Some shoes hardly have a scuff and can be cleaned and maintained at home with very little effort. Others are made with sensitive materials or need a little more care. That is when it is prudent to use professional shoe care products for all your care and cleaning needs.

In order to keep your kicks looking their best for as long as possible, they need a good cleaning once in awhile. Depending on the type of material, there are special soaps and cleansers that you can use to achieve cleanliness. Most shoes can't just be thrown in the wash or submerged in water without ruining them, so follow the directions on the bottle of cleanser to ensure they stay in tip top shape.

Washing alone won't return your pair back to their original luster. In order to make them truly shine, you will have to shine them after you are done cleaning. Invest in a bottle or tin of pro level polish to make sure you are getting a good formula that won't damage the shoes at all. Also buy a good brush with bristles that are just the right firmness to get the job done with scratching.

Depending on the weather in your area, waterproofing your shoes might be a good idea. People who work in damp environments will also find this to be a good idea. Several of these pro products are available widely that prevent water from permeating your shoes to keep your feet dry in case you accidentally slip in a puddle or get caught in a rainstorm. Not only do they keep your feet dry, but they also help guard against stains and water damage to your shoes' material.

Sometimes your favorite pair of shoes pinches just a little bit when you walk, which can cause unneeded pain. Instead of donating or returning those shoes, you can use a stretcher to get them a little longer or wider, depending on your needs. These usually come in a pair in both men's and women's sizes, are adjustable and may come with special stretching fluid as well.

Scuffs are unsightly and can ruin the overall look of any outfit you pair those shoes with. Scuffs and fading usually occur in the heels and toes, but you can combat them with special dyes. Buy a professional dye that is made for the specific shoe material you need. Choose from several varieties and colors to get the perfect match, ensuring your kicks look as good as new with a single treatment.

Suede shoes are beautiful to look at and feel, but they are also very persnickety when it comes to care. The same goes for nubuck, which is similar to suede. There are special cleaners and tools that professionals use to care specifically for these types of shoes so that you get as much life out of them as possible.

When you buy a nice pair of shoes, no matter what the cost or material, you are hoping they will last. Protect your investment by using professional tools to ensure they stay looking great for the long haul. You will then be able to wear them for years to come, making the investment in pro level tools worth it in the end.