Shoes in lighter neutrals like “nude”, or tan, or gray, or other colors to contrast with my dark neutrals, are a goal this year.

Before I read the post on the blue dye plastic bag rubbing off on Stuart, I had my own experience of wearing new SW beige and black shoes and finding some tiny dark lines on the sides after one day of wear. So far not coming off with cleaner, so may be a small scratch in the leather. Not sure if incurred while using gas & brake pedals.

I also sprang for the sale price on tan patent AGL flats and so I have been watching them carefully—okay so far.

I’ve put some older slip-on shoes in my car for driving, and finding out more about leather protection.

But, it gives me pause. Light-colored shoes ARE likely to be more subject to showing wear and tear. Will they turn out to give out before giving good service? How careful do I need to be? These aren’t for casual wear, but do need to function for work days with hours of use. And it’s no secret that since they were a step up in cost, that it would be more painful for them to get ruined. Will it turn out that my nude shoe discovery is just too impractical ? Have I traded up in style but added angst over my items instead of being able to enjoy them?

Any advice from experienced YLF’ers on this subject? Shoe finish protection, lessons learned?