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    <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/?sAtom=1" rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" />
    <author>
        <name>Collonil EN</name>
    </author>
    <title>Blog / Atom feed</title>
    <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/?sRss=1</id>
    <updated>2026-04-30T11:10:10+02:00</updated>
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">How to Waterproof Your Shoes and Clothes</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/how-to-waterproof-your-shoes-and-clothes</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/how-to-waterproof-your-shoes-and-clothes"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Waterproofing isn&#039;t something to save for a rainy day. Applying water repellent products to clothes and shoes gives them optimal protection, rain or shine.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 Taking care of your shoes doesn’t have to be a monumental task. Waterproof them, let them dry and voilà, your shoes are protected from the elements. There are a few things you should keep in mind, however, to make sure you get the most out of your waterproofing treatment. 
 Base Coat for Brand New Shoes 
 You should give all your newly bought shoes thorough treatment with a waterproofing product immediately after purchase. New shoes generally aren’t sufficiently waterproofed by the manufacturer. Spray shoes two or three times prior to their first wear to give them a solid base coat. Later, you can refresh the coat depending on how often you wear the shoes and the seasonal weather conditions. 
 Proper waterproofing doesn’t only protect leather from moisture, but also from dirt. The waterproof layer prevents hard-to-clean dirt from soaking into deeper layers of the leather. You’ll also quickly learn that waterproofing shoes makes them much easier to clean. 
   
 The Correct Order: Clean, Waterproof, Polish 
 Make sure to always apply water repellent spray before other care products such as polish, but after cleaning. Waterproofing products affect deep layers of the leather, whilst polish works on more surface-level layers. 
 Of course, exceptions are often the rule. The exception in this case is called  NANOPRO , a spray that creates a water-resistant layer on the surface of leather goods and thus should be applied at the very end, after all other care products. 
  Step-By-Step Waterproofing Guide  
   
 
  Apply waterproofing spray to your shoes and boots outdoors if possible. If this isn’t an option, make sure you apply any products in a well-ventilated space and away from children.  PROTECT &amp;amp; CARE  is a good choice for environmentally conscious consumers. The pump spray is part of Collonil’s organic line and is free from propellants and solvents.  
   Hold the waterproofing spray about one can’s length away from your shoe, i.e., ca. 30cm..   
 Make sure you apply the water repellent spray evenly and in moderation. The shoe shouldn’t get soaked. Instead of the principle ‘more is better’, think ‘a little bit and often’.&amp;nbsp; 
 Allow waterproofing spray to dry for at least 20 minutes at room temperature after applying. Avoid drying shoes too close to heat sources as these can cause leather to become brittle. 
 Repeat application frequently. We recommend refreshing your shoes’ waterproof coat after every 7-10 wears during winter. You should also apply a fresh treatment after each intensive wet cleaning. 
 
 Waterproofing Clothes 
 Your shoes aren’t the only pieces of attire that will benefit greatly from an encounter with waterproof products. 
 Other articles of clothing, especially porous leather jackets, can easily get water spots if they aren’t properly treated. It’s best to apply water repellent products immediately after purchase. Waterproofing also helps protect leather jackets from getting dirty. After all, if your leather jacket gets dirty, you can’t simply throw it in the wash. 
 The same can be said of motorcycle gear. In this case, damage from rain, road dust and greasy stains can be quite extreme. However, here it’s also important that the waterproofing spray you use doesn’t affect the breathability of your gear. It’s a difficult balance to strike, but  CARBON PRO  manages to let moisture out and prevent it from coming in simultaneously. 
 Functional outdoor or sport clothing and ski gear also benefit from waterproofing. Here, you have the option of using a wash-in waterproof product so you can save yourself the trouble of trying to apply an even coat to a large area with a single spray bottle. Wash-in products also have the advantage of being used solely indoors; no need to stand outside to use them. It’s important to note, however, that this type of treatment also requires repeated application. 
 Allrounders and Specialists 
  CARBON PRO &amp;nbsp;is a versatile, reliable and high-performance product for all your waterproofing needs, and is suitable for use with shoes, bags, clothing, textiles and both smooth leather and suede or nubuck. The spray can even be used on items with functional membranes. Thanks to its innovative technology,&amp;nbsp; CARBON PRO  prevents moisture from entering the fibres of these fabrics whilst maintaining their breathability. The spray forms a grid structure on the material that allows moisture from within to escape, but prevents any external liquid from entering. 
   
