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These tips may sound like a hassle, but if you want your shoes to last, this is the way to do it.

Buy a Lot

There's a rule we can all love. Leather shoes last best if they're rested between wearings, so buy enough that you don't have to wear the same pair every day. Leather retains moisture from your feet, which will eventually cause it to dry and crack if you don't give them a chance to air out for a day or so. Rotating them will help keep them looking better for a longer period.

Put Them in Trees

Shoe trees, that is. They'll keep their shape, and the toes won't curl. Store them away from heat, which dries the leather and may cause cracking. Also, keep shoes in a dry place to avoid mildew.

Horn In

Using a shoe horn will keep the back of your shoe from breaking, and will preserve the shape of the heel.

Polish Early and Often

Leather thrives on natural oils, so you're doomed to polish those boots and shoes regularly if you want them to last. Major jobs will first require an application of saddle soap--one of the most delicious smells in the world, according to legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland.

Don't skimp on polish--avoid synthetics and choose high quality cream polishes or beeswax.

Power of Per-suede-sion

Use a suede brush to keep the nap up; very fine sandpaper can also raise the nap on bald spots. Just be very gentle, okay?

Patent Power

Clean with a soft cloth using shoe products designed specifically for patent leather--or just rub a little petroleum jelly on the surface.

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Feet

Once home, stuff shoes with tissue and let them air dry away from heat.