The Washington times., 1894-03-30
The Use and Gar0
Of Footwear,


There is probably no place where money
can be invested to such an advantage as re-
CARDS the wardrobe as in the purchase of easy,
good-itting well-made shoes. After satisfac-
tory footwear has been purchased, there are
many suggestions as to its care, which, If fol-
lowed, will preserve the articles in good con-
dition for a long time. whereas, if neglected,
the shoes will be shabby long before they are
worn out.
Dust Injuries shoes nearly If not quite as
much as mud; therefore, a shoe box or shoe
bag, to protect them from dust, is advisable.
Any well-made box, with hinged lid, neatly
covered with cretonne or suitable fabrics, Will
answer the double purpose OF shoe box and
seat. shoe bag may be made in the usual
fashion. with curtain of the same material
fastened across the top and reaching to the
bottom of the bag.
Many advocate a daily change of shoes,
especially if the wearer suffers from perspir-
ing feet This gives the shoes chance to
dry, and it is claimed that by this method the
leather lasts longer. That is. two pairs OF
shoes worn alternately will last longer than
two pairs of shoes worn one pair at time
until finished.
An economy which requires time but which
pays better than most economies, is the wear
ing OF old shoes at home. when at work, ETC.,
and the saving of better articles to be worn
abroad. This Is often inconvenient when one
needs to go down town in hurry. but ii
PAYS This is especially true in winter if
person is in the habit of keeping the feet
upon the stove. register. or coil or before the
open fire; the shoes worn mornings may be
concealed. in case OF n hasty trip down street,
with overshoes or rubbers.
{ ,lusf inilIrlOuc TO leather. carefully
wipe all dust from the shoes on returning
from tramp. Mud and sand not only de-
stroy the backing, but cracks the leather and
should be removed from the shoes at the
earliest opportunity.
If shoes have been badly wet, the following
treatment may prevent any serious injury to
the leather: As soon as possible thoroughly
oil them. rubbing the oil into the leather with
a flannel cloth. Put the shoes into dry
place to cool slowly, and work the shoes with
the hands to prevent the leather drying stiff
in some set shape. When thoroughly dry oil
the shoes a little more, and place them near
the fire. so the oil may dry out. Olive. lin
seed. or castor oil will do for this purpose.
When fine shoes have become dingy and
need backing, thoroughly oil, and, after the
oil has dried out in a measure, apply the
liquid polish The LIQUID cracks the leather,
more or less. if used without the oil. An i'm
provemcnt on this rs it acts much like the
oil and polish combined and does not crack
the leather, is a glycerine dressing of French
manufacture. This backing comes in small
tin boxes. and is applied to the shoes with a
flannel cloth. 1t does not shine, but is very
black and has gloss enough 10 satisfy people
of sensible taste.
1t often pays to have a flexible, hand
turned shoe hall-soled if the sole gives out
before the leather is much injured; but if
the leather has begun TO crack at all. it is a
waste of money. For substantial buttoned
-t,g Il, h.,-a tl,.
buttons fastened on by the patent process
For very fine shoes, the buttons are best
sewed on by hand. as the patent clasps often
tear the delicate leather.
Some consider it an advantage to wear half
shoes Summer and Winter. In Summer it GER
tainly is cooler and cheaper. For Winter
some claim one pair of gaiter tops will out
wear three or four pairs OF half shoes and
necessitate only an occasional expense as to
shoetops. and half shoes sell at reduced
prices in the Fall. Besides, they argue il is
more comfortable TO remove the CATERS in
the house and don them when going out.
One woman who is ''haldy body" and
can make anything, as her friends say, man
ufactures her gaiter tops out of her husbands
old coats. etc. This same woman makes
babies shoes out OF the wrists of discarded
suede gloves and old felt hats. She likewise
contrives bedroom slippers for children from
two or three pairs of undressed kid gloves or
or with the same a contrasting shade of
kid. 1t is true that ordinary dress braid cuts
shoes at the back where it hits them. and
velvet or yelveteen bindings are protection.
As TO the childrens shoes? That's an un-
solved problem. For every day wear. when
there is not time to bl8cken all the little pairs
each morning. shoes of russet leather or can
vas make the most respectable appearance.
Never make the mistake. for fear of getting
the shoes too small of getting them too
large. Surely the children DO not outgrow
their shoes when it is necessary to get new
pair once MONTH Too large shoes are
nearly as injurious as too small ones
Gasoline and black tube paint may be COM
bined TO dye colored suede shoes black after
they have become soiled. Be sure the black
paint is thoroughly dissolved. and then pro-
ceed TO saturate the suede with the dye. using
a large brush to put on the color. When dry
repeat the operation, and even a third coat
will not be useless. After the shoes have
been worn awhile and begin to looi, dingy,
treat them to a fresh coat OF the dye.