 Using an allrounder like&amp;nbsp; CARBON PRO  (or  NANOPRO ) will take care of most your waterproofing needs. However, in some circumstances you’ll need to turn to specialist products to give appropriate protection to certain materials. 
 Here is an overview of our specialist products: 
 
 
 
 
 
 Type of leather 
 
 
  Product  
 
 
 
 
 Smooth leather 
 
 
  Waterstop Spray  oder 
  Waterstop Reloaded  (PFC frei) 
 
 
 
 
 Suede &amp;amp; nubuck 
 
 
   Nubuk &amp;amp; Velours    
 
 
 
 
 Nappa, aniline, brushed leather 
 
 
   1909 Supreme Wax   
 
 
 
 
 Pull-up leather, oiled nubuck 
 
 
   Rustical Spray   
 
 
 
 
 Sheepskin boots 
 
 
   Fashion Boots   
 
 
 
 
 Silver, gold or metallic leather 
 
 
   Metallic Spray   
 
 
 
 
 Leather clothing 
 
 
   Waterproofer for clothing    
 
 
 
 
 Hiking boots and outdoor equipment 
 
 
   Universal Protector   
 
 
 
 
 Functional outdoor and sport clothing 
 
 
   Outdoor Wash In Protector   
 
 
 
 
 Stingray leather, crocodile leather, fish leather, snakeskin, ostrich leather 
 
 
   Exotic Spray   
 
 
 
 
 
