Hardening the Too-Soft Shoe

When the box of the shoe softens, it is generally time to buy new shoes. If, for financial or availability reasons, this is impossible, the following is a temporary solution. NOTE: This will NOT return your shoes to their original hardness. You can expect only a few added wearings.

Apply commercial liquid floor wax to the tip, pleats, and box of the shoe with a old toothbrush. Apply only to the outside of the shoe, and only where the hardness is desired. Stuff the boxes with newspaper, and fold the ribbons inside the shoes. Place on a baking sheet in a cold oven. Bake at 250 degrees for 3 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the shoes inside overnight. Be sure to tell your family that your shoes are in the oven, so that they won't preheat them for breakfast.