as comfortable as it is stylish. It fits perfectly into a dress wardrobe. As with all shoes made by Munro American, it is offered in all sizes from 4-14 and widths from Super-Slim to Double Wide. The Traci is made in the USA

Cleaning suede shoes

Suede is a type of leather with a velvety raised surface called a "nap". This nap causes suede to spoil and show signs of wear more easily than normal leather, so special care needs to be taken to extend the life of your suede shoes and keep them looking great. The steps below will show you how to care for suede without causing shrinkage or further damage to the material.

To properly clean suede shoes, you will need the following supplies.

• Suede protector spray - This should be used on shoes to waterproof them and to offer some protection from stains. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on the side of the can.
• Suede cleaning brush - Used to remove dirt and bring the nap of the suede back up.
• Small knife- If the suede is very worn, the knife can be used to carefully scrape the nap back up in shiny worn areas.
• Nail brush - The nail brush's stiff bristles can be used to remove dried, caked on mud from suede.
• Sponge - The sponge is needed if you have to try to repair water damaged suede.
• Pencil eraser - An eraser can help to remove dirt marks on suede.

To clean your suede shoes you would start by using a suede cleaning brush to remove any dust and to bring the nap back up. If there are areas that are worn and appear shiny, focus on them, brushing in the same direction with each stroke. If the areas are extremely worn, you can use a small knife to carefully scrape the nap back up and then continue with the suede cleaning brush.

If your shoes have dirt spots, you can use a pencil eraser to remove the spot from the suede. Rub the eraser across the spot in the same direction, the dirt spot will transfer from the shoe to the eraser. Brush any eraser remnants off the shoe.

If there is caked-on mud on the suede shoes, wait until the mud has completely dried and use a stiff bristled brush, such as a nail brush to remove all mud from the shoes. Pay special attention to the seams and any areas that may be hard to reach.

If your suede shoes become wet, they may show spotting or discoloration in relation to the dry areas. To remedy this, wet the shoes all over and remove excess water with a sponge. Use a shoe tree or stuff the toes with white unprinted paper to keep the shape of the shoe. Allow the shoe to dry overnight and then brush with a suede brush to restore the nap.

Stains on suede can be difficult to remove. Attempt to remove with a suede brush, if necessary, a bit of water may help lift the stain.

Once the shoes are cleaned, spray with a suede protection spray according to the directions on the can.

Munro American offers many styles that are constructed using suede or nubuck in the uppers.

Polishing leather shoes.

Polishing leather shoes can revive worn leather and extend the life of the shoe. In addition to regular cleanings, leather shoes should be cleaned whenever they become soiled to prevent stains or caked on dirt.

Here is a list of the supplies needed to properly polish a pair of leather shoes:

Shoe polish - Either wax polish or cream polish. Wax polish will help to waterproof the shoes while cream polish will keep the leather supple. You should alternate polish types with each polishing, using wax polish one time and cream polish the next.

Natural bristle hand brush - Used to remove dirt and dust from the shoe before polishing. You can also have a second one on hand for polishing the shoe.

Toothbrush and a soft cloth - Used to apply polish. The toothbrush can be used to ensure polish is applied into creases and other spots that are hard to reach with just a cloth. The cloth can be used to apply polish to the entire shoe.

Chamois - Used to enhance the shine on shoes after being polished with a brush.

1. To polish your leather shoes, remove the laces if the shoe has them, to make sure the tongue is polished as well.

2. Use a brush or soft cloth to remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the shoes.

3. Use a toothbrush to apply polish to creases and hard to reach areas. Then use a cloth to apply polish to worn areas. Let the shoe sit for a few minutes to absorb the polish.

4. Use a natural bristle brush to briskly brush the leather to shine the shoes.

5. Touch up the polish with a chamois to bring out extra shine and remove any excess polish so it does not stain clothing that comes in contact with the shoe.

Munro American's leather shoes respond well to routine polishing and can greatly extend the life of their shoes.

The Journey is a Mary Jane casual shoe by Munro American. Constructed using soft nubuck suedes and kid leathers, the stylish Mary Jane shoe features Munro's exclusive Tech Sole for added shock absorption and slip resistance. The Journey's removable polyurethane footbed allows for orthotic inserts for added comfort and support. It is available in all sizes (4-14) and widths (4A to 2E) made by Munro American. The Journey is made of quality materials in the USA.