                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2018-03-20T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">5 Tips for Buying Shoes</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/5-tips-for-buying-shoes</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/5-tips-for-buying-shoes"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Too big? Too small? Too wide? Too narrow? Shoe shopping certainly raises some questions. Here&#039;s how to prevent making a bad purchase.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
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                 Shoe shopping: For some it’s a hobby, for others, a necessary evil that they’d rather avoid. Regardless of how seasoned a shoe shopper you are, there are a few points you should pay attention to in order to find the perfect fit every time. 
 Find the Proper Size 
 You may have noticed when trying on different shoes that your typical size doesn’t always fit. Shoe sizes vary widely from brand to brand. Also, most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other – sometimes a person’s feet are a whole size apart. Thus, it’s important to try both shoes on before you buy. If there is a slight difference in fit due to size or width, the  PERFECT  semi-insole may help balance things out. 
 The &quot;Rule of Thumb&quot; test has proven itself to be good way to find a person’s ideal fit. There should be at least a thumb’s width between the end of your toe and the front of the shoe. If there’s less space than that, your toes will likely strike against the toe cap. 
 Things are slightly different when it comes to shoes with cut out insteps. Ballerina flats, pumps or men’s slippers fit into this category. Less than a thumb’s width is usually sufficient in this case, and sometimes necessary for a snug fit and secure grip. That’s why you can often go down a size in shoes with a substantial heel. 
 If you’re buying winter boots, make sure you consider whether you’d like to wear them with thick socks or insoles. Bring a pair of winter socks with you to the shoe store or ask if you can test out your insoles. 
 It’s important to look at shoe length both whilst sitting and standing. Stand up and take a few steps wearing the shoes. That way, all of your body weight will be on your feet and you’ll get a realistic impression of how much your foot slides forward in the shoe. 
 If your toes hit the toe cap, the shoes are clearly too short. If you don’t feel like you have a solid foothold in the shoe, they are likely too large or too wide across the instep. If this is the case, you’ll feel your foot slide forward in the shoe and your heel slip out the back. 
 Pay Attention to Width 
 A good fit isn’t only dependent on shoe length, however. Width also plays a large role in whether a shoe sits comfortably on your foot. The base of your foot shouldn’t be confused with width. Foot width takes both the base width and the height of your arch into account. 
 The interplay between width and length often presents challenges for those with narrow or wide feet. It often leads to people buying the incorrect shoe size. This can damage the shoe, but even worse, it can seriously injure your feet. 
 Avoid These Common Mistakes 
 Whilst leather is indeed flexible, it has its limits. If you have very wide feet and wear narrow shoes, you’ll have to deal with more than just sore feet. The leather and seams are put under more strain and are more likely to split at the sides. If you’re wearing shoes with cutouts, the pressure can even damage your skin. 
 Some people tend to buy shoes that are too large since they feel wider and more comfortable, but that often means less grip, which is also bad for your feet. 
 Those with narrow feet tend to buy shoes that are too small. Of course, this can also hurt your feet because your toes are pressed for space. Leather can stretch side to side, but not front to back. Note: It doesn’t necessarily mean that the shoe is too small if your foot isn’t completely unfurled. Socks or stockings that are too tight could also be the culprit! 
 If you select the proper size, but they are too wide, you’re left with very little stability in your shoe. The front of your foot grips at the widest part of the shoe. If a shoe is too wide, deep creases can form, which don’t only harm the leather and seams, but also make the shoes look more worn. If your shoes fit well, but still have a few points that rub, try stretching the leather with  STRETCH  foam. Of course, this isn’t an option if the shoe is much too narrow. 
 If the shoe width is off, it’s unlikely that a different size will solve the problem, especially if it doesn’t stand up to the thumb test. A shoe that is much too narrow or wide, but has the perfect length is simply not the right shoe for your foot. 
 The Best Time to Buy Shoes 
 Have you ever wondered why your new shoes fit perfectly in the shop yesterday evening, but are far too wide today? This was probably due to the fact that your foot volume fluctuates during the day. The more you stand and walk, the more your feet tend to swell. 
 Thus, it’s better if you don’t go shoe shopping at the end of a long day out or on a day when your legs or body were put to the test, i.e., after intense sports activity or a long trip. If you do, the pair you buy will likely be too wide on a normal day. It’s much better to go shoe shopping in the middle of the day. 
 However, if you work in an environment that requires a lot of standing and walking, the evening is actually the perfect time for you to shop. It’s also a good time to try on summer sandals so you won’t have to later suffer from overly-snug straps in warmer weather. 
 Break Them in - Here’s How 
 Some new pairs of shoes need a little time before they’re really comfortable. The good news is, leather shoes stretch from heat and moisture. Thus, shoes that are a bit too narrow will widen out perfectly after a few wears. 
 Wear your new shoes every day at home – if possible with thick socks – and be sure to use shoe trees when you take them off. Also, try using&amp;nbsp; STRETCH  foam on the tight spots before each wear. 
 Sometimes the soles of high-quality leather shoes are somewhat stiff to begin with. Breaking the shoe in stretches the leather sole and makes it much more flexible. 
 If you’ve paid close attention to finding the proper size and width when buying your shoes, they’ll be ready to take out in no time and you can enjoy the simple pleasure of wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2017-12-18T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">19 Must-Have Products for Your Shoe Shine Kit</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/19-must-have-products-for-your-shoe-shine-kit</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/19-must-have-products-for-your-shoe-shine-kit"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Do you need more than one brush? Special sole cleaner? There are countless products that claim to keep your shoes clean, but these are the absolute essential additions to your personal shoe shine kit.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                  Fans of genuine leather shoes certainly have one of these at home, but those who don sneakers or the season’s latest trends would also be wise to have one on hand: a shoe shine kit. You can keep your entire shoe wardrobe – and that of your family – in good nick with a few basic shoe care products. Some products are versatile, others specific, but the following all belong to a properly outfitted shoe shine kit.  
   Accessories :  
 
  Stiff brush  
  Polishing brush  
  Application brush &amp;nbsp; 
  Suede brush  
  Cleaning brush  
  Polishing cloth  
 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Cleaning :  
 
  Wet cleaning :  Clean &amp;amp; Care Bamboo Lotion 
  Dry cleaning : Nubuk Box  Soft Gum 
  Cream for soles (Reinigungscreme)  
 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Waterproofing :  
 
 Carbon Pro 
 1909 Supreme Wax 
  Leather Gel for seam  
 
 &amp;nbsp; 
   Care :  
 
