Follow expert advice to keep your shoes looking like new.

In most cases, the heel and sole are the first to wear out. The upper is then followed by the shoe, which is more prone to bending. You’ll need products to fix, mend, or renew these areas. There are plenty of solutions for damage to other parts of the shoe. Once you’ve found your perfect pair, it can be hard to part with them after a long time of wearing them – even when they’re worn out. Luckily, there are some super-easy ways to make your old shoes look brand new again. And with a few tips, you can avoid that fate altogether. Check out these smart products that experts recommend to give your old shoes a makeover from top to toe.

1. The Best Polish According to Experts

“Many people like to polish their own shoes, and there are thriving communities dedicated to sharing knowledge about polish and how to achieve a high-gloss finish,” says Berteau. Berteau recommends trying Famaco’s Deluxe Polish, a special blend of beeswax and resin. Available in five colors (black, brown, dark brown, light brown, and clear), they’re designed to cover scuffs and give shoes a beautiful shine.

2. Shoe Dye

“There are people who are very particular about their shoes and want to recolor their leather,” Berteau says, “and Fiebing’s dye is one of the best dyes for leather and suede. It permanently restores and brightens the leather without cracking, peeling, or staining other items. When it dries, it also leaves the leather soft and supple. It currently has over 2,000 reviews on Amazon (many commenting on how easy it is to use), and it comes in a variety of colors, from black to navy.”

3. Shoe Conditioner With Special Protective Formula

To help protect and even out the color of your shoes, we have Chamberlain’s leather conditioner. Its special formula helps the conditioner absorb quickly and evenly into the leather, while creating a protective layer for your shoes. And it doesn’t have the chemical smell that many other brands do. You can use it on bags and belts, but most reviews say it works especially well on boots and shoes that have been exposed to salt, water, and mud.

4. Glue Everything From Holes to Heels With Shoe Goo

Let’s talk about all-in-one shoe solutions. You can use Shoe Goo to prevent wear and tear, patch holes, glue soles, protect shoes from the elements, and fix broken heels. Shoe Goo is clear and sticks to any surface, and when it dries it forms a flexible, waterproof rubber layer that will significantly improve the condition of your shoes. With over 25,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.5-5 stars, it’s safe to say that customers are raving about this item. One reviewer says, “I was skeptical about this glue at first, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. For just $5.99, I saved $150 on new shoes over the course of a year (and probably more).”

5. Brush Out Stains From Canvas Shoes, Leather Shoes, And Many Other Types Of Shoes

Trinova’s All-In-One Shoe Restoration Kit is a great option and works on just about any material—cotton, leather, and plastic. The spray comes with a soft-bristled wooden brush that gets into the fibers, pulling out dirt and stains. After scrubbing every pair of shoes in the house, one reviewer said, “Now I totally understand why people love talking about this product all year round.”

6. High Heel Insoles.

When you wear high heels, most of your weight is on the ball of your foot, so the cushioning on the shoe will quickly collapse after a few wears. Step 1 Toe Beds can help support the insole while creating a soft gel cushion for your feet. They are designed to be transparent, divided into toe zones, easy to stick to any material, and you can trim off the excess.

7. Secure Shoes With Moleskin Patches

Jaybird & Mais moleskin is a must-have tool for keeping shoes in place. The patches stick to any patch you need, including holes, torn insoles, and damaged canvas shoes. They don’t melt, and the fabric itself is soft, thick, durable, and easy to cut into any shape you want. “I was using moleskin to add padding around the heel and toe area. My shoes were rubbing against my feet, but after using moleskin, that problem was solved,” one customer said. Customers have also used it to quickly repair bras, wrap legs, and more.

8. Attach the Heel Cover

When it comes to protecting your high heels, GoGoHeel heel protectors are a great choice. They are made from flexible rubber, which puts an end to loud squeaking on the sidewalk. Plus, they are easy to use: Snap them under your heels and you’re ready to hit the streets. Available in two colors and seven different sizes measured in millimeters, so you can get the right size for your shoes.

9. Insoles for Boots and Shoes

This shoe repair solution is designed to extend the life of your boots and shoes with an anti-slip pad and to help flatten your heels after a few too many wears. The set includes 10 pads with bonus studs: Most reviews say that you can easily nail them into your shoes and that you may need to add a little glue to make sure they stick better. However, they work well on almost any type of shoe or boot, except cowboy boots.

10. Use Support Pads

If your favorite sneakers aren’t as comfortable as they used to be, check out the Superfeet premium support insoles. They’re designed for maximum comfort, made from high-density foam that absorbs shock and cushions your feet, and they have an antibacterial fabric lining. They may not be the cheapest insoles out there, but thousands swear by them. “There’s nothing but amazing about these insoles,” says one reviewer. “My feet were always in pain and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I went to the doctor twice and had X-rays. He said it might be related to the arch support. Then I bought a pair of Superfeet insoles at REI. The pain went away and my feet are now completely healed. I bought a few more pairs to put in my different shoes, including tennis shoes, hiking shoes, dress shoes, and work boots. And voila.” They come in eight different sizes.

11. Custom Canvas Shoes With Oil Pen

For those who love to draw on canvas shoes, Sharpie Rub markers are a great choice. The ink doesn’t bleed, bleed, or flake in the wash, which is great for canvas shoes that are exposed to water from time to time. One customer commented: “I’m not usually a fan of markers, but Sharpie has given me a whole new perspective.”

12. Keep Your Shoes Fresh

Once you’ve got your shoes looking like new, the next thing you’ll want to do is give them a nice scent. These little natural air fresheners from Purggo don’t contain any chemicals or gels. Instead, they’re made from 100% natural bamboo charcoal, which absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors. Stick them in your shoes overnight (yes, that includes gym shoes too) and you’ll have fresh-smelling shoes in the morning.