Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-01

When possible, buy shoes of the best
quality. as they will look better, wear
better and can be repaired more often
than cheap shoes, retaining their
original good shape. Patronize the best
stores, where statesmen are in attend
ance whose business it is to see that
customers are properly fitted from every
point of view.
If you can afford it, buy two pairs of
shoes at the same time for the same
use. If alternated, these will outlast
two pairs bought consecutively and will
benefit the feet by each pair proving to
be little rest from the other This
plan enables the shoes to be thoroughly
dried and well aired before they are
used again.
Take plenty of time when buying
shoes, Try on both shoes of a pair
Stand with your weight entirely on one
foot and then on the other. Shoes may
seem to be comfortable when you stand
with your weight distributed upon both
feet. but when you throw all the weight
on one foot you may find it very I'M
comfortable. Do not overlook the fact
that when carrying the hodyS weight
the feet are longer than wiitlA vhey are
relaxed.
Nothing is gained by wearing tight
shoes. as this practice enlarges the
Joints, spelling the appearance of the
feet and finally neCesSitating the wear
ing Of larger shoe permanently.
Fewer people would pinch their feet if
those who do pinch them realized that
between half sizes in shoes there is q
difference of only one-eighth of an inch.
To the wearer of the shoes that differ
ence. imperceptible to the sight, means
absolute comfort instead of painful dis
IN 11n MI SO
mistake to wear shoes that are too loose,
as blister on the heel is quite as
painful as callouS on the toe
Not only should shoes be of the cor
rect size. but they should also have
the right kind of a heel heel may be
much too tigh for one foot and just the
right height for another to give the
proper elasticity of step. A fiat foot
with very little arch aid low instep
requires low, fiat heel, but a high in
step and high arch may demand a well
set heel of medium height.
OF course, heels that thrust the body
of the wearer forward on the balls of
the feet are not only uncomfortable, but
positively injurious. Shoes should be
built on lines that follow the shape of
the foot, narrow enough at one end to
hold the heel closely, wide enough at
the other end to allow the toes to lie
fiat, and secured snugly across the in
step. Look for these characteristics
when buying shoes.
Proper Care of Shoes.
Before wearing new shoes, or shoes
that have been re-soled, cover the out
side OF the sole with olive oil. This will
soak IN Immediately. Repeat the proc
ess four or five times The oil makes
the leather last twice as long, and keeps
out dampness.
To prevent shoes creaking, rub cas-
tor oil literally into the soles, and occa-
sionally apply little sweet oil or vase
line to the uppers to keep the leather
supple, as the oil tends to harden if the
shoes are put away for any length of
time. If an application of the oil to the
soles does not remedy the trouble, soak
the SoleS for some time in cold water
with some salt dissolved in it, then stand
the shoes or boots with the Soles in lin
seed oil for about "a hours.
Wet or damp shoes should be placed
to dry on their sides, so as to allow both
the inside and the outside to dry thor
oughly. Place them either in draft or
in a very moderately warm place. Never
leave them near a fire or on the rack Of
kitchen range. When shoes are
muddy, remove the mud before it dries,
Will d OdHlJ ClOtIl OF sponge. II al
lowed to dry on, it will cause the leather
to crack. To make shoes waterproof,
give them coat of gum copal Put this
on until they shine like a bottle.
AS soon as shoes show any sign of
wear, either on soles or heels, they
should be repaired at once. If neglected,
they will lose their shape. Examine the
inside of the shoe to see whether the
lining is worn through. A ragged lining
will wear stocking out in day. You
can mend worn lining with a smooth,
not fuzzy, piece of chamois skin and
some glue. Cut a piece little larger
than the hole and smooth down the
patch. To prevent sticking to your
fingers, dust some talcum powder on
your fingers and on the outside Of your
patch. Be careful not to drop any glue
IN the shoe. Put away until thoroughly
dry.
Shoe trees will prevent shoes from
wrinkling and becoming out Of shape
and shabby. The trees should not be
put into the shoes right away after
they are taken Off. Some little time
should be allowed for airing. If shoe
trees are not available, the shoes may
be stuffed with paper.
Special Cleaning Methods.
To renovate patent leather shoes, first
dust them well, then polish and clean
@sfI r- l.