 1909 Leather Lotion 
  Colour care for smooth leather (Waterstop Colours)  
  Colour care for suede (Nubuk &amp;amp; Textile)  
 1909 Wax Polish 
  Sole Tonic (Sohlentonic)  
 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Clean, Roughen, Polish: The Proper Brushes for Each Task  
  You’ve probably noticed that not all shoe brushes are created equal. Especially if you’ve ever tried to scrape off hardened bits of dirt with a fine goat hair brush. Dress shoes require more gentle handling than their robust outdoor counterparts, and suede requires more attention than smooth leather.  
  1.&amp;nbsp; Cleaning Brushes   
 If your boots are caked in a layer of mud after an enjoyable trek through the forest, the first thing to do is let them dry. Then, go at them with a stiff brush suited to rugged footwear such as the  CLEANING BRUSH . This will also help get rid of any lingering stones or pebbles that are stuck in the soles. 
 If your fine leather or textile shoes are dirty from everyday wear, brushing them with a softer  CLEANING&amp;nbsp;BRUSH &amp;nbsp;suited to textile or leather will likely suffice. To keep the texture of suede shoes in top nick, on the other hand, it’s best to regularly brush them with a  CREPE BRUSH . The smaller side bristles are perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach seams. 
  2.&amp;nbsp;  Care Brushes    
 The small  APPLICATION BRUSH  is the ideal tool for applying care products that are stored in tins or pots. Make sure to use a different brush for each cream polish or wax to avoid mixing colours. 
 Afterwards, make your fine leather shoes shine like new with the soft  POLISHING BRUSH . This will also help to remove any excess colour care. 
  &amp;nbsp;  
  Mild to Intense Cleanin g 
  Different cleaning methods are recommended depending on how dirty your shoes are. However, a well-equipped shoe shine kit is ready for anything.  
  1. Dry Cleaning  
 Using dry cleaning products is one of the most gentle ways to clean your shoes. In addition to simply brushing away surface dirt, you can try using special dry cleaners.  SOFT GUM , for example, erases spots from sensitive materials like fine smooth leather, fabric and microfibre. The  NUBUK BOX  is perfect for gently cleaning suede and removing any lingering specks. 
  2.&amp;nbsp; Wet Cleaning   
  BAMBOO LOTION  is a great product for dealing with harder-to-remove stains whilst also nourishing the shoe material. Apply it to smooth leather using a  POLISHING CLOTH  and to suede using the softer  CLEANING&amp;nbsp;BRUSH . 
 If the dirt has already soaked deep into the material, a more substantial wet cleaning is likely necessary.  CLEAN &amp;amp; CARE  helps to remove those deep stubborn spots without drying out the leather. Afterwards, make sure you let your shoes rest and completely dry. 
  Cleaning Your Soles  
 Light coloured soles in particular require special cleaning to keep them looking like new. The  CLEANING CREAM &amp;nbsp;is perfect for cleaning sneaker midsoles or soles made of crepe. 
   &amp;nbsp;   
  Proper Protection  
  Make sure you leave room in your at-home shoe shine kit for various waterproofing products. Not only do these help protect your shoes from moisture, but they also prevent dirt from soaking into the material.  
  CARBON PRO  is an all-rounder for smooth leather, suede and fabric shoes as well as shoes with special waterproof membranes. If you have a pair of shoes made of fine leather that requires a product containing wax, try  1909 SUPREME WAX . You can clean and protect seams from moisture with  LEATHER GEL . 
  &amp;nbsp;  
  The Final Step: Shoe Care  
 So now that your shoes are clean and protected against further damage, they likely need some nourishment. This is especially true after a wet cleaning. Applying  1909 LEATHER LOTION  will help prevent leather shoes from drying out and cracking. Even if you use wax instead of cream polish, the lotion gives the material the moisture it needs to stay smooth and supple. 
 Don’t forget: Leather soles also require protection and care! Applying  SOHLENTONIC  will waterproof your soles and help them stay flexible. 
   Colour Care with Cream Polish or Wax   
  Applying lotion and tonics will certainly make your shoes look fresher, but they’ll likely also benefit from some additional colour care. Keep a collection of the most common colours in your kit or at least invest in the colours you most often wear.  
 We recommend using  WATERSTOP COLOURS  for smooth leather and  NUBUK &amp;amp; TEXTILE  products for suede. Both of these products nourish the shoes whilst also brightening their colour. 
