How long do Goodyear-welted shoes last?
One of the very important benefits of Goodyear-welted shoes is that they can last many years, even decades, with proper care.
This construction method allows you to enjoy your pair of shoes for much longer and provides more value than other construction methods that aren't as durable.
The exact lifespan of a Goodyear-welted shoe can vary based on factors such as usage, climate, and maintenance.
On average, heavily worn but well-maintained Goodyear-welted shoes can last between 5-10 years.
A pair that is rotated out among a collection of shoes should last between 10 to 20 years.
Here at Norman Vilalta, we have customers who have walked into our men's shoe boutique in Barcelona wearing a pair of Goodyear-welted shoes that they've had for 30 years.
To help ensure that your Goodyear-welted shoes last a long time, we recommended the following maintenance tips:
- Use shoe trees from the specific brand to maintain the shape of your shoes and minimize micro-wrinkles
- Rotate shoes regularly to evenly distribute wear
- Clean and polish leather regularly
- Condition the leather to keep it hydrated using shoe creams
- Have the soles and heels replaced as needed by a good local cobbler
- Store shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
While Goodyear-welted shoes can cost slightly more than traditional Blake construction shoes, with the maintenance tips above, they should also last significantly longer, providing more value than the average dress shoe.
Interested in learning more about our Goodyear-welted and meticulously hand-finished shoes? Read more about the benefits of Goodyear-welted shoes
Want a pair of Goodyear-welted shoes of your own? Find your pair of Goodyear-welted and hand-finished shoes from our Condal Collection today.
