At Flip Flops & What Nots, we believe that every pair of shoes should take you far—literally and stylishly! Whether you're living in your flip-flops or rocking comfy sneakers, giving your shoes a little TLC goes a long way in keeping them looking fresh and feeling great. Here's how to stretch the lifespan of your favorite footwear with simple, smart care routines.
Clean Smarter, Not Harder
Cleaning your shoes doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be consistent.
Flip-Flops & Sandals:
Wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap weekly, especially if you wear them near water or sand. For a deeper clean, soak them in warm water with baking soda and scrub gently with a toothbrush.
Sneakers & Casual Shoes:
Remove laces and insoles, then spot-clean with gentle soap and water. Avoid throwing them in the washer unless the label says it's safe—many sneakers last longer when cleaned by hand.
Pro Tip: Let your shoes air dry naturally. Heat from dryers can warp their shape or break down materials.
Store with Care
How and where you store your shoes makes a huge difference.
- Give Them Breathing Room: Keep shoes in a cool, dry space. Avoid tossing them in a hot car or stuffy closet where they can warp, crack, or collect moisture.
- Stuff ‘Em Right: Maintain shape with tissue paper or shoe trees. This is especially helpful for closed-toe shoes and sneakers.
- Rotate Your Pairs: Don’t wear the same pair every day. Rotating lets each pair breathe and recover between wears—keeping them fresher longer!
Repair Before You Replace
Don’t toss your shoes at the first sign of wear! A little attention can save you money and keep your favorites in rotation.
- Replace Insoles: Worn-out insoles can be swapped out for added comfort and support.
- Tighten Loose Soles: Grab some shoe glue or visit a local cobbler for quick fixes.
- Watch the Heels & Treads: Uneven wear can throw off your balance. Keep an eye on the soles and get them repaired before the damage spreads.
Care by Material
Different materials need different love:
- Canvas: Spot clean and avoid soaking to prevent shrinkage.
- Leather: Wipe clean, condition regularly, and keep away from direct sunlight.
- Rubber (like flip-flops): Super easy—just wash and go, but don’t leave them baking on hot pavement!
Pro Tip: Prevent stains in the first place by using Scotch Guard or a Rain & Stain Spray on materials like canvas, suede, and fabric.
Bonus: Your Shoes Tell a Story
Your shoes carry you through life’s moments—vacations, first dates, beach walks, and school runs. With a little care, they’ll be ready for the next adventure, too. And when you shop with us in-store or online, we’re always happy to help you find the right pair—and keep it looking its best.
At FlipFlops & Whatnots, we’re here for the long haul—and so are your shoes.
Love your soles, and they’ll love you back 💗 Find your next favorite pair in our boutique in Birmingham, AL, or in our online shoe store.