 If achieving a high-gloss finish is at the top of your list, try using  1909 WAX POLISH  for your smooth leather shoes. Wax not only gets shoes shining, but also offers a layer of protection from the outside world. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2017-12-07T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Easy-Care Children’s Shoes: Think Before You Buy</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/easy-care-children-s-shoes-think-before-you-buy</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/easy-care-children-s-shoes-think-before-you-buy"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Children&#039;s shoes often withstand countless adventures if they&#039;re well cared for, of course. When buying kid&#039;s shoes, make sure to think ahead about the care they require.
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            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 There are few shoes out there that take as much abuse as children’s shoes do. Between the puddles, wet sand and brambles – things that adults tend to avoid and kids love – their shoes can easily end up in a rough state to say the least. 
 When that happens, there’s not much left to do other than to invest a bit of love, shoe polish and elbow grease and get those shoes shining once more. We grown-ups don’t mind cleaning up every now and then, but there are a few things to note when buying new shoes that could make our work a bit simpler. 
 Two pairs and a shoe horn 
 Even though little ones tend to outgrow their shoes at an astounding rate, it’s worth always buying two pairs at once. That way, your child can alternate which pair they wear, giving the shoe an occasional day’s rest and time to dry at room temperature. (Remember: Never try to dry shoes in the dryer. It will ruin each and every type of shoe). 
 Kids rarely exercise caution when putting on and taking off their shoes, and heels often start to show the impact of this. Enter shoe horns: Not only will the shoe be protected and kept intact, but your little ones will likely enjoy putting their shoes on with a tool. 
 Easy-to-clean leather shoes 
 In our era of abundance, children’s shoes, like adult’s, are now available in every colour, shape and material imaginable. When it comes to maintenance, however, smooth leather shoes still take the cake for easiest to clean (except for wellies perhaps). The smooth finish makes it harder for dirt and moisture to soak into the material. Paired with a good waterproofing spray, these are your best bet for longer-lasting children’s shoes. 
 With the wide range of shoe polish colours available today, you should have no problem making those shoes shine in high gloss. You may be pleasantly surprised by the number of colours featured in our  SHOE CREAM  and  WATERSTOP COLOURS  lines. Don’t see the exact tone you need? No problem. You can simply use the next lightest colour. 
 Wash children’s shoes in the washing machine 
 While children’s fabric shoes aren’t nearly as robust as leather shoes, they are machine washable, which is certainly an advantage. Hang on… can you really just toss shoes in the washing machine? We’ve heard that question before. If you use our  SNEAKER WASH  solution, you can finally be sure that you’re not going down the wrong path. Just make sure there isn’t any leather trim or other sensitive material on the shoe before washing it. 
 That doesn’t mean that mixed-material shoes aren’t suitable for children. They just require a bit more attention, especially when it comes to waterproofing and care. The  CARBON PRO  waterproofing spray is a high-performance treatment that can help make more sensitive materials completely impenetrable to moisture. 
 Always waterproof new shoes 
 You should always waterproof new kid’s shoes before the first wear. Very few brands are truly waterproof when you buy them off the shelf or online. Take note of the application instructions for the waterproofing treatment. It’s important to only use sprays when you’re outdoors or in well-circulated areas, especially if there are children in the house. 
 If you want to clean your shoes with your children (you can never start that habit too soon!) be sure to use mild cleaning and care products. Our organic line uses minimal chemicals and features up to 90% natural ingredients. Kids love taking out laces and putting them back in after cleaning! 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2017-08-23T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Shoe Trees and Shoe Horns: Leather Shoes in Top Shape</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/shoe-trees-and-shoe-horns-leather-shoes-in-top-shape</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/shoe-trees-and-shoe-horns-leather-shoes-in-top-shape"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            There’s little better than a well-cared-for pair of shoes. So what can you do to make certain your favourites don’t end up looking like they’ve been through the wringer?
