Celebrity ballroom dancer Cheryl Burke reveals how she keeps her shoes looking and feeling fabulous.

If you’ve perused through the mall recently, you’ve seen many a shoe shelf stocked with bright, shiny new spring and summer styles. In the past, many of us would rush out to purchase new shoes for the upcoming season, but this year, we’re moving to the beat of a new drum. As the economy struggles to regain its footing, most women are wondering how to extend the life of many items already in their closets – especially their shoes. But whether you are a career-minded fashionista or a busy mom on-the-go, nothing can ruin a great outfit more than a scuffed or dirty pair of shoes.

As a professional dancer, I always make sure my shoes are in tip-top shape – both on the dance floor and in my everyday life. Just because your spring and summer shoes are looking tired from last season, doesn’t mean you have to break the bank o replace them. There are simple, wallet-friendly steps every woman can take to extend the life of her shoes and still look fabulous. Here are some steps I take to keep my shoes in star condition, ensuring that I’m always looking and feeling my best.

• Clean before you polish. Dirt and other debris can easily get stuck in leather shoes. Be sure to clean your shoes to remove excess dirt and debris prior to polishing.
• Protect while storing. Don’t just throw your shoes on the floor of your closet after wearing. Store leather shoes using a shoetree to help retain the shape of the leather. If a shoetree won’t work (such as for strappy shoes), stuff the toe-cap with newspaper or tissue. Never store or dry leather shoes near direct heat.
• Protect your suede. You should always protect your suede shoes before you wear them for the first time – especially Uggs and other shoes and boots that you plan to wear in inclement weather. KIWI’s Suede & Nubuck Protector provides maximum protection against water and stains without darkening or discoloring the shoe. In addition, if your suede shoes get completely soaked, stuff them with newspaper while they dry to help keep their shape.  Always allow them to dry naturally, away from direct heat.
• Pack smart. If traveling, place your shoes inside a shoe bag or wrap them in a soft material for additional protection.
• Be comfortable. So many women stuff their feet into narrow, inflexible shoes day in and day out. If you aren’t ready to trade in your stilettos for flats, check out KIWI® SMILING FEET® clear gel inserts. KIWI SMILING FEET products can slide into any shoe – open-toe, closed-toe or stiletto – so you can go all day and not worry about foot pain.

For additional tips on protecting and caring for your best shoes or for information on the KIWI products I use to keep my shoes in star condition, visit www.KIWIcare.com.