Hong Kong Shoe Cabinet Guide

Space is a premium in Hong Kong, I’ve said this in my previous blog and I’ll keep saying it. With this firmly in mind, I don’t think we should sacrifice on belongings due to lack of space, instead we should be creative in the way we utilize the space we have (think 3D Tetris).

One of the things I really value are my shoes, albeit I don’t own any premium luxury brand shoes I do like to keep a collection of sports trainers or sneakers. I’m sure some of your readers also have a different pair based on activities such as work, hiking, exercising and so forth.

How To Properly Clean Shoes

Depending on the different materials you will need to use a unique method to clean them. 

• Sport shoes

Fortunately, sporty shoes are among the most easy to clean thanks to their durable materials such as nylon, cotton and polyester. To start, wipe away any excessive amount of dirt with a wet cloth, remove the lace and soles where possible and you can optionally put them both in a washing net too and then place them into the washing machine. Add your typical washing detergents, heavy duty ones are acceptable here and add some towels to prevent the shoes from banging around too much at high spin. Set the machine on delicate or gentle and you’re good to go.

Note: Do not subject sport shoes to any heat drying as the materials cannot stand it, just let them air dry instead.

• Leather shoes

Its best to clean leather shoes with an equal mix of water and white vinegar to remain any stains, allow for them to air dry afterwards and never expose them to heat drying. You can opt to use shoe polish and follow their instructions and for the shiny leather shoes, finish it off with a spray of alcohol-free glass cleaner to restore shine.

• Suede or NuBuck Shoes

These kind of shoes need to be regularly cleaned to preserve them. They need to remain dry and so the optimal method will be to use a soft bristled brush to clear away any dirt. If they are stained with water, immediately blot it out with paper towers or towels, let rest air dry. If there are oil stains, place baby powder on it to absorb for around one hour before brushing it out. If the oil stain persists, continue the method until it is all absorbed.

• Fabric shoes

This material covers a range of shoes including sporty ones, yet they may be the most labour intensive ones to clean. You cannot simple throw them in the washing machine, as this may warp or damage them so you must hand clean them. With a combination of cloth, dish washing liquid, warm water and a soft brush, you must carefully wash, clean and air dry them away from direct sunlight.

How to protect shoes

Whether you bought a brand new pair or cleaned them you need to know how to properly care for them so that remain shiny. This is understandable, if you’re like me, and have a white pair of trainers you want them staying white, and if you see them have some dirt one them, you think they are ruined and scarred. Below are best examples of how you can keep well protected.

•  Protection/water proof spray

Perhaps the first and best protection you can get for your shoes is a protective spray that coats your shoes in a chemical layer that increases the surface tension. This way water will not be absorbed and simple roll off. This works wonders in the rain, though you need to reapply the spay every now and then depending on usage.

•  Heel caps

Tired of your heels getting damaged or messed? Try putting on a heel guard to protect it from damages. Over time they may wear out, replace them with new ones

• Leather treatment

Leather shoes are arguable one of the most commonly worn shoes for the working class. But the constant use and exposure to elements such as sunlight, heat and humidity can take its toll. To maintain its optimal condition, apply leather cream/condition on it regularly.

•  Humidity or Charcoal bags

Whether you live in a humid location or often swear thanks your hard workout, these bags can really save the day. They will absorb the moisture out of the insides of your shoes and by doing so will kill any smell causing bacteria that thrives on the moisture.

• Store them in a dark and dry location

Without a doubt, they are best stored in a shoe cabinet which protects shoes from direct sunlight, dust and offer some humidity protection when combined with humidity absorbing products. Beyond this, shoe cabinets offer space for the shoes to air out.

The problem starts becoming where do I store them all?

I’ve heard that some hard core collectors will diligently clean their new bought shoes every time they are worn and when in storage they will encase them in plastic wrap and vacuum the air out.

We don’t need to go that far, in fact the more suitable method would be to use shoe cabinets. The reason why they work so well is that they make use of vertical space which isn’t normally used.

Instead of neatly piling them near the door, opt for a shoe cabinet that is not only aesthetically pleasing but works with the space you have. Below are different types of shoe cabinets;

•  Shoe boxes

Shoe boxes have become a bit of a trend for shoe collectors in the recent years and they are often featured in their videos as the background. You’ve mostly like seen them before, individual boxes that are at least one side transparent. The benefit of this is that each pair is neatly tucked away, you can see inside for convenient selection and they can be stacked.

• Open and simple 3 tier shelf

Perhaps one of the more common shoe racks that you will come across in Hong Kong are the open ones which are easy to assemble and put into place and open to view and freely take. Often located at doorways you can find them in with different level tiers.

• Compact Shoe rack

These ones have their own unique pros and cons to them, the first being that they can be bulky in appearance but on the other hand they offer protection from accidental liquid spills and dust. These would be a great choice for the more expensive shoes.

•  Seated shoe cabinets

This one has two functions in one, the seat and the shoe storage beneath which in my mind makes perfect sense, every time you go shopping for shoes, you would firstly always try them on, in that process you are put them on sitting down. So why should it be any different at home?

• Sliding door shoe cabinet

Sliding door shoe cabinet are great to store your shoes away from direct sunlight and have sufficient room to air them. The size of them can be a little big, though perfect if you don’t have a large amount of shoes.

• Over the door shoe hangers

If you are not overly concerned about the appearance of your shoe storage then this option may suit you. Utilize the empty space behind your doors to store them.

• Tall shoe cabinets

Since lack of space is the main concern, then buying a tall shoe cabinet works best for you and will transform your doorway. No longer face the pile of shoes jumbled together and blocking the door, store them in a tall shoe cabinet. If you use wooden shoe boxes they offer protection from water, dust and sunlight.

If you enjoyed this article and are considering buying a shoe cabinet please take a look at our selection.