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                <![CDATA[
                 Your shoes get put through a lot – moisture, extremes in weather, physical strain – each and every wear taxes the materials. If you want your favourites to stay looking impeccable even after multiple wears, you must practise regular care. We aren’t only talking about the use of creams, brushes and polish. Proper care begins with proper shoe storage; in a shoe box or shoe bag, for example. This could well be considered “passive shoe care”, since all you really have to do is avoid a few of the classic mistakes. It doesn’t get much easier than that. 
 Shoe Horns: Care from the Very First Moment 
 He who loves his footwear uses a shoe horn to put on his shoes each and every time. Shoe horns not only aid in putting on the shoe itself, but also help prevent unattractive wrinkles or bulges from forming at the heel. What’s more, shoe horns preserve seams and protect sensitive materials like leather from getting scratched. Whether plastic, metal or wooden, a shoe horn is essential. 
 That Bit of Extra Support: Shoe Trees and Shoe Stretchers 
 So you wandered over hill and dale and your shoes are worse for wear? Not to worry, that’s what shoe trees, also known as shoe stretchers or shoe formers, are for. These supportive inserts ensure frustrating lines and wrinkles don’t settle into the leather. When placed after wear, a plastic or wooden shoe tree will return the shoe to its original shape. Let’s be honest, wrinkles really only look cute when they’re on a pug’s face. When found on shoes, however, wrinkles are unattractive. Moreover, unaddressed creases can eventually lead to tears or fissures in the leather. Not even the best shoemaker around can bring torn shoes back to life. 
 Our feet produce a considerable amount of moisture throughout the day. When you place a shoe tree in your shoe immediately after taking it off, it encourages airflow and prevents the leather from losing its shape while drying out. 
 Choosing the Appropriate Shoe Tree for Your Shoe 
 Is every shoe tree suited to every shoe? Not a chance! You should pay attention to a few parameters when selecting the right one for your shoe. An ill-selected shoe tree can mean both wasted money and permanent damage to your shoes. We recommend using a shoe tree made of unfinished wood for men’s shoes. 
 Cedar wood shoe trees are particularly advantageous as they simultaneously discourage unsavoury aromas from taking hold. One such model is the  EXCELLENCE  men’s screw shoe tree, which can be adjusted to fit the length of your shoe and supports both the toe and heel. The linear structure of the tree prevents the toe from gradually curling upwards, what’s come to be known as the dreaded Aladdin toe. 
 Shoe Trees and Boot Stretchers: Specialists That Pack a Punch 
 Shoe care is just as important when you’re on the road. Before you set out, be sure to pack a set of  BASIC SOFTFORMERS . They are light as a feather, easy to use and most importantly, they prevent creases from forming on your footwear when they’re packed snugly in your suitcase. 
 Are you more of a boot person? Try supporting your favourite pair with a set of  FORMERS  for high-boots after each wear. Not only are they easy to insert, but they’ll also stop the leather from being damaged by bending or creasing. The functional  FORMERS  for low-boots work perfectly to hold the shape of your trendy ankle boots. The real cherry on top is: Both type of FORMERS feature hooks that allow the boots to be hung, saving valuable space on your shoe rack and relieving your boots of some extra pressure. 
 As a rule of thumb, you should always buy a shoe tree sized appropriately to each shoe; otherwise, the shoe could become grossly misshapen. Beware of the so-called unisex shoe tree! Men’s and ladies’ shoes vary vastly in shape, as do the feet that wear them. A shoe requires a shoe tree suited to its individual nature. That’s precisely why Collonil has developed products such as the  CHIC &amp;amp; LIGHTS  with grip foam shoe tree that is specially designed for ladies’ high heels. 
 Give Your Shoes a Break 
 Those of us hard at work need a breather every now and again – the same goes for our shoes. Try not to wear the same pair two days in a row if possible, and allow your shoes 24 hours to recover after each wear. Be kind to your footwear and you will enjoy a long life of days and nights out on the town together. 
   Be sure to use your shoes’ respite days for more active shoe care. You can find more tips, videos and our current promotions and sales in our monthly newsletter.   
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            </content>

