15th Dec 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Shoe Care
Facilities such as country clubs, fitness centers, locker rooms, and pro shops rely heavily on high-quality footwear for both staff and members, from dress shoes worn in clubhouse areas to rental cleats, sneakers, and athletic shoes used throughout the property. Proper shoe care isn’t just about appearance. It protects your investment, extends the life of footwear, improves member experience, and reduces ongoing replacement costs.
With the right shoe care tools, from replacement laces and polish to shoe horns and moisture-managing shoe trees, your maintenance routine becomes proactive rather than reactive. This guide breaks down why shoe care matters and highlights essential tools your facility should stock, along with product examples from Fore Supply.
Why Shoe Care Matters for Facilities
High-use environments like locker rooms, rental equipment rooms, and pro shops expose footwear to constant wear and tear. Without proper care, shoes deteriorate quickly -leading to premature replacements, a diminished brand image, and unhappy members.
Stocking the right shoe care tools helps minimize replacements, maintain a polished and consistent appearance, and streamline overall operations.
Top Shoe Care Tools Every Facility Should Stock
Below are the essential categories of shoe care tools:
1. Shoe Laces & Replacement Accessories
Replacing worn or frayed laces improves the look of footwear immediately and prevents issues like uneven fit, snagging, or damaged eyelets. Maintain a bulk inventory of common lengths and colors to avoid mid-season shortages.
Top Choices:
- FootJoy Waxed Laces – Bulk pack of 12 pairs, durable wax finish, premium appearance.
- Round Braided Laces – Strong, budget-friendly, great for athletic footwear.
- Flat Braided Laces – Ideal for sneakers and trainers; designed for high-traffic use.
2. Shoe Horns & Shoe Trees
Shoe horns prevent heel crushing, a common cause of premature footwear damage. Shoe trees maintain structure, reduce creasing, and help manage moisture, especially important in humid locker room environments.
Place shoe horns in locker rooms and entryways. Use shoe trees for rental or facility-owned footwear to extend longevity.
Top Choices:
- 7" Plastic Shoe Horn – Sold by the dozen, durable, available in assorted colors.
- Woodlore Adjustable Men’s Shoe Tree – Helps shoes maintain shape and absorb moisture, fits most men's sizes.
3. Polishes, Creams & Cleaning Kits
Leather footwear exposed to frequent use, sweat, and moisture can dry out or crack without regular polishing and conditioning. These products keep shoes looking new and protected. Create a weekly “shoe care station” equipped with brushes, cloths, and polishes so staff or members can easily refresh footwear.
Top Choices:
- Club Classic Shoe Paste – Provides an extra-high gloss shine, excellent coverage, and water resistance.
- Kelly’s Shoe Cream – Rich in natural waxes; conditions, recolors, and polishes smooth leather; available in multiple colors.
4. Repair & Maintenance Tools
Product Examples:
Not every damaged shoe needs to be replaced. Minor repairs handled onsite save time and reduce unnecessary replacement costs. Stock a simple repair kit in your equipment room or pro shop and train select staff members in basic shoe repair techniques.
Top Choices:
- Barge All-Purpose Cement (2 oz, Clear) – Ideal for repairing loosened soles and small splits.
- Shoe Goo Repair Adhesive – Flexible, strong, and effective for quick in-house fixes.
How to Build a Shoe Care Routine for Your Facility
- Inventory Your Footwear – Identify all shoes in your facility (dress, rental, athletic, etc.).
- Determine Use Levels – Assign care intervals for high-use items (e.g., polish weekly, deep clean monthly).
- Set Up a Dedicated Shoe Care Station – Include laces, horns, trees, polish, and repair tools in one central spot.
- Train Staff and Educate Members – Encourage use of shoe horns, regular polishing, and proper lace replacement.
- Track Improvements and Savings – Monitor fewer replacements, fewer complaints, and better overall presentation.
Why Fore Supply Is Your Go-To for Shoe Care Tools
Fore Supply’s Shoe Room category offers a wide range of high-quality, facility-ready shoe care tools—from bulk laces and shoe horns to polish and repair adhesives. Their products are built for high-traffic, professional environments, and bulk-friendly packaging makes replenishment simple and cost-effective.
Browse our full shoe care collection at Fore Supply, stock up on essentials, and keep your facility looking polished from the ground up.