Kiwi wants Americans to save money with shoe care tips

EXTON, Pa. A shoe care brand under the Sara Lee umbrella is offering tips to consumers on the importance of shoe care in order to curb spending.

Kiwi shoe care found that 57% of surveyed American consumers said they plan to be "frugal fashionistas" when it comes to shoe shopping this spring – if the old shoe fits, they will wear it.

KIWI recommends consumers take the following steps to better take care of and protect their shoes:

• Clean before you polish: Dirt and other debris can easily get stuck in leather shoes. Be sure to clean your shoes and remove excess dirt and debris prior to polishing
• Whiten your whites: White shoes can easily be rehabbed with shoe whitener. You'll be able to cover up any scuffs or dark marks, hiding all of the evidence that you nabbed those shoes from your closet, not the store
• April showers… can ruin your shoes: You should always protect your suede and nubuck shoes before you wear them for the first time – especially shoes and boots you plan to wear in the rain. If they do end up getting completely soaked, stuff them with newspaper while they dry to help keep their shape. Always allow them to dry naturally, away from direct heat
• 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 sandals), stuff the toecap with newspaper or tissue. Never store or dry leather shoes near direct heat
• Travel smart: If traveling, place your shoes inside a shoe bag or wrap them in a soft material for additional protection.

"At Kiwi, we are committed to helping our customers put their best foot forward and feel confidence in their everyday lives," said Martin Lind, president of household and beverage for Sara Lee. "Just because many of us are pinching pennies this spring, doesn't mean our shoes need to look the part. There are simple, wallet-friendly steps everyone can take to extend the life of their shoes in order to look and feel confident."

For additional tips on protecting and caring for your shoes or for more information on Kiwi products or where to buy them, please visit Kiwicare.com