                            <updated>2017-05-02T00:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">The ABCs of Shoe Insoles</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/the-abcs-of-shoe-insoles</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/the-abcs-of-shoe-insoles"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Are your feet freezing, sweltering, too narrow or achy? There’s an insole to help with each of those problems. Our insole guide will help you find the perfect inserts for your shoes. 
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                 Our feet are sensitive body parts – and yet we often ignore them. Who really enjoys talking about foot trouble? Seventy-five percent of all people suffer from foot discomfort, however. Regular foot care and wearing high-quality shoe inserts are two ways to prevent and alleviate pain or discomfort. Collonil’s insole collection is designed with your foot wellbeing in mind. You can find a wide range of inserts including summer and winter insoles as well as specially-designed insoles for shoes worn without socks. These small ergonomic helpers don’t only improve your shoes’ wearing comfort, but can also help you stay steady on your feet. 
 Summer and barefoot insoles 
 Warm summer temperatures often cause feet to get a bit sweaty. Odours aren’t the only unpleasant thing, however, warm, moist foot environs are more prone to getting fungal infections. Summer insoles are a good preventative trick since they cool your feet and absorb excess moisture. 
 If you live in slip-ons or sandals in the summertime and rarely wear socks, you might be interested in insoles made of absorbent cotton terry cloth. Fans of sandals, mules and pumps can look for extra thin adhesive insoles that prevent your foot from slipping or sliding around. 
 Winter insoles 
 Winter temperatures are often cause for cold feet – especially for women. Multi-layered insoles with a wool or fleece top layer and insulated inner layer can help keep the temperature inside your shoes or boots nice and warm. Of course, this could also lead to your feet sweating excessively. Thus look for insoles with an activated charcoal layer to absorb any unpleasant odours that may form. 
 More high-tech winter insoles include temperature-regulating technology. These insoles will absorb excess body heat from your feet and radiate it back when your body temperature drops. 
 Versatile, year-round insoles 
 Leather insoles can help improve the climate inside your shoes. They provide a comfortable base layer and absorb excess moisture. An additional activated charcoal layer can help prevent odours from getting out of hand and a latex foam layer will offer your foot a bit more cushion. 
 Orthotic insoles 
 If you spend a lot of time standing at work or at home, you should make sure your feet are getting enough support. Specially-designed orthopaedic insoles take the pressure off your ankles, ligaments and spine and can counteract stress injuries. 
 Air circulation in your shoe is essential 
 Regardless of which insoles you choose, it’s important that your feet are able to breathe in your footwear. That’s why all Collonil products are made of breathable fabrics like leather, 100% wool and cotton, lambskin and coconut fibres. Make sure to remove your insoles from your shoes after wear so they can dry, ideally every time. But remember: don’t place them on radiators or heaters! 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2016-02-29T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Facts about waterproofing</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/facts-about-waterproofing</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/facts-about-waterproofing"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            In this video we demonstrate why waterproofing is important and which features distinguish our Nano-products.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
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                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2012-02-21T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Facts about care</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/facts-about-care</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/facts-about-care"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            In this video we introduce you to the different aspects of shoe care: nutrition, colour and shine. 
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
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                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2012-02-20T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Facts about cleaning</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/facts-about-cleaning</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/facts-about-cleaning"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            In this video we explain to you the dry cleaning with brushes and cloths, as well as the damp cleaning with our care products.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
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                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2012-02-19T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Shoe brush basics</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/shoe-brush-basics</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/shoe-brush-basics"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Here we introduce you to our range of brushes: big and small, hard and soft – for every concern the suitable brush.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
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                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2012-02-18T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Facts about shoe trees</title>
            <id>https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/facts-about-shoe-trees</id>
            <link href="https://www.collonil.com/en/magazine/cleaning-knowledge/facts-about-shoe-trees"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            They are best friends with your shoes: Shoe trees. In this video we explain to you why they should be part of proper shoe care.
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
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                ]]>
            </content>

                            <updated>2012-02-16T00